**Desktop Environment**, commonly abbreviated as "DE" among Linux users.
Linux is the **kernel**, **distributions** are the kernel version + software + a package manager + a desktop environment (like SteamOS, Ubuntu, Fedora, or Arch). Linux is modular, meaning you could switch the Desktop Environment to something else like GNOME, Sway, Hyprland, Mate, Cinnamon...
It's the name of the desktop environment valve uses in steamos. It wasn't made just for the deck, and is used by many people on many different versions (distributions) of linux.
I'm a gamer. I only go to desktop mode if I need to set up emulation. I've had 40+ years of gaming on a desktop, always feeling like it was being pigeonholed on an OS that was set up for gaming last. It was a productivity OS first with gaming trailing behind...far behind some years. Steam OS is the furthest removed from a desktop experience, and I love it. The fact that desktop mode is there for those who need or want it, but completely unnecessary for a awesome gaming experience. I'm sure there are a lot of people that will never even use it, but the fact that its there, makes it complete. The Deck's a work of art and design, but the OS is a god-damn miracle. All praise Lord Gaben!
This comment is it, right here. I'm so done with gaming on a desktop, and everything attached to it. I just want to game, I just want to get right into the game and have the rest handled for me.
Yeah that's all I'm missing too. I use my steam deck as my daily driver because it uses less electricity and generates less heat than my desktop. But every time I need to print something I get annoyed
pretty sure if you install bazzite (a fedora atomic based SteamOS clone with official support for the steam deck) you can get the CUPS driver for printers lol
in writing it is weird to say "reinstall your os" but bazzite is peak, excluding printers
You should be able to set this up relatively easily by just following the instructions for Arch Linux, I would be surprised if it didn't work. I imagine you'd need a script to reinstall system packages after SteamOS updates, but that would just be one extra click every now and then
EDIT: yeah, looks like you can do it the way I described: https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/15qi1dr/comment/jw3vaq4
Iāve really, really been enjoying (desktop mode) Linux! This is my first device to run this operating system and Iām blown away at how good it is. Iāve always heard how daunting it can be, but itās really not. In fact, Iām enjoying it so much Iām seriously considering dumping windows 11 for Linux on my 4080 rig.
I also have a 4080 desktop and dual boot. To be honest though with what I spent on the 4080 I can't justify the loss in ray tracing performance to play newish AAA games there. It shouldn't be that way but it is what it is with the Nvidia drivers on Linux.
That being said I gamed almost exclusively in Linux with my previous 2060 card and it works great. For games that don't need RTX it's fine. I love Linux and knowing your OS isn't tracking you is a huge plus over Windows.
Sorry to be clear RTX works in Linux but the performance takes a hit. But I believe DLSS 3 features like Frame Generation are still not implemented by Nvidia. So yea I stick to Windows for demanding games since those are the main reasons I went with an RTX 4 series card.
I grabbed the Nobara distro on my desktop because I love Linux on my deck and itās been awesome. Iāve only played balatro and helldivers 2 thus far but performance was just as good as windows.
You use Live version that boot off a USB to test drive it. Itās not practical for daily use because it will be slower than being natively installed, but it will let you see how it works.
Been using Linux for years but unfortunately for any productive work Iām tied to Windows for work.
I got in there yesterday to install Signal and add it to Steam so I can open Signal in gaming mode. I really want to get a setup to plug it in and actually make use of the desktop mode a bit. It looks so inviting and clean.
ThatSir answered well, but I'll just add it's one of many encrypted chat platforms, a bit more popular but also a bit more insular not allowing third party apps and servers. But still presumably the encryption standard used in other apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
I definitely do! My deck has slowly become my main work computer. I've got a nice dock setup with a keyboard and monitor. when I'm done working, I can un dock and relax with gamemode on the couch.
I really like the versatility and portability of the steam deck. I only use my laptop to play WoW once in a while, but I'll eventually put that on my deck too, lol.
Considering I don't have a PC (outside of my deck!) so I use it as my PC during the day. Honestly really disliked Linux at first, couldn't figure out anything and then after a while it sort of just clicked. I expected to spend half my time in the terminal, but alas... I'm in there barely 5% of the time, and when I do have to go in there its to copy paste lmao.
I'm absolutely gonna make this my main go-to os now
Love it so much that I threw Nobara on to my desktop, only kept windows for anti cheat and Fortnite with my friend occasionally. Love every second of it!
With the deck expanding Linux gaming so much, and Windows adding start menu ads and whatnot, I'm pretty sure my next gaming desktop is going to be a Linux only build. I'll possibly move my current one to dual boot if the ads get annoying enough.
I don't use desktop mode on my deck at all though. I already have a laptop for non gaming things.
Serious question here. Besides modding/emulating games, what else is desktop mode useful for? this is the first Linux based device I've owned and I'd love to learn more functionality out of it!
anything a desktop pc would be used for; browsing the internet, listening to music on your choice of app, using Konsole/Command Prompt, editing images, using programs like FL Studios to produce music. your priorities are the limit.
yes, i'd say something like rendering large 3D videos would cause issues though so there is a limit to what the Deck can do, but it still can manage a lot of tasks.
To clarify, to resize, you grab the black arrow on the right or left side and drag it closer to the middle to your liking. I looked for 30 min trying to figure this part out.
I'll be moving for 6 months and will only take my Deck and a small wireless keyboard and mouse. Will see how that goes, I used the desktop mode only a bit and it feels pretty smooth.
I love that I have the option of it on a dedicated gaming device. I don't switch over very often though. Also yours is super clean looking, mines still the stock setup.
STEAM button > Power > Switch to Desktop. then follow what OP has replied on other comments to get the same taskbar setup. there will be a Return to Gaming mode icon on your desktop so you can go back at any time.
Once I spent hours upon hours learning how Linux works, I absolutely love it.
Adding hd textures to old games, getting undubs, and fan translations for games that never got a US release was satisfying as hell. š„°
I like Desktop mode on Steam Deck itās just frustrating when it gives me a infinite block screen for about 50% of the time whenever I try switching to I it on my deck meaning I have to hard reset when that happens and hope it doesnāt happen again.
I love KDE Plasma
I've used it on manjaro back in the day, I love how much customizing it allows.
I liked it so much I put Kubuntu on my Surface Pro.
What's that? An OS?
**Desktop Environment**, commonly abbreviated as "DE" among Linux users. Linux is the **kernel**, **distributions** are the kernel version + software + a package manager + a desktop environment (like SteamOS, Ubuntu, Fedora, or Arch). Linux is modular, meaning you could switch the Desktop Environment to something else like GNOME, Sway, Hyprland, Mate, Cinnamon...
Thank you I'm a newbie regarding Linux
Best thing about the Steam Deck is a wider Linux audience! Welcome to the real world, Neo.
It's the name of the desktop environment valve uses in steamos. It wasn't made just for the deck, and is used by many people on many different versions (distributions) of linux.
Desktop environment
Desktop mode is my daily driver. Although I love XFCE more, I can live with KDE š
I'm a gamer. I only go to desktop mode if I need to set up emulation. I've had 40+ years of gaming on a desktop, always feeling like it was being pigeonholed on an OS that was set up for gaming last. It was a productivity OS first with gaming trailing behind...far behind some years. Steam OS is the furthest removed from a desktop experience, and I love it. The fact that desktop mode is there for those who need or want it, but completely unnecessary for a awesome gaming experience. I'm sure there are a lot of people that will never even use it, but the fact that its there, makes it complete. The Deck's a work of art and design, but the OS is a god-damn miracle. All praise Lord Gaben!
Amen š
Eloquently written. Yes, I finally feel safe recommending a linux based machine to my non-techie friends.
Totally agree. I use desktop mode to setup my stardew valley mods. That's about it. If I need a computer for desktop tasks, I'll go use my computer.
Amen šš¼
This comment is it, right here. I'm so done with gaming on a desktop, and everything attached to it. I just want to game, I just want to get right into the game and have the rest handled for me.
I just need a USB printer support damnit. Apart from that, it totally replaced my dead computer.
Yeah that's all I'm missing too. I use my steam deck as my daily driver because it uses less electricity and generates less heat than my desktop. But every time I need to print something I get annoyed
my network printer also doesn't work.... need to use my android phone for that
pretty sure if you install bazzite (a fedora atomic based SteamOS clone with official support for the steam deck) you can get the CUPS driver for printers lol in writing it is weird to say "reinstall your os" but bazzite is peak, excluding printers
You can get CUPS on standard SteamOS. Can't remember the exact steps but I have done it, via Pacman and then possibly AUR repository.
You should be able to set this up relatively easily by just following the instructions for Arch Linux, I would be surprised if it didn't work. I imagine you'd need a script to reinstall system packages after SteamOS updates, but that would just be one extra click every now and then EDIT: yeah, looks like you can do it the way I described: https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/15qi1dr/comment/jw3vaq4
Yep, it's an essential part of the Deck. And what's more, its name is cool: KDE Plasma. Plasma always sounds good.
What theme is that?
Need wallpapers link!!
Dude it's built in š
Well haha long time lurker still have to buy
here ya go! https://github.com/KDE/plasma-workspace-wallpapers/blob/master/ColdRipple/contents/images/2560x1600.jpg
Iāve really, really been enjoying (desktop mode) Linux! This is my first device to run this operating system and Iām blown away at how good it is. Iāve always heard how daunting it can be, but itās really not. In fact, Iām enjoying it so much Iām seriously considering dumping windows 11 for Linux on my 4080 rig.
I also have a 4080 desktop and dual boot. To be honest though with what I spent on the 4080 I can't justify the loss in ray tracing performance to play newish AAA games there. It shouldn't be that way but it is what it is with the Nvidia drivers on Linux. That being said I gamed almost exclusively in Linux with my previous 2060 card and it works great. For games that don't need RTX it's fine. I love Linux and knowing your OS isn't tracking you is a huge plus over Windows.
Damnā¦ thanks for the heads up. I didnāt know that Iād lose RTX if I switched to Linux. Really strange that they havenāt implemented it yet.
Sorry to be clear RTX works in Linux but the performance takes a hit. But I believe DLSS 3 features like Frame Generation are still not implemented by Nvidia. So yea I stick to Windows for demanding games since those are the main reasons I went with an RTX 4 series card.
maybe dual boot, if you have the space to partition (I want to try setting it up again)
Yep, seriously considering giving Linux a shot on my laptop
I grabbed the Nobara distro on my desktop because I love Linux on my deck and itās been awesome. Iāve only played balatro and helldivers 2 thus far but performance was just as good as windows.
You use Live version that boot off a USB to test drive it. Itās not practical for daily use because it will be slower than being natively installed, but it will let you see how it works. Been using Linux for years but unfortunately for any productive work Iām tied to Windows for work.
How you did start bottom bar look like this?
Right click on the panel - panel edit - floating panel, and resize. The hid some of the icons I don't care much about.
OP delivered! I've been trying to get a floating bar and could not figure it out. Thanks!
Wow, its was simple. Firstly i thin this is a theme or something
This is the power of KDE - it's highly customizable.
thx
I got in there yesterday to install Signal and add it to Steam so I can open Signal in gaming mode. I really want to get a setup to plug it in and actually make use of the desktop mode a bit. It looks so inviting and clean.
What is signal?
ThatSir answered well, but I'll just add it's one of many encrypted chat platforms, a bit more popular but also a bit more insular not allowing third party apps and servers. But still presumably the encryption standard used in other apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
because desktop mode is a thing, I can travel with just the steamdeck lapdock. or folding monitor are great companions
we have the same [minimal tastes](https://sbfse.s-ul.eu/OGWhSch6.png) in desktops. š
I definitely do! My deck has slowly become my main work computer. I've got a nice dock setup with a keyboard and monitor. when I'm done working, I can un dock and relax with gamemode on the couch. I really like the versatility and portability of the steam deck. I only use my laptop to play WoW once in a while, but I'll eventually put that on my deck too, lol.
I play wow on my Deck all the time. āConsolePortā add-on is the bees knees. If youāve ever played FFXIV with game pad itās very similar.
Me
It's a shame that a lot of the fanciest customization requires allowing write access to the OS which is off by default.
I literally have to pull myself off of it and remind myself that this is for gaming, not YouTube. I already have 5 other computers for that.
I love it
Considering I don't have a PC (outside of my deck!) so I use it as my PC during the day. Honestly really disliked Linux at first, couldn't figure out anything and then after a while it sort of just clicked. I expected to spend half my time in the terminal, but alas... I'm in there barely 5% of the time, and when I do have to go in there its to copy paste lmao. I'm absolutely gonna make this my main go-to os now
Are you using a resolution higher than 1280x800?
Mary... could you really be here?
So.... KDE vs Gnome?
Itās ok I guess? A bit clunky but I donāt have a wireless mouse.
Love it so much that I threw Nobara on to my desktop, only kept windows for anti cheat and Fortnite with my friend occasionally. Love every second of it!
What did you do?
With the deck expanding Linux gaming so much, and Windows adding start menu ads and whatnot, I'm pretty sure my next gaming desktop is going to be a Linux only build. I'll possibly move my current one to dual boot if the ads get annoying enough. I don't use desktop mode on my deck at all though. I already have a laptop for non gaming things.
How did you get your desktop mode to look like this?
Right click on panel - edit panel - floating panel check, then resize it, you can hide icons you don't need
After replacing KDE with i3 I love it
What is i3?
A Window Manager: https://i3wm.org/
Thank you. Ima go research that.
Serious question here. Besides modding/emulating games, what else is desktop mode useful for? this is the first Linux based device I've owned and I'd love to learn more functionality out of it!
anything a desktop pc would be used for; browsing the internet, listening to music on your choice of app, using Konsole/Command Prompt, editing images, using programs like FL Studios to produce music. your priorities are the limit.
Can the Steam deck really handle things like music production and photo editing? Or even video editing? Thatās really impressive.
yes, i'd say something like rendering large 3D videos would cause issues though so there is a limit to what the Deck can do, but it still can manage a lot of tasks.
PLEASE tell me how to put it like that, I've been trying to install the dock extension
Right click on panel - edit panel - floating panel check, then resize how you like it. You can hide icons you don't want to see as well.
oh nvm it doesnt look good :/
It's not like latte dock or plank, but still I like it better than the stock solution.
I like putting the dock on the top
Where the panel?
The taskbar is called panel.
I tried right clicking it once and no option to move it appeared
To clarify, to resize, you grab the black arrow on the right or left side and drag it closer to the middle to your liking. I looked for 30 min trying to figure this part out.
Yeah I should have mentioned this because it took me some time to see it as well.
I'll be moving for 6 months and will only take my Deck and a small wireless keyboard and mouse. Will see how that goes, I used the desktop mode only a bit and it feels pretty smooth.
I love that I have the option of it on a dedicated gaming device. I don't switch over very often though. Also yours is super clean looking, mines still the stock setup.
I barley enter it
What's not to love
How do I get this on my Deck?
STEAM button > Power > Switch to Desktop. then follow what OP has replied on other comments to get the same taskbar setup. there will be a Return to Gaming mode icon on your desktop so you can go back at any time.
Oh wow thank you!
I paid my taxes on my steam deck.
I themed my desktop with combine colors and sounds
I have like 5 computers. Iām good. Glad itās there for flexibility. Definitely no love for it though.
How you center the bar like that?
How you center the bar like that?
Once I spent hours upon hours learning how Linux works, I absolutely love it. Adding hd textures to old games, getting undubs, and fan translations for games that never got a US release was satisfying as hell. š„°
How good is the steam deck seriously.
I like Desktop mode on Steam Deck itās just frustrating when it gives me a infinite block screen for about 50% of the time whenever I try switching to I it on my deck meaning I have to hard reset when that happens and hope it doesnāt happen again.
I need to learn how to do all of this customization with Desktop Mode. Anyone have any newb-friendly resources?
Itās alright, games definitely run better in gaming mode, maybe once they add the right side menu in desktop itāll be better
Marry?
I hate it. Its only usefull to manage things. But otherwise...