Decky Loader is an awesome plugin system for the Steam Deck interface that allows you to do lots of extra stuff with SteamOS. It gives you access plugins for performance monitoring, customization, controller tools, and quality of life improvements. Since Bazzite includes a Steam Deck style gaming mode, Decky Loader can also be installed on Bazzite systems. The installation process is simple, so follow along as this guide explains how to install Decky Loader on Bazzite.

What Is Decky Loader?

Decky Loader is an open source plugin loader designed for the Steam Deck interface. It integrates directly into the Steam Quick Access Menu and allows users to install and manage plugins from a built in store. These plugins can add features such as performance overlays, audio controls, theme support, and system tools. Once installed, plugins appear in a dedicated Decky tab within the Steam interface. On Bazzite, Decky Loader works the same way it does on the Steam Deck, giving you access to the same plugin ecosystem.

Preparing Bazzite to Install Decky Loader

Before installing Decky Loader, you need to switch to Desktop Mode in Bazzite.

• If you are currently in Gaming Mode, open the Steam power menu.
• Select: Power
• Then choose: Switch to Desktop
• Your system will switch to the KDE desktop environment.
• Once in Desktop Mode, open a terminal application.
• You can launch it from the application launcher or by using the default terminal included with Bazzite.

How to Install Decky Loader on Bazzite

The Decky Loader project provides a one line installation script that automatically installs the loader and prepares the Steam interface. Which makes life super simple, especially for Linux installations.

• In terminal, run the following command:

• The installer will download the required files and configure Decky Loader for your system.
• During installation you may be asked for confirmation or permissions depending on your system configuration.
• The script installs the Decky Loader components and integrates them into Steam. This usually only takes a few seconds.
• Once the script finishes, Decky Loader is installed and ready to use.
• After installation, Steam needs to restart so the plugin loader can appear in the interface.
• You can do this by closing Steam and reopening it, or by rebooting your system.

How to Access Decky Loader on Bazzite

Once Steam has restarted, go back to Gaming Mode if you installed it from Desktop Mode.

• Press the Quick Access button in the Steam interface.
• On most systems this is the button with three dots.
• A new icon should appear in the Quick Access Menu that represents Decky Loader.
• Selecting it will open the Decky plugin interface where you can browse, install, and manage plugins.

Installing Your First Plugin

Decky Loader includes a plugin browser that allows you to install plugins directly from the interface. It's kinda similar to installing things from an app store.

• Inside the Decky menu, select the option to browse plugins.
• This opens the Decky plugin store.
• Choose a plugin from the list and select install.
• Once installed, the plugin will appear in the Decky menu and can usually be configured directly from the interface.

How to Update Decky Loader

Decky Loader updates itself automatically in most of the time, so if an update is available, a notification will appear in the Decky interface. If Decky stops working after a Steam update, running the installer script again will usually repair the installation.

How to Uninstall Decky Loader

If you change your mind and don't want Decky Loader, it can be removed using the uninstall script.

• Open a terminal and run:

• This removes the Decky Loader files and restores the Steam interface to its default state.
• After running the script, restart Steam or reboot your system.