How to exit Desktop Mode on Steam Deck

Valve Production has launched its own handheld gaming console called Steam Deck. This device not only incorporates all the games from your Steam library but also enables running non-Steam games through Proton. Due to it being, recently launched, some users are not aware of the Desktop mode. In this article, we are going to discuss how to exit Desktop Mode on Steam Deck.

What is the Desktop mode in Steam Deck?

Steam Deck is just like Nintendo Switch where it’s easy to access Steam’s library. This gaming handheld runs on SteamOS, thus incorporating all of Steam’s features into this small device. Apart from collected notifications, Steam Deck has a Desktop mode. This feature enables us to use Steam Deck on a bigger screen by connecting it with the PC or desktop screens. Not only this, but we can also access Linux third-party apps via the same feature.

How to exit the Desktop mode on Steam Deck

One of the easiest ways to exit the Desktop mode is by double-clicking the Return to Gaming mode icon. Valve production has set this icon as a default mode to exit the Desktop mode. However, you can follow the instructions given below if this shortcut is not available:

1. Click on the Steam icon from the left corner of the taskbar.
2. Click on the Shutdown button.
3. Lastly, select the Restart button.

You will be able to access the main Steam OS interface once the Steam Deck boots back to life.

Read: Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch: Which is the better?

How to access the Desktop mode on Steam Deck

Steam Deck is a recent addition to Valve production, and due to this very reason, some users are not able to access the Desktop mode affluently. Hence, we are going to see how to see access the same.

To change your Steam Deck into a full-fledged gaming setting and turn on the Desktop mode on Steam Deck, follow the steps prescribed below:

1. Click on the Steam button on the Steam Deck.
2. Scroll, find, and click on the Power button.
3. In the Power Menu, select the highlighted Switch to Desktop button.

Now, wait for Steam Deck to switch to Desktop mode, and enjoy Steam’s popular games on the big screen. Alternatively, we can also access the Desktop mode by pressing the Power button to open the Power menu. In the Power menu, click on the same button as mentioned earlier.

Read: How to install Windows 11 on Steam Deck

How to fix Return to gaming icon not appearing?

Due to some glitches, users are unable to see the Return to Gaming Mode on their screen. To fix this glitch, we are going to create a shortcut and to do the same, here are the steps:

• Click on the Stream icon and then search and open KWrite.
• Click the Steam button + X to open the Virtual keyboard, and paste the following text:

  [Desktop Entry]
  
  Name=Return to Gaming Mode
  
  Exec=qdbus org.kde.Shutdown /Shutdown org.kde.Shutdown.logout Icon=steamdeck-gaming-return
  
  Terminal=false
  
  Type=Application
  
  StartupNotify=false

• Go to the menu bar, click on the Save As button, and then navigate toward the File Browser to access the Desktop folder.
• Change the name to Return.desktop, and make sure that it ends with “.desktop”.
• Save the file in KWrite, right-click on the file from the desktop, and click on the Permissions tab.
• Finally, select the box next to Is Executable option.

If done properly, this will create the shortcut desktop naming Return to Gaming Mode. To exit the Desktop mode, double-tap on this shortcut.

Read: Play Windows games on Steam Deck with Steam Proton.