Recommended Free Tools
To install most desktop apps on a Steam Deck, switch to Desktop Mode, open Discover Software Center from the taskbar, find the app and select Install. Discover installs apps as Flatpaks to writable storage. You can then add an app to Steam as a non-Steam entry if you want a shortcut to it in Gaming Mode.
Install an app through Discover
- In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button and select Power → Switch to Desktop.
- In Desktop Mode, open Discover Software Center from the taskbar.
- Search for the app, open its listing and select Install. Controls can vary between listings and SteamOS interface versions.
- Open the installed app from Desktop Mode. To return to the usual Steam interface, select the desktop’s Return to Gaming Mode shortcut.
Valve documents Discover as the graphical app-installation route for Desktop Mode. It uses Flatpak and installs apps onto the writable portion of the drive. See Valve’s Steam Deck and Steam Machine Desktop: FAQ.
Can I install apps another way?
Yes. Valve says users comfortable with Linux command-line tools can install apps directly with Flatpak commands. For most people, Discover is simpler: it provides a graphical way to find and install apps without entering commands.
Valve warns that software installed outside Flatpak—for example, with pacman—may be removed by a SteamOS update. It also advises against running unknown commands or scripts, disabling system protections, or editing the read-only system image unless you understand the consequences. Use an app’s documented Flatpak route where available, and consider how you will maintain it before choosing another installation method.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch 1 (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2), smartphones, and tablets
- Boost your gaming experience with up to 160MB/s read for fast load times
- A2-rated app performance lets you quickly access and enjoy games and apps without lag for an enhanced gaming experience and a competitive edge
- Store more of your favorite games and other content with capacities up to 2TB
- Built to endure with temperature resistance, waterproofing, x-ray protection, and more
Will any app work on Steam Deck?
No. Steam Deck Desktop Mode runs SteamOS, and Valve advises checking that non-Steam applications support the Arch Linux distribution. An arbitrary Linux or Windows installer is not guaranteed to work; Valve’s cited guidance does not provide a complete compatibility list for third-party desktop apps.
Do I need a keyboard and mouse?
No, not for the basic Discover workflow. The Deck’s trackpad can move the pointer, its triggers can click, and Steam + X opens the on-screen keyboard while Steam is running. Valve notes that some tasks may still call for a connected physical keyboard and mouse. A USB-C keyboard can make extended typing or command-line work more convenient, but it is optional for installing apps in Discover. See Valve’s Steam Deck – Basic Use & Troubleshooting Guide.
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch 1 (NOT compatible with Nintendo-Switch 2), smartphones, and tablets
- Boost your gaming experience with up to 160MB/s read for fast load times
- A2-rated app performance lets you quickly access and enjoy games and apps without lag for an enhanced gaming experience and a competitive edge
- Store more of your favorite games and other content with capacities up to 2TB
- Built to endure with temperature resistance, waterproofing, x-ray protection, and more
Add a desktop app to Gaming Mode
- In Desktop Mode, open the Steam client.
- Select Add a Game → Add a Non-Steam Game.
- Select the installed app from the list and add it.
- Return to Gaming Mode and look for it in the library’s non-Steam section.
This creates a shortcut; it does not turn the app into a Steam-managed install. Steam will not download updates for it or treat the entry as proof of ownership. Valve explains this distinction in its Add Non-Steam Games to a Library support article.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CAPTURE LARGER THAN LIFE. Unlock startling 5K[3] point-of-view and pristine high-res stills with video speed class ratings of U3 and V30[4].
- SPEED BARRIERS SHATTERED. Save precious moments with rapid read speeds up to 245MB/s[2] and write speeds up to 170MB/s[2] [256GB-1TB capacities[1]].
- MAXIMIZE WITH MASSIVE CAPACITY. Record longer and store more with up to 2TB[1] of storage.
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON. SANDISK microSD cards are temperature proof, humidity proof, waterproof, shock proof, drop proof, magnet proof, X-ray proof and wear-out proof[7].
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[10].
Rank #4
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
Rank #3
- Note: NOT compatible with Switch2 Please note that this product is not a microSD Express card and is not compatible with Switch2 for game storage or save data. If used in the Switch2, it may only support limited functions such as storing screenshots or videos, but will not allow game installation or save file access.
- Designed for dependable storage on portable gaming consoles
- Steam Deck users: For optimal gaming performance, including the ability to store and load video games, we suggest using a Gen4x4 2230 SSD.
- 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
- SmartPhones: S20, S20+, S20 ultra 5G, S10 lite, S10, S10+ A22, A22 5G, A52 5G, A32 5G, A52, A72, A32, A02s, A12, A21, A71 5G, A51 5G, A20s, Note 10+, J4 Core, J8, J7 Star, J7, Note 10 Plus. SAMSUNG TABLETS: Tab S7 FE 5G, Tab S7 FE, Tab A7 Lite, Tab A7 10.4 (2020), Tab Active 3, Tab S7, Tab S7+, Tab S6 Lite, Tab S6, Tab A 8.0 (2017), Book S and 10th Generation Fire Tablets.
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