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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 is a powerhouse of versatility, catering not just to gamers but also to those who use it as a portable PC. Given its desktop mode, it's no surprise that users often seek to access their internal storage files remotely for various needs.

Running on a version of Linux, the Steam Deck supports Secure Shell (SSH), a protocol that enables secure and remote data access. However, many users are unfamiliar with how to activate and utilize this feature. This comprehensive guide will walk you through enabling and using SSH on your Steam Deck, offering valuable insights along the way.

Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

Enabling SSH on your Steam Deck is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Power on your Steam Deck.
2. Press the Steam button.
3. Navigate to Settings > System > System Settings and 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: passwd. Then, set your desired password.
8. Enable SSH by entering: sudo systemctl start sshd. To ensure SSH starts after reboots, type: sudo systemctl enable sshd.
9. Once enabled, you can access your Steam Deck's data remotely using any third-party SSH client.

Important: Be cautious not to delete or move system files, as this can corrupt your operating system.

How To Disable SSH On The Steam Deck

If you need to disable SSH, here's how:

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, remote data access becomes seamless. For instance, using an app like Warpinator, you can transfer data between your Steam Deck and PC effortlessly after installing and launching it on both devices.

For Linux PC users, no third-party app is necessary. Simply open your file manager and type sftp://deck@steamdeck in the address bar. Enter the password you set earlier to establish the connection.