Joining the Steam Deck System beta allows you to get early access to new features, bug fixes, and updates for your device's operating system.
Here's how to switch your Steam Deck to the Beta update channel, according to the process for changing your System Update Channel:
Steps to Join the Steam Deck System Beta
To opt into the beta channel for Steam Deck system updates, follow these simple steps directly on your device:
- Press the "Steam" button on your Steam Deck to open the Steam menu.
- Select "Settings" from the menu.
- Navigate to the "System" section within the Settings menu.
- Scroll down to find the "Beta Participation" section.
- Expand the System Update Channel pull-down menu.
- Select "Beta" from the available options.
After selecting "Beta", your Steam Deck may prompt you to restart to apply the change and check for updates available on that channel.
What to Expect in the Beta Channel
Opting into the Beta channel means your Steam Deck will receive system software updates before they are released to the wider public on the Stable channel. This allows you to test new features and provide feedback, but it also means you might encounter more bugs or instability compared to the Stable channel.
- Early Features: Access new functionalities and improvements ahead of time.
- Potential Instability: Beta builds are for testing, so expect occasional issues.
- Feedback Opportunity: Your participation helps Valve refine future updates.
If you wish to return to the standard, more stable updates, you can follow the same steps and select the "Stable" channel from the pull-down menu.
