Fix: Steam Deck Desktop Mode Not Working

With a starting price of $399, Valve’s Steam Deck is arguably one of the best handheld consoles ever produced. Despite not being perfect, it is far superior to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita in terms of technology. It is almost magical that such a small machine can run Steam games. But, at the same time, it has many flaws that will bother you occasionally.

Recently, many users started reporting that they are facing an unknown error due to which the Steam Deck desktop mode is not working. However, although it is still unclear why this issue occurs, we have some fixes. So, if you face this issue, make sure to perform the fixes mentioned below and resolve the Steam Deck desktop mode not working.

How To Fix Steam Deck Desktop Mode Not Working

Steam Deck is a game-changing device in this gaming universe, but these kinds of issues cannot be ignored. Therefore, in case you are facing the Steam Deck desktop mode not working issue, which most probably occurs due to an internet issue, then make sure to check out the fixes mentioned below. 

Fix 1: Force Reboot Steam Deck

The Steam Deck desktop mode not working or disconnecting issue can be resolved by force restarting the console.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. The first step is to press and hold the Power button for 12 seconds.
2. After you have turned off the console, press the power button again.
3. It is now possible to connect to the internet through Steam Deck, which will allow your games to download more quickly.
4. You need to ensure that no other software is running on the console after it has been restarted.
5. You can move on to the next solution if the Steam Deck desktop mode continues to not work or disconnects.

Fix 2: Update Your Firmware

Due to a drop in device speed, it is possible that an outdated Steam Deck software is causing Steam Deck desktop mode not working issues.

We recommend updating the firmware of your device in order to make Steam Deck work faster.

These steps will guide you through updating your router’s firmware:

1. Initially, press the Steam button. 
2. Then, go to Settings.
3. Now, select the System tab.
4. Then, hit the Check For Updates button. 
5. Once done, hit the Restart button to make your desktop mode work again. 

Steam Deck desktop mode no longer stops or disconnects after you change your device OS channel, and once the software issue gets resolved, you will find that the desktop mode again starts working properly. 

Fix 3: Change Channel on Your Router

There have been reports from Steam Deck desktop users that the router channel needs to be changed when the device is having issues working or disconnecting.

It is possible to improve your wireless performance by following this procedure if wireless devices and routers compete for the same frequency bandwidth.

The following guidelines will guide you through changing the channel on your router:

1. Go to the router page in your web browser.
2. You can change your router’s channel by selecting the appropriate wireless band (3GHz or 5GHz).
3. Select your preferred frequency from the Wireless Settings menu.
4. In the Channel option, you will see a drop-down menu.
5. To create a new channel, select Save.
6. Try again to see if the Steam Deck WiFi doesn’t work or if the disconnecting issue has been resolved.

You can also try the other channels or choose the default if you are still having problems with desktop mode not working or disconnecting.

Fix 4: Contact Steam Deck

When Steam Deck’s desktop mode is not working, or the disconnect issue doesn’t get resolved even after performing the above fixes and forcing a reboot, contact Steam Deck and ask them to repair the console.

So, that’s how to fix if Steam Deck desktop mode is not working. Alternatively, you can open System Monitor, find the Steam app, right-click and select Send Signal > Kill. You will then be able to use Steam’s desktop mode again once you relaunch it.