Quick Links
TheSteam Deckalready has a vast library of games for the handheld console. The Steam library has one of the most extensive offerings of gaming choices available, and thanks to the Steam Deck’s gaming compatibility, many of these titles are playable on the powerful machine.
With the addition of Xbox Cloud, gamers can increase their gaming library even more with a few tweaks and an Xbox account. This guide will take its users through the required steps of gettingXbox games working on the Steam Deck.
Updated on July 04, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:This guide revolves around the use of the NonSteamLauncher plugin via Decky Loader to play Xbox Cloud Games. The service is even better now that you may play Xbox games that you own and Games Pass titles. However, the NonSteamLaunchers plugin was removed from the Decky Store. As such, this guide has been updated to explain how to install it manually using the Decky Loader injector from the NSL developer.
Enable Developer Mode
When the Steam Deck receives a major update, the Decky Loader program may lose compatibility with the handheld’s settings unless adjustments are made. Use the following steps to enable Developer Mode and maintain a better connection:
ensure to review your Developer Mode settings after each major update or if the Decky Loader plugin menu disappears from the QAM. Reactivating both the Developer Mode settings and CEF Remote Debugging usually restores the Decky program along with all the existing settings.
Installing Xbox Game Pass With Decky Loader
This guide includes an alternate method forinstalling Xbox Game Pass on the Steam Deck, but the Decky Loader method is most efficient and less fussy way to get it running. Use the following steps to install Decky Loader first:
Fix Missing NonSteamLaunchers From The Decky Store
If the above steps don’t work because the NonSteamLauncher plugin has been removed from the Decky Store, the developer has added a workaround using the following steps:
Install The Xbox Launcher On Steam Deck
With the Steam Deck back in Gaming Mode, it’s time to access Decky Loader and adjust the settings toinstall the NonSteamLaunchers program. Use the following steps to access Decky Loader andinstall the launcher for Xbox Game Pass:
NonSteamLauncher uses Google Chrometo the run its launchers; make sure it’s installed through Desktop Mode.
Open Xbox Game Pass In Your Steam Library
How To Fix Decky Loader After The Steam Deck Update
The latest Steam Deck update has caused an error with the Decky Loader program, making it vanish from the Quick Access Menu. Fortunately, you’re able to follow these steps to restore your Decky Loader app, including its settings and any plugins you have installed.
The Second Method For Xbox Gaming On The Steam Deck
If you run into any issues getting Xbox Cloud Gaming using the Decky Loader method, you’re able to also try the browser method for the Steam Deck.Users must install Microsoft Edgefor this method; here are the steps that must be followed in order to do so:
Steam Deck users can use the touchscreen keyboard - by pressing the Steam and X buttons - to input the information, but it is much easier touse a keyboard and mouse in Desktop Mode.
flatpak –user override –filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.microsoft.Edge
Steam App
–window-size=1024,640 –force-device-scale-factor=1.25 –device-scale-factor=1.25 –kiosk “https://www.xbox.com/play"
It is crucial to ensure there isa spaceafter the @.So, the command should begin like this: @@ –window-size. It won’t work without the gap between the “@” and the “-”.
Xbox Cloud gaming works perfectly well in Steam Deck’s Desktop mode and produces better results, but there is also a method where players can conveniently access their Xbox Cloud via the machine’s gaming mode.
Xbox In Gaming Mode
Optimal Settings For Xbox Gaming
With Xbox Cloud Gaming working on the Steam Deck,double-tap the bottom right corner of the displayand use the following steps to get the best performance:
That’s what an Xbox user needs to get their Cloud library working on the Steam Deck. However, the app can be temperamental, as it is still in beta, and some games may not launch immediately. If this happens, restart the Microsoft Edge app.
