How To Get Discord On Steam Deck Installation And Setup Instructions
The Steam Deck has revolutionized handheld gaming by bringing vast PC libraries into a portable form factor, yet many players still miss the social features of their desktop environments. Staying in touch with friends while exploring virtual worlds is essential for modern gamers, which is why setting up dedicated communication software is a top priority. Fortunately, Valve's Linux-based operating system allows you to easily run third-party applications in the background while you play your favorite games.
Switching to Desktop Mode on Steam Deck
Before installing any external applications, you must transition your device out of the default gaming interface. Press the physical Steam button on your left-hand side to bring up the primary navigation overlay menu. From there, scroll down to the power options and select the option to switch to desktop mode.
Your device will briefly go dark before loading a standard Linux desktop environment powered by KDE Plasma. To make navigation easier during this process, you can connect a physical mouse and keyboard or utilize the right trackpad to control the cursor. The system functions just like a normal computer in this state, allowing you to access files and download new software tools.
Installing the Application via Discover Store
Once you are on the desktop, look for the blue shopping bag icon located on the bottom taskbar, which represents the Discover Software Center. Open this built-in application store and navigate to the search bar located in the top-left corner of the window. Type the name of the chat application into the field and wait for the official package to appear in the results repository.
Click the install button next to the application listing to begin the automated download and installation process. The system will safely handle the setup files without requiring any complex terminal commands or administrator passwords. Once the installation process reaches completion, you can launch the software directly from the application menu to sign into your personal profile.
Adding the Program to Gaming Mode
To use your new communication tool smoothly while running intensive video games, you need to make it accessible within the standard handheld interface. Open the desktop shortcut for Steam and click on the games option located along the top menu bar. From the dropdown selection, choose the option to add a non-Steam game to your personal library collection.
A checklist window will appear showing all the software currently installed on your local Linux system storage. Scroll through this comprehensive list until you find the freshly installed chat application, check the box next to it, and click add selected programs. This action ensures the software will show up alongside your standard titles when you return to the regular handheld gaming mode.
Configuring Background Audio and Controls
Return to the standard gaming interface by clicking the return to gaming mode shortcut located directly on your desktop screen. Navigate to your library, locate the newly added software under the non-Steam tab, and open the application to configure your sound preferences. You can sign in using your standard mobile credentials or by scanning the quick response code displayed on the startup screen.
To achieve the best multitasking experience, you should adjust the controller layouts so you can easily mute your microphone mid-game. You can use the physical Steam button during active gameplay sessions to seamlessly swap between your live game and your active voice channels. This setup allows you to enjoy crystal-clear voice communication with your community without sacrificing the overall performance of your portable gaming hardware.