Decky Loader is one of the most popular SteamOS customization tools, giving you access to extra plugins, interface tweaks, and useful quality of life features. Decky Loader can be a great add-on for users who want more control over their Steam Machine experience.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to make sure you already have a sudo password set on your Steam Machine, since some install steps may ask for it. If you have not done that yet, follow our guide here first: How to Create a Sudo Password on Steam Machine.
What Is Decky Loader?
Decky Loader is a plugin launcher that adds extra functionality to SteamOS. Depending on which plugins you install, you can customize the interface, add visual tweaks, show compatibility tools, manage artwork, and unlock other enthusiast features.
Why Install Decky Loader on Steam Machine?
- Add useful SteamOS plugins
- Customize the look and feel of the interface
- Access quality-of-life tools beyond the default Steam experience
- Expand what your Steam Machine can do in Gaming Mode
How To Install Decky Loader
- Make sure your Steam Machine is updated
- Make sure you can switch into Desktop Mode
- Have a keyboard and mouse ready if possible
- Set your sudo password first using this Steam Machine sudo password guide
Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode
First, switch your Steam Machine from Gaming Mode into Desktop Mode.
- Open the power menu
- Select Desktop Mode
- Wait for the Linux desktop to load
Step 2: Open a Web Browser
Once you are in Desktop Mode, open your web browser and go to the official Decky Loader GitHub page:
https://github.com/SteamDeckHomebrew/decky-loader
You can also use the Decky website if you prefer:
The official project pages are the best places to get the installer.
Step 3: Download the Decky Loader Installer
On the official Decky Loader page, click the download button to download the installer for the current release.
Step 4: Run the Installer
After the installer finishes downloading:
- Locate the Decky Loader installer you downloaded.
- Double-click it to run it
If SteamOS asks for permission to open or execute the installer, allow it and continue.
Some users prefer dragging the installer to the desktop first before opening it, just to make it easier to find and launch.
Step 5: Enter Your Sudo Password If Prompted
During installation, Decky Loader may ask for your sudo password. This is why it helps to create one before starting. If you have not already set it up, use our guide.
When typing your password in Terminal or a prompt window, remember that Linux usually does not show letters or dots while you type. That is normal. Just type carefully and press Enter.
Step 6: Choose the Recommended Install Option
The installer may ask you to choose between release channels such as stable or prerelease, depending on the current version offered by Decky Loader.
I prefer the pre-release version as it’s more up to date with the amount SteamOS updates that release on the daily.
Step 7: Let the Installation Finish
Once the installer completes, Decky Loader should be added to the SteamOS interface. After that, restart Steam or reboot the system if needed.
Step 8: Return to Gaming Mode
After installation:
- In Gaming Mode, open the SteamOS Quick Access Menu
- Look for the Decky Loader plugin tab near the bottom, it’s a plug icon.
How to Install Plugins in Decky Loader
Once Decky Loader is installed, you can open it from the Quick Access Menu and browse available plugins.
- Open the Quick Access Menu
- Select the Decky Loader icon
- Open the plugin store
- Choose the plugins you want to install
How to Update Plugins in Decky Loader
- Open the Quick Access Menu
- Select the Decky Loader icon
- At the top right, click the gear icon.
- Go to the plugins tab and see if there any updates to install.
Known Issues
When Valve releases a major SteamOS update, it can usually break Decky Loader so keep an eye on the latest pre-release updates for fast fixes.
The Best Decky Loader Plugins
I put together a list of my favorite Decky Loader Plugins for the Steam Machine.
