Do you want to transfer files from your Windows or Linux PC to Steam Deck for easy access to media, game mods and more? This article from MiniTool would show you a full guide. Additionally, we covered how to connect your Steam platform to a TV.

What Is Steam Deck?

Steam Deck is a newly announced handheld gaming computer, originally announced on February 25, 2022. It is developed by Valve. Like the Nintendo Switch, you can use the Steam Deck as a handheld or connect it to a monitor and use it to play games.

It's an x86-64-v3 device running SteamOS with an integrated game input designed to play the full Steam library, including Windows PC games via the Linux-based Proton compatibility layer. The system is an open platform that allows users to install compatible non-Steam games or operating systems on the device.

Also read: Steam Deck FPS: How to See It & Best FPS Games

Why Connect Steam Deck to PC?

The main reason to connect Steam Deck to PC is to transfer files. You can transfer media files, including photos and movies, and then access them through desktop mode. You can also transfer game mods and other stuff you can't get through Steam.

If your Steam Deck is on the same network and your PC is running Steam, you can also connect Steam Deck to PC through Steam. This doesn't allow you to transfer files, but it allows you to stream games to your Steam Deck that is connected on your PC.

If you have a powerful gaming PC and a fast home network, this lets you play games without installing them on Steam Deck. It's also the easiest way to play modded games on Steam Deck, since you just have to mod the game on your PC, then stream it.

To stream a game from your Steam Deck to your PC, open the game from your library on Steam Deck, click the down arrow next to the Install button, and select your PC from the list. The install button will turn into a streaming button, which you can tap to start playback.

Also read: The Best Steam Deck Games You Can Play

How to Use Steam Deck on PC?

The two ways to use Steam Deck on PC are to transfer files between them or to use Steam Deck to stream Steam games installed on PCs. Streaming games is a simple process that only requires connecting both devices to the same network. However, transferring files is much more complicated.

The Steam Deck is a mobile device, but you can't connect it to your PC via USB like you can with a phone or tablet.

These are the three best options for transferring files between Steam Deck and PC:

  • File Transfer Application : Warpinator is a file transfer application that works on Steam Deck and Windows. If you have it installed on both Steam Deck and PC, you can transfer files over your home network.
  • Portable Media : USB flash drives and Micro SD cards can be read by your Steam Deck as long as they are properly formatted.
  • Network Drive : If you have a Network Attached Storage ( NAS ) device, you can access it from your Steam Deck and PC and transfer files this way.

Option 1: Connect Steam Deck to PC Using Warpinator

Warpinator is an application available on your Steam Deck through the pre-installed Discover Software Center. Windows and Linux users can transfer files from PC to Steam Deck via Warpinator.

If you install Warpinator on Steam Deck and Winpinator on PC, you can send files between the two. Steam Deck and PC need to be connected to the same network, transfer speed is limited by your local Wi-Fi speed.

Here's how to connect Steam Deck to PC using Warpinator:

Step 1 : Hold down the Power button on your Steam Deck and select the Switch to Desktop option.

Step 2 : Tap the Steam Deck icon in the lower right corner, and then click Discover .

Step 3 : Type Warpinator in the Search box.

Step 4 : When the search result appears, click the Install button. Then click Launch .

Step 5 : Open the Warpinator download site on your computer, click the Download button and install the application.

Warpinator has its system requirements and you should select the correct operating system ( 32-bit or 64-bit ).

download Warpinator on your PC

Step 6 : Access Warpinator on PC and Steam Deck.

Step 7 : On your PC, select Steam Deck as the device to receive data from.

Step 8 : Click Send files or Send a folder , and then select the file or folder you want to move to your Steam Deck.

Step 9 : When you see Awaiting approval from Steam Deck User , switch to your Steam Deck and click your PC username in Warpinator.

Step 10 : Click the check mark. Then when you see Completed, the files are now on your Steam Deck.

Click Send files in Warpinator of Steam Deck to reverse this process and transfer files from Steam Deck to your PC.