The Steam Deck can run multiple games and apps at the same time, but doing so can cause performance issues and drain the battery life. As a result, it’s recommended that users only run one game or app at a time.

However, thanks to a neat little plugin called Pause Games, users can switch between apps and games without putting the Steam Deck through its paces. It functions similarly to the Resume feature on the Xbox Series X/S, and this guide will outline how players can use it.

The Steam Deck with Control as the last played game on the screen
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Updated December 2, 2024 by Michael Llewellyn: Many third-party plugins like Decky Loader stopped working after the latest Steam Deck update. It removes the program from your Quick Access Menu making your plugins, the Decky store, and your settings inaccessible. This guide is updated to include the steps to fix Decky Loader and get your settings and plugins back without losing anything.

Activate Desktop Mode On Steam Deck

Steam Deck enable Developer mode

Before installing third-party and fan-created programs such as Decky Loader and its plugins, you should activate Developer Mode and its associated settings. Follow these steps to enable Developer Mode on your Steam Deck.

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Open the System menu and switch on Developer Mode.
  • Locate and open the new Developer menu and switch on CEF Debugging.
  • Press the Steam Button.
  • Select the Power menu.
  • Switch to Desktop Mode and be ready to install Decky Loader in the next step.

After receiving frequent updates, the Steam Deck may disable Developer Mode or CEF Debugging by default, especially if you're using the Steam Deck in beta mode. If these features are disabled, your Decky Loader plugins may not be available. Be sure to check the developer settings on your Steam Deck after each update to ensure everything is working properly.

Install Decky Loader On Steam Deck

Steam Deck - Download Decky Loader

Decky Loader is a program that allows Steam Deck users to use plugins and get more functionality from the handheld machine. There are multiple plugins that users can install, and the Pause Games feature created by popsUlfr is one of the best. To use it, follow these steps:

  • Press the Steam button under the left trackpad.
  • Select the Power option.
  • Switch to Desktop Mode.
  • Connect a keyboard and mouse to make downloading and installing programs more accessible. Docking the Steam Deck with a monitor can make the process easier to manage.
  • Open a browser of your choice.
  • Follow this link and install Decky Loader.
  • Locate the large Download icon further down the Decky Loader GitHub page.
  • After downloading, double-click the installer and select the recommended install.
  • When Decky Loader finishes install switch back to Gaming Mode.

Install The Pause Games Plugin For The Steam Deck

Steam Deck - Pause Games plugin on the Decky Store

With the Decky Loader program installed, it’s time to get and use the Pause Games plugin for the Steam Deck:

  • Press the button with the three dots underneath the right trackpad, the QAM button.
  • Click the new plugin icon available at the bottom of the menu.
  • Look for the plugin named Pause Games by popsUlifr.
  • Select Install to use the new app.

You can't close a running game on the Steam Deck with a game paused. To close it, resume the game in the plugin.

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Using The Pause Game Plugin

  • Open the Decky Loader app.
  • Click on the Pause Games plugin.
Steam Deck - Pause Games plugin with three games
  • Switch on Pause before Suspend to automatically pause games before suspending the system.
  • Pause on focus loss automatically pauses games and apps that are not in focus.
  • The Also on overlay pauses games and apps when operating the Steam OS after pressing the Steam button on the Steam Deck.

The feature will allow Steam Deck users to pause and switch between games without draining the Steam Deck of its resources. It’s ideal for single-player games but doesn’t work well with titles requiring an always-on online function.

How To Fix Decky Loader After The Steam Deck Update

Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

The latest update for the Steam Deck has caused problems with the Decky Loader application. Many Steam Deck users are finding that their Decky Loader app, their profile, settings, installed plugins, and access to the Quick Access Menu are missing. To restore Decky Loader along with your settings, the Pause Game and other plugins to their Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

  • Press the Steam button and click the Power option to switch to Desktop Mode.
  • While in Desktop Mode, reopen a preferred browser.
  • Open the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the large Download icon.
  • Select Execute and not Open at the prompt.
  • After executing the Installer it will ask for your sudo password.
  • Enter your sudo password or create a new one.
  • If you haven't created one before you can do that at the prompt, but make sure you use something memorable as a factory reset is required to change the sudo password.

You'll need a sudo password to install other third-party apps and programs via Desktop mode.

  • After the installer has finished power off the Steam Deck and restart in Gaming Mode.
  • Press the QAM button and your Deckty Loader program is returned with your settings and plugins intact.
Image
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
Display card main info widget end

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
CPU
AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
Battery
40Whr battery. 2 - 8 hours of gameplay
Dimensions
298mm x 117mm x 49mm