Even owners of Steam Decks might want to use Google Chrome, one of the most widely used desktop and mobile browsers, to explore the internet on their portable gaming devices. Unfortunately, there isn’t a primary browser included with Steam Deck. Additionally, there aren’t any detailed steps for installing a browser on your Steam Deck. We are here to assist, so there is no need for you to worry any longer. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use two quick ways to install the Google Chrome browser on your Steam Deck.
Use Google Chrome on Steam Deck (2023)
As was previously mentioned, Steam Deck is an entire PC operating Linux. You can use the finest Steam Deck docks or USB-C hubs to attach a monitor and peripherals and use it like a desktop. This indicates that users can run browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox to meet their internet browsing requirements.
Although Valve has a handy tool that enables you to install Chrome from Game Mode, we have also detailed the step-by-step procedure to do so from Desktop Mode. To find the technique you want, use the table below.
How to Get Google Chrome on Steam Deck (Easiest Method)
It’s interesting to note that installing Chrome on the Steam Deck is remarkably simple thanks to Valve. When you first use your new Steam Deck, you will see a recognizable choice when you select the “Non-Steam” Game entry in the Library. With the advent of the Internet, it has become easier than ever to access information and communicate with others. This is how it goes:
- To start, click the Steam icon and choose “Library” from the list of options on your Steam Deck.
- Press R1 to navigate to the “Non-Steam” option in the library.
- If you haven’t loaded any apps yet, a “Non-Steam Shortcuts” pop-up will appear in the “Non-Steam” tab. It informs you that you can add and access non-Steam games here and that you can install Chrome to try out this feature. So, select “Add Chrome” and give Google Chrome a few seconds to install.
- The Google Chrome browser will now be set up on your Steam Card. You can easily change the Chrome icon if you’ve loaded the SteamGridDB plugin using Decky Loader.
- Valve programmed Steam Deck to prompt users to install Google Chrome, which is fairly convenient. This fixes two issues. The first is that users are now aware of what to do with their library’s non-Steam option. The second is that by prompting users to install the most well-liked browser on the market, Valve eliminated the need for them to figure out how to add a browser.
How to Install Google Chrome via Steam Deck Desktop Mode
Although the aforementioned approach is the simplest, there’s a possibility that your Deck already has other non-Steam apps installed. In that scenario, there is still some chance. You can now run Google Chrome in desktop mode by following the instructions below:
- To explore the Linux desktop, first, switch to Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode. To access the Steam Deck software center on the desktop, select “Discover” (the store icon) on the taskbar.
- Here, select the search bar and press “Steam + X” to open the Steam Deck on-screen keyboard. Chromium can be found here. To download the Google Chrome browser to your portable console, select “Install” next.
- Open Steam in desktop mode at this point. A plus sign ought to be present in the lower left corner. Select “Add a non-steam link” by clicking on it.
- Browse the link for Google Chrome and add it to the Library. Now, the symbol ought to appear in game mode.
- Alternatively, you can look for Chrome by tapping the Steam Deck icon in the bottom left corner. When the link appears, right-click it and choose “Add to Steam” from the menu that appears. The shortcut will now be added to the game setting.
- Return to Steam Deck’s Game mode at this point, then select the “Non-Steam” option to access the Google Chrome shortcut.
How to Use Google Chrome in Steam Deck Desktop Mode
Simply exiting game mode and navigating the Linux desktop environment will give you access to Google Chrome in desktop mode. Follow these instructions to use Chrome in desktop mode on Steam Deck:
- First, switch to the Desktop Mode on Steam Deck using the instructions in the linked article.
- Click on the Steam Deck icon in the taskbar’s lower left area once you are in desktop mode. To locate the Google Chrome shortcut, place your mouse cursor over the “Internet” area in this location. To launch the browser, click Google Chrome in the right window.
The best way to remove Google Chrome from Steam Deck
The procedures listed below should be followed in order to remove Google Chrome from Steam Deck:
- First, switch to the Desktop mode, which will allow us to browse the Linux desktop on our Steam Deck.
- Once in Desktop mode, click on the Steam Deck logo in the bottom-left corner to bring up the explorer. Here, find Google Chrome and right-click on Steam Deck to open the context menu. Then, select the “Uninstall or Manage Add-Ons” option.
- By doing this, the software center’s Google Chrome app store website will be displayed. Then, to remove the browser from your Deck, select the “Remove” button in the top-right corner.
On Steam Deck, get Google Chrome
So yeah, those are two simple ways to install Google Chrome on your portable Steam Deck console. Thanks to Valve’s recognition of the necessity of a browser, particularly one that can be accessed directly from the game mode and not desktop mode, the procedure is reasonably straightforward. Use the desktop mode approach described above, though, if you’re a die-hard user and prefer to use your Steam Deck as a computer as well. Check out the fundamental Linux Terminal instructions as well for help navigating Steam Deck’s Linux environment. So, do you have Google Chrome loaded on your Steam Deck? Tell us in the comments section below.
