The Steam Deck is a highly versatile device, capable of running far more than just your Steam library. With proper configurations, you can run games from a variety of sources. However, setting everything up correctly can sometimes be tricky. Running games in desktop mode can be less than ideal for making full use of the Steam Deck’s controller functionality.
One solution is Xbox Cloud, which allows you to access the entire Game Pass catalog without taking up valuable storage space on your device. Here’s a simple guide to set up Xbox Cloud on your Steam Deck, enabling seamless cloud gaming from within Steam OS.
Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode
To begin, you’ll need to switch your Steam Deck into Desktop Mode, which can be accessed from the power menu after pressing the Steam button. Steam Deck runs a custom version of Linux in Desktop Mode, which is easy to navigate, even for users familiar with Windows or Mac.
Step 2: Install Microsoft Edge
Xbox Cloud gaming runs through the Microsoft Edge browser, so we need to install it first. You can do this through the Discover app, which acts like an app store for Steam Deck.
Open the Steam Deck menu by clicking the Steam icon in the bottom left.
Select the "Discover" app.
In the Discover app, navigate to the "Internet" category and search for Microsoft Edge.
Install the browser.
Step 3: Grant Permissions to Microsoft Edge
To allow Microsoft Edge to access and modify files on your Steam Deck, you'll need to give it special permissions.
Open "Konsole," which can be found under the "System" category of your program list.
Enter the necessary code to grant the permissions.
Step 4: Add Xbox Cloud to Steam
Once Edge is installed and configured, you can set up Xbox Cloud as a shortcut in your Steam library.
From the Desktop Mode, locate Microsoft Edge in your application list (accessed by clicking the Steam Deck icon in the bottom left).
Right-click on Microsoft Edge (hold the right trigger of the Steam Deck) and select "Add to Steam."
Switch back to Steam mode by opening Steam from Desktop Mode.
In the Steam library, locate the newly added Microsoft Edge shortcut.
Click the gear icon next to the shortcut and select "Properties."
Under the “Launch Options” section, add the following code at the end of the existing string. Do not modify any existing commands.
This command tells Microsoft Edge to open Xbox Cloud gaming directly when launched.
Step 5: Configure Your Steam Deck for Xbox Cloud
If everything has been set up correctly, you should now be able to open Xbox Cloud from your Steam library on the Steam Deck.
The default control scheme is "Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad," which is suitable for navigating the Xbox Cloud interface. However, if you prefer using the trackpads instead of the joysticks, you can adjust the controls by selecting “Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad” in the Steam menu.
Now, you’re all set to enjoy Xbox Cloud gaming on your Steam Deck, without taking up precious storage space.
While enjoying Xbox Cloud Gaming, if you need to top up your Xbox account or purchase gaming content, you can visit the Z2U website. Z2U offers a convenient service that allows you to purchase Cheap Xbox Gift Cards at affordable prices, as well as Xbox Microsoft Gift Card Top Up, ensuring that you can always play the latest games and enjoy your Game Pass subscription. Z2U's secure payment options and quick top-up process can help you easily enhance your gaming experience, whether on Steam Deck or other platforms.