Short answer: Steam can copy games from your PC to your Steam Deck over your home network. Turn on local network game transfers on both devices, keep Steam open on the PC, then install the game on the Deck as usual. Steam copies it from the PC instead of downloading it from the internet.
How this post was made: researched and written with Claude, an AI assistant, checked against the sources linked in this post, and overseen by Nersing Pradhan. How we make NP Handhelds
Why transfer instead of downloading?
- It’s often faster, especially on a slow or busy internet connection.
- It saves data, which matters if your internet plan has a monthly cap.
- It doesn’t need any extra software. The feature is built into Steam.
What you need
- Your PC and Steam Deck on the same home network.
- Steam open on the PC, with the game installed and fully updated.
- The same game version on both. If the PC has an update waiting, install it first.
Step 1: Turn on transfers on your PC
- Open Steam on your PC and go to Settings, then Downloads.
- Find the Local Network Game Transfers section and switch it on.
- Choose who can receive transfers from this PC. Only me (your own devices) is the safest choice.
Step 2: Check the setting on your Steam Deck
On the Deck, go to Settings, then Downloads, and make sure local network transfers are switched on there too.
Step 3: Install the game on the Deck
Install the game from your library as you normally would. If Steam finds a copy on your PC, the download page shows the transfer coming from your local network rather than from Steam’s servers. Keep the PC awake and Steam open until it finishes.
If the game downloads from the internet instead, check the tips below.
If it doesn’t work
- Update the game on the PC. Transfers only work when both copies are the same version.
- Check the network. Both devices must be on the same network. Guest Wi-Fi networks often block devices from seeing each other.
- Keep Steam open on the PC. If the PC goes to sleep, the transfer stops.
- Use a wired PC. Transfers run at the speed of your home network, so an Ethernet cable on the PC side helps.
Other ways to get games onto your Deck
- Stream instead. If you’d rather not store a big game on the Deck at all, stream it from your PC.
- Add storage. A fast microSD card gives you plenty of room for games. See our microSD card picks, or upgrade the internal SSD if you’re comfortable opening the Deck.
Frequently asked questions
Does this work for non-Steam games?
No. Local network transfers only work for games in your Steam library. Games from other stores, such as Epic and GOG, download through the Heroic Games Launcher.
Can I transfer games from the Deck back to my PC?
Yes. The feature works in both directions, as long as the device sending the game has transfers switched on.
Can friends transfer games to my Deck?
You can let friends on the same network send you games by changing who’s allowed in the transfer settings. The game still has to be in your own library.
Is it faster than a download?
It depends on your home network and your internet speed. On a fast wired network with a slow internet connection, it’s usually much faster.
More Steam Deck tips are on the NP Handhelds YouTube channel.
