How to Download and Install Chrome on Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming PC that gives you access to a vast library of games, but it can also be used for a variety of other tasks, including browsing the web. While the Steam Deck comes equipped with a web browser called "SteamOS Web," some users prefer the familiarity and feature set of Google Chrome.
This guide will walk you through the process of installing Chrome on your Steam Deck, providing a step-by-step walkthrough to ensure a smooth and successful installation.
Understanding the Process:
Before we dive into the details, let's understand why installing Chrome on the Steam Deck is a bit different from your typical desktop experience. The Steam Deck runs a custom Linux-based operating system, SteamOS, which is optimized for gaming. This means you can't simply download and install Chrome directly from the Google Chrome website.
Instead, we'll be leveraging a powerful tool called Flatpak. Flatpak is a technology that allows you to run applications in a secure sandboxed environment, ensuring they don't interfere with your SteamOS system.
Step 1: Enable Discover Store Access
To start, you need to enable access to the Discover store, a software repository for Linux applications. Here's how:
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Navigate to Settings: Open the Steam Deck menu by pressing the Steam button. Navigate to Settings and select System.
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Enable Discover: Scroll down to Software Management and toggle the switch for Enable Discover Store Access.
Step 2: Installing Flatpak
With Discover Store access enabled, you can now install Flatpak, the tool that will allow you to run Chrome:
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Search for Flatpak: Open the Discover app, which you can find in the Steam Deck menu. Search for "Flatpak" in the Discover Store.
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Install Flatpak: Select the Flatpak package and click Install. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.
Step 3: Adding the Flathub Remote
Now, you need to add the Flathub remote, a repository that houses a wide range of Flatpak applications, including Chrome:
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Open the Terminal: Navigate to the Desktop section of the Steam Deck menu. Open the Terminal application.
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Add Flathub: In the terminal window, paste the following command and press Enter:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo -
Verify Installation: Once the command finishes, you should see a message confirming the successful addition of the Flathub remote.
Step 4: Installing Google Chrome
Now, with Flatpak and the Flathub remote set up, you can finally install Chrome:
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Open the Discover Store: Return to the Discover app and search for "Google Chrome."
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Install Chrome: Locate the Google Chrome package and click Install. The installation process may take a few minutes.
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Launch Chrome: Once the installation is complete, you'll find Google Chrome listed in your applications. Launch the app and start browsing the web!
Optimizing Chrome for Steam Deck
While Chrome is now installed, you may want to make a few adjustments to optimize its performance on the Steam Deck:
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Adjust Font Size: Chrome may have a default font size that's too small for the Steam Deck screen. You can adjust this by navigating to Settings > Appearance > Font Size and choosing a more comfortable size.
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Enable Touch Mode: For a more intuitive experience, enable touch mode in Chrome. This will enable touch gestures and make it easier to navigate with the Deck's touch screen. You can enable this in Settings > Advanced > Touch Mode.
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Reduce CPU Usage: To prevent Chrome from consuming too much power, consider reducing the CPU usage. You can do this by enabling "Reduce CPU Usage for Battery Saving" in Settings > Performance.
Using Chrome on Steam Deck
With Chrome installed and optimized, you can now enjoy the benefits of a familiar web browser on your Steam Deck. Here are some tips for using Chrome on your Steam Deck:
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Utilize Keyboard and Mouse: While you can navigate Chrome using touch, you can also connect an external keyboard and mouse for a more traditional browsing experience.
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Maximize Battery Life: To prolong battery life, consider closing unused tabs and enabling the "Power Saver" mode in Chrome.
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Enable Desktop Mode: For some websites, you may find it helpful to enable desktop mode, which simulates a desktop browser experience. You can do this by clicking the three dots in the upper right corner of the Chrome window and selecting "Request desktop site."
Additional Notes:
- Alternative Browsers: If you're looking for other browser options, consider exploring other Flatpak applications available in the Flathub repository.
- Updating Chrome: Chrome updates automatically through Flatpak. When a new version is available, you'll receive a notification in the Discover app.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues during the installation or while using Chrome, consult the Flatpak documentation for troubleshooting steps. [Link to Flatpak documentation]
Conclusion:
Installing Google Chrome on your Steam Deck provides you with a familiar and feature-rich web browser for browsing the internet, accessing online content, and staying productive on the go. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily enjoy a smooth and seamless Chrome experience on your Steam Deck.
FAQs:
1. Can I download and install Chrome directly from the Google Chrome website?
No, you cannot directly download and install Chrome from the Google Chrome website on the Steam Deck. This is because the Steam Deck runs a custom Linux-based operating system (SteamOS) that does not support traditional Chrome installations. Instead, you need to use the Flatpak package manager to install Chrome.
2. Is Chrome safe to install on my Steam Deck?
Yes, Chrome is a reputable and secure web browser. By using Flatpak, you're installing Chrome in a secure sandboxed environment, preventing it from interfering with your SteamOS system.
3. How do I uninstall Chrome from my Steam Deck?
You can uninstall Chrome using the Discover app. Search for "Google Chrome" in the Discover store, select the app, and click "Uninstall."
4. Can I use other web browsers on my Steam Deck?
Yes, you can explore other web browser options available in the Flathub repository. Some popular alternatives include Firefox, Vivaldi, and Brave.
5. How do I update Chrome on my Steam Deck?
Chrome updates automatically through Flatpak. When a new version is available, you'll receive a notification in the Discover app. Click on the notification and follow the onscreen prompts to update Chrome.