To put a non-Steam game in your Steam library, add it as a shortcut from Steam’s Add a Non-Steam Game option. This lets you launch the game from Steam; it does not add a Steam license, deliver the game’s updates through Steam, or prove ownership of it. The steps differ slightly on Steam Deck.
How to add a non-Steam game on a computer
-
Open the Steam desktop client and select Games in the top menu.
-
Choose Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
-
Select the installed game or application from the list. If it is not listed, use the browse option to find its program file.
-
Click Add Selected Programs. The game should then appear in your Steam library as a shortcut.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.#1 Best Overall
Sale
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Steam also documents an alternate route: use + ADD A GAME… at the lower left of the client, then choose Add a Non-Steam Game…. Menu placement can change, so follow the equivalent labels in your version of the client. See Steam’s Add Non-Steam Games to a Library instructions.
How to add a non-Steam game on Steam Deck
-
Open the Deck’s power menu and switch to Desktop Mode.
-
In the desktop Steam client, choose Add a Game at the lower left, then select Add a Non-Steam game.
Rank #2
Sale
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Deep Pink- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
-
Select the application already installed on the Deck and add it.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Return to the Deck interface. Steam says the app appears in the library’s non-steam tab.
Valve describes the Desktop Mode workflow in its Steam Deck and Steam Machine Desktop FAQ and library placement in its Steam Deck Basic Use & Troubleshooting guide.
Rank #3
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
What adding the game to Steam does—and does not do
Adding a non-Steam game creates a shortcut in the Steam client. Valve’s support article says this does not let you download the game’s updates through Steam or use it as proof of ownership for your Steam account. Adding the shortcut does not convert the game into a Steam purchase.
If you have a Steam product key, use Activate a Product on Steam… instead. The Steam support wizard distinguishes product activation from adding a shortcut: choose Add a Non-Steam Game… for a title that cannot be added by key. See the Steam support wizard for retail or non-Steam games.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf the game does not appear or launch
The game is missing from the selection list
Make sure the game or application is installed, then browse to its actual program file rather than selecting an unrelated launcher or installer. Steam’s documented process is to choose a listed program or browse for one.
Rank #4
- RGB Cool Lightning Bolt & Long Battery Life: Switch controller with lightening bolt style and 9-color LED looks really cool; 4 light modes: solid lights, breathing lights, RGB strobe led light and led off; Fully charged: 3-4 hours, Runtime: 10-15 hours
- Widly Compatible & One-key Pairing/Wake Up: The switch pro controller is compatible with Switch/Lite/OLED/PC Windows 7/8/10 (only wrok for pc under wired connection); 2 pairing ways; Support one key to wake up your switch console
- Programmable Button & 3 Speeds Turbo: Switch controllers has simplify complex skill operations with M1/M2 key; Support single and multiple mapping; 3 adjustable burst: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s and 20 shots/s; Programming and Turbo will maximize game play
- Sensitive Motion Control & 4-Level Nice Vibration: 6-axis gyro sensor help you react quickly, enhance experience in sports games; Buttons and joysticks are responsive, no lag; Dual vibration motors with 4-level feedback: Strong, Medium, Weak and None
- Great Gift For All People: This cool switch controller will be great gifts for women, men, girl, boy, family and friends; Packing list: 1 X Wireless switch controller, 1 X Type-C cable, 1 X Detailed user manual, 1 X Cool gift box
The game is added but will not run on Steam Deck
Being able to add an entry does not mean the software is compatible with the Deck. Valve advises that software installed outside Steam should be supported by Arch Linux. For a Deck library entry, Steam also documents trying a compatibility tool: open the entry’s properties and force a Steam Play compatibility tool. This is a troubleshooting option, not a guaranteed fix; results vary by application and its updates. See Steam Deck Software Info & Troubleshooting.
A launch option does not solve the problem
Steam’s launch-options documentation includes settings for specific game technologies, including GoldSrc and Source engine games. Those options are not universal fixes for third-party titles. Check the game’s own documentation for launch arguments rather than assuming a Steam setting will apply to every non-Steam game. See Steam’s Setting Game Launch Options page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
