The Steam Deck is a powerful device capable of playing official and non-official games through the Gaming Mode. With custom tools like Decky Loader and the NonSteamLaunchers plugin, you can transform it into an all-around entertainment device that can play your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Disney, Amazon Prime, and more.

Even though you can access these services in Desktop Mode, having quick and easy access through the gaming menu will make the process a better experience. Here's how to install Decky Loader and the NonSteamLaunchers app in order to gain access to your favorite streaming services.

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Updated March 5, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: To install streaming services and third-party apps using Decky Loader, you now need to set up a sudo password. This password grants you administrative access to SteamOS in Desktop Mode, allowing you to install Decky Loader and other third-party applications. As such, this guide has been updated to include the steps needed to add a sudo password before installing Decky Loader.

How To Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck

Steam Deck Decky Loader download screen

To run plugins and apps like the NonSteamLauncher, you must download and install the Decky Loader program from the GitHub page. Use the following steps to install Decky Loader:

  • Press the Steam button and tap on System.
  • Turn Developer Mode on.
  • Scroll down the left panel to open the Developer menu.
  • Toggle CEF Debugging on and restart the Steam Deck.
  • Press the Steam button after the Steam Deck restarts in Gaming Mode.
  • Click Power and switch to Desktop Mode.
  • Install Google Chrome by clicking on the store icon on the bottom left of the screen. (The Non-Steam launchers and streaming services utilize Google Chrome.)
  • Navigate and download Decky Loader from the GitHub page.
  • With the Decky Installer downloaded, it's time to create a sudo password.

How To Set Up A Decky Loader Sudo Password

The Decky Loader program may require your sudo password. To set this up, you can use the following steps:

  • In Desktop Mode, tap the SteamOS icon at the bottom left of the taskbar to open a search box for your apps and programs.
  • Type Konsole in the search bar and open the app.
  • Then, type 'passwd'.
  • Type your new password in the first box and confirm it in the second to save it.
  • Double-click the Decky Installer from your downloads folder.
  • At the prompt, type in your new sudo password and select the Recommended Install.
  • When the installation is finished, tap the Return to Gaming Mode icon on the desktop.

How To Access Decky Loader’s Testing Store

  • Press the Quick Access Menu (QAM) button.
  • Tap on the plugin icon at the bottom of the menu to open Decky Loader.
  • Tap on the Settings cogwheel.
Steam Deck - Switch Store Channel to Testing on Decky Loader
  • In the General menu, tap Change the Store Channel dropdown and click on Testing.
  • Back out of the General menu and click the Store icon.
  • You will now have access to Decky Loader’s Testing Store.
Steam Deck - NonSteamLauncher on Decky Loader
  • Scroll down the list and install NonSteamLaunchers.
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How To Install Streaming Services On The Steam Deck

Prime Video on the Steam deck

After installing the NonSteamLaunchers via the Decky Loader program, it’s time to add streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and more to the Steam Deck’s menu in Gaming Mode.

  • Press the QAM button and access Decky Loader.
  • Open the NonSteamLaunchers app.
  • Switch Auto Scan Games on.
  • Open the Streaming Sites menu.
Installing streaming services on the Steam Deck
  • Switch on Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime and click Install. (You can add more if you want.)
  • Then, wait a few minutes for the installation to finish and get added to the Non-Steam library.

You can add your other unlisted streaming services by typing the website’s name into the Custom Website Shortcut search bar and installing it.

How To Access Your New Streaming Services On Steam Deck

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Tap on Library.
  • Press R1 to access the Non-Steam tab.
  • Locate the new windows with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus and open them by pressing Play.
Sign into Netflix on the Steam Deck
  • Sign in to your account with your details and play.

How To Fix Missing NonSteamLaunchers From the Decky Store

The NonSteamLaunchers were removed from the Decky Loader store. Though this issue has yet to be rectified, the following steps can be used to download and execute the NonStteamLaunchers Decky Loader injector.

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Open the Power menu and then Switch to Desktop Mode.
  • Once Desktop Mode has started, open a browser and visit the NonSteamLaunchers GitHub page.
  • Download the NSLplugin.desktop and double-click the installer and select Execute.
  • Enter your sudo password or create one using a memorable password.
  • Select Update to the latest release and click OK.
  • After the installation, switch back to Gaming Mode.

How To Fix Decky Loader Breaking On The Steam Deck

Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

If you noticed your Decky Loader program and its plugins were lost after the latest Steam Deck update, don't panic; there is a way to recover everything without losing anything. Use the following steps to regain access to Decky Loader and your plugins:

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Open the Power menu and switch to Desktop Mode.
  • After it switches to Desktop Mode, open a browser.
  • Click on Download from the Decky GitHub page again and select Execute.
  • When the installer launches, it'll ask for your sudo password, or you'll need to follow the steps to create a new one.

Use a sudo password that you'll remember. If you forget your password, you won't be able to install other third-party apps without performing a factory reset.

  • After the installation, power off the Steam Deck.
  • To restart in Gaming Mode, check your plugins by pressing the QAM button. This will restore your Decky Loader and all your plugins and settings to their normal state.

That’s what's required to add your favorite streaming service to the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode. You can even use the Steam Deck with a dock to watch them on a bigger screen or while on the move.

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Steam Deck Console
Steam Deck
Display card main info widget
Screen
7" diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz
Storage
64 GB - 512 GB
CPU
AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
4K Capabilities
Yes
Battery
40Whr battery. 2 - 8 hours of gameplay
Display card main info widget end

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info