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• Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

• How To Use SSH To Connect To The Steam Deck

The Steam Deck isn't just a powerhouse for gaming; it's a versatile tool for portable PC users too. With its desktop mode, the possibilities extend beyond gaming, allowing users to remotely access files on its internal storage for various needs. The device runs on a Linux-based system, which supports Secure Shell (SSH), a protocol designed for secure and remote data access. Yet, many Steam Deck owners are unaware of how to enable and utilize this powerful feature. This guide aims to demystify the process of enabling and using SSH on the Steam Deck, providing comprehensive steps and additional tips.

Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

Enabling SSH on your Steam Deck is straightforward with these steps:

1. Power on your Steam Deck.
2. Press the Steam button.
3. Navigate to Settings > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode.
4. Press the Steam button again.
5. Select Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.
6. Open the Konsole from the Start menu.
7. Set a password if you haven't already by typing the command passwd and entering your desired password.
8. Enable SSH by entering sudo systemctl start sshd. To make SSH start automatically after reboots, type sudo systemctl enable sshd.
9. With SSH enabled, you're now ready to remotely access your Steam Deck's data using any third-party SSH client.

Be cautious not to delete or move system files, as this could corrupt the operating system.

How To Disable SSH On The Steam Deck

If you need to disable SSH, follow these steps:

1. Open the Konsole from the Start menu.
2. To disable SSH, enter sudo systemctl disable sshd. To stop SSH immediately, use sudo systemctl stop sshd.

How To Use SSH To Connect To The Steam Deck

With SSH enabled, you can remotely access your Steam Deck's data. For a seamless experience, use a third-party application like Warpinator. Install Warpinator on both your Steam Deck and your PC, then launch them simultaneously to easily transfer data between devices.

If you're using a Linux PC, no additional software is needed. Simply open your file manager and navigate to sftp://deck@steamdeck in the address bar. Enter the password you set earlier to establish the connection.