To run Discord on your Steam Deck, you'll first need to install it by switching to Desktop Mode, then add it to your Steam Library to launch it from Game Mode.
Installation Steps
To get Discord set up on your Steam Deck, you will begin in Desktop Mode:
Switching to Desktop Mode
- Press the Steam Button on your Deck.
- Navigate to Power.
- Select Switch to Desktop. Your Steam Deck will restart into the Linux desktop environment.
Installing Discord via Discover App
Once in Desktop Mode, you can use the Discover software center to install applications:
- Locate and open the Discover App. You can usually find it by going to Launcher (often represented by a Steam Deck icon or a start menu icon) and then selecting System Discover.
- Within the Discover App, use the search function or browse categories to find Discord. You can typically find it under Launcher then Internet then Discord. Select Discord and proceed with the installation.
Running Discord from Game Mode
After Discord is installed, you'll want to add it to your Steam Library to conveniently launch it directly from Game Mode, just like your other games.
Adding Discord to Your Steam Library
- While still in Desktop Mode, open the Steam client. You can do this by clicking the Steam Icon, typically found at the bottom right of your screen, and then navigating to your Library.
- From your Steam Library, you'll need to add Discord as a Non-Steam Game. This usually involves clicking "Add a Game" (often located in the bottom left corner of the Steam window) and then selecting "Add a Non-Steam Game..." to browse for the installed Discord application's executable file (e.g., discord.desktop or similar, usually found in
/usr/bin/discord). Add it to your library.
Returning to Game Mode
- Once Discord has been added to your Steam Library, you can return to the Game Mode. Look for a desktop icon or a menu option that says Return to Game Mode and click on it.
Launching Discord in Game Mode
- In Game Mode, press the Steam Button.
- Navigate to Library.
- Select Non-Steam to filter your library to show applications you've added.
- Find Discord in the list and select it.
- Press Play to launch Discord.
