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The Steam Deck is an adaptable device that can do much more than just play games from Steam. With the right setup, you can enjoy titles from various platforms, although configuring it can be challenging. Running games exclusively through desktop mode often won’t maximize the device’s capabilities as a controller.
Xbox Cloud enables access to the entire Game Pass library without taking up storage space with game installs. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to set it up for use on your Steam OS.
How to Install Xbox Cloud on Your Steam Deck
First, you need to switch your Steam Deck to desktop mode. To do this, hold down the Steam button to access the power menu where you can select desktop mode. This mode runs a variant of Linux that’s approachable for users familiar with Windows or Mac.
If you have a dock for your Steam Deck, using a mouse and keyboard can make navigating desktop mode easier, though it’s not necessary.
Installing Microsoft Edge:
Xbox Cloud operates via the Microsoft Edge browser. First, let’s install Edge and grant it necessary permissions. If you’ve done this before, you can skip ahead.
Click on the Steam Deck icon at the bottom left to open the menu, then find and open the "Discover" application, which acts like an app store. In the internet category, search for and install Microsoft Edge.
Next, you need to authorize Edge to access and modify files on your Steam Deck, which involves some coding. Open the "Konsole" program found in the system category of the applications.
Note: Microsoft hasn’t officially supported the Steam Deck. This process is a workaround created by community volunteers, and the package used may change without notice.
Paste the following command into Konsole to give Edge the necessary permissions:
flatpak --user override --filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.microsoft.EdgePress enter to execute, then close the Konsole.
With Microsoft Edge installed and configured, it’s time to set it up in Steam.
How to Add the Xbox Cloud Shortcut to Your Steam OS
Stay in desktop mode to start this process, but once it’s complete, you’ll be able to launch Xbox Cloud directly from Steam. From the Steam Deck’s application list, find Microsoft Edge, right-click it (by pressing the right trigger), and select "Add to Steam."
Now, launch Steam from desktop mode to make additional edits. While you could complete this step outside of desktop mode, you’d lose the ability to copy and paste.
In the Steam library, locate Microsoft Edge and click the gear icon next to it to access the properties and customize the shortcut. You can rename it to "Xbox Cloud" and add your preferred icon and banner.
In the launch options area, you need to add the following command, placing it at the end of whatever is already there:
--window-size=1024,640 --force-device-scale-factor=1.25 --device-scale-factor=1.25 --kiosk "https://www.xbox.com/play"This command adjusts the display settings for the Steam Deck and directs the browser to the Xbox Cloud gaming page.
If everything is set up correctly, return to the Steam OS and find your new Xbox application in the Steam library.
The default controller setting is "gamepad with joystick trackpad," which works well for navigating Xbox Cloud. If preferred, you can change this to "gamepad with mouse trackpad" in the Steam menu for different controls.
Once your setup is complete, log in to your Xbox account. If you encounter any issues logging in from Steam OS, you can do it from desktop mode and select the option to remember your login. This will keep you logged in even after rebooting the Steam program.
