Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesXbox Cloud Gaming has been usable on Steam Deck through Microsoft Edge since March 18, 2022. It remains a browser-based route to stream supported Xbox games in SteamOS—not a native Xbox app, a way to install PC Game Pass games, or full Microsoft support for Edge on SteamOS. The setup is practical for an existing Game Pass subscriber with a reliable connection, but it takes several manual steps.
What Microsoft added—and what it did not
Microsoft and Valve worked on a way to access Xbox Cloud Gaming through Edge on Steam Deck. The approach was documented by Microsoft and reported on March 18, 2022, rather than being a new 2026 launch. Thurrott’s contemporary report covered the announcement; Microsoft’s Steam Deck instructions describe the setup.
In practice, you install the Edge Flatpak in SteamOS Desktop Mode, add it to Steam, configure access to the Deck’s controller devices, and launch Xbox’s cloud-gaming site from Gaming Mode. The game runs on Microsoft’s remote Xbox hardware; the Deck receives the stream and sends back your inputs. The game is not installed on the Deck.
This is not native Xbox support. Microsoft says the Edge package is community-maintained, is not actively maintained by Microsoft, and is not covered by official Edge-on-SteamOS support. The method does not provide the Xbox app, local PC Game Pass installation, offline access, or full Xbox app integration.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
What you need before setup
- A Steam Deck running SteamOS and access to Desktop Mode.
- Microsoft Edge, installed as a Flatpak through Discover.
- A Microsoft account and access to a supported Xbox Cloud Gaming title. Eligible Game Pass plans vary; Xbox currently lists Ultimate, Premium, and Essential, and select free-to-play games can be streamed with a free Microsoft account in supported regions. Check Xbox’s current cloud-gaming page for availability in your region.
- A compatible controller. The Deck’s built-in controls can work after configuration; a separate controller is optional.
- A reliable internet connection. Xbox lists 10 Mbps as a minimum connection guideline, says some devices need about 20 Mbps for best quality, and recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi. These are service guidelines, not a guarantee of smooth play.
Install and configure Edge
Install Edge and add it to Steam
- Press the Steam button, choose Power → Switch to Desktop, and open the Discover Software Center.
- Go to Applications → Internet → Web Browsers, find Microsoft Edge, and select Install.
- Open Application Launcher → Internet, right-click Microsoft Edge, and choose Add to Steam.
- Open Application Launcher → System → Konsole and run this command to grant Edge read-only access to the Deck’s udev device files for controller input:
flatpak --user override --filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.microsoft.EdgeWhen it completes, type exit in Konsole.
Set the launch options and controller layout
- Open Steam in Desktop Mode, go to Library, and find the Microsoft Edge shortcut under non-Steam games.
- Right-click it, choose Properties, and rename it to something recognizable, such as Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta).
- In Launch Options, preserve the existing Steam-generated parameters and append the following after
@@u @@:
--window-size=1024,640 --force-device-scale-factor=1.25 --device-scale-factor=1.25 --kiosk "https://www.xbox.com/play"- Close Properties. Right-click the shortcut, choose Manage → Controller layout → Browse Configs, then select Templates → Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad.
- Choose Apply Configuration, then Done.
- Return to Gaming Mode. In the Non-Steam section of your library, launch the shortcut, sign in at Xbox Cloud Gaming, and choose an available title.
The menu labels and setup steps above follow Microsoft’s published instructions. SteamOS, Edge, Flatpak, or Steam interface changes may alter the exact menus over time.
Which games can you play?
The Edge shortcut opens Xbox Cloud Gaming; it does not unlock the whole Game Pass catalog. A title must be available for cloud play, and access can depend on the plan, region, device, and current catalog. Check the live library at xbox.com/play before subscribing for a particular game. Xbox notes that titles and availability change over time.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: supported Xbox games streamed from Microsoft’s servers.
- PC Game Pass: Windows PC games generally installed through the Xbox app; this Edge setup does not install them on SteamOS.
- Steam games: installed and run locally through SteamOS and, where needed, Proton.
- Games you own digitally on Xbox: ownership alone does not guarantee that a title can be streamed through this setup.
Cloud sessions generally use the supported Xbox-console version, not the Windows PC version. That can mean different mod support, graphics options, mouse-and-keyboard behavior, save compatibility, DLC availability, or platform features.
How well does cloud play work on a Deck?
Because the game runs remotely, local rendering performance and storage capacity are not the main constraints. Network quality, streaming conditions, browser behavior, and video decoding matter more. Download speed is only one part of the connection: latency, packet loss, Wi-Fi congestion, routing, and distance from the service region can also affect responsiveness and image quality.
Rank #3
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
For a steadier session, try 5 GHz Wi-Fi near the access point, pause bandwidth-heavy activity on other devices, and compare performance with a VPN turned off. A USB-C dock with Ethernet can help determine whether wireless congestion is the problem. It cannot eliminate delay between your Deck and the cloud session, and no connection speed guarantees a particular resolution, frame rate, or latency.
Streaming is most forgiving for many single-player adventures, RPGs, and other games where a small amount of input delay is tolerable. Competitive shooters, fighting games, and rhythm games are less forgiving. If you play in places with unreliable or restricted Wi-Fi, cloud play may be unavailable or inconsistent.
Rank #4
- 512 GB NVMe SSD: Fast storage for quicker game load times and space for larger game libraries.
- OLED Display: 1200x800 resolution with deep contrasts and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience.
- Custom AMD APU: Power-efficient Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU for desktop-level gaming performance.
- Expandable Storage: Add more space with a microSD card slot, ensuring you can bring even more games with you.
- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
Edge, Windows, or local Steam games?
| Approach | What it is useful for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Edge on SteamOS | Streaming supported Xbox titles while keeping SteamOS and avoiding large local game downloads. | Needs a connection for every session; browser-based setup and cloud catalog limits apply. |
| Windows on Steam Deck | Access to Windows software and the Windows Xbox app, including PC Game Pass installation options. | Requires installing and managing Windows rather than using the standard SteamOS experience. |
| Local Steam/Proton | Playing compatible games offline, with local input response and access to local files or mods where supported. | Depends on game compatibility, Deck performance, and available storage. |
| Other cloud services | Another route if its catalog includes the games you want. | Catalog, plan terms, device support, and browser behavior differ by service. |
Choose Edge if you already have an eligible plan, want a supported cloud title, and are comfortable with a manual setup. Choose local play when offline access, low latency, mods, or local files matter more. Installing Windows is the broader route for Windows PC games, but it is a different operating-system choice—not a requirement for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting common problems
The game launches, but the controls do not work
- Check that you ran the udev override command exactly as shown.
- Launch the Edge shortcut from Steam in Gaming Mode, rather than opening a separate Edge instance directly from Desktop Mode.
- Confirm the shortcut uses the Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad controller template.
- If the built-in controls still fail, test with a paired or USB-connected controller.
The browser is not filling the screen
Check that the launch options contain the full kiosk argument string and that it was appended after the existing @@u @@ text rather than replacing Steam’s parameters.
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 matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBest Value
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
The stream stutters or looks blurry
Test 5 GHz Wi-Fi, move closer to the access point, reduce other network traffic, and check latency or packet loss—not just the advertised download speed. A public or hotel network may restrict streaming, and a VPN can affect routing. If possible, compare with wired Ethernet through a dock.
A title is missing
Look in the current cloud library at xbox.com/play. Game Pass inclusion, Xbox ownership, and cloud availability are not interchangeable.
Edge or the menus behave differently
Microsoft does not actively maintain the community Edge Flatpak or provide official Edge-on-SteamOS support. Changes to the package or SteamOS can therefore affect setup or require updated community guidance.
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
