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How to Use Steam Deck’s Keyboard in Desktop Mode

You can open virtual keyboard on Steam Deck with a shortcut

2 min. read

Updated onOctober 6, 2023

updated onOctober 6, 2023

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Key notes

Steam Deck allows you to use the keyboard in Desktop mode, but many users don’t know how to activate it properly.

The device has a built-in virtual keyboard that can work outside of Steam, and in today’s guide, we’ll show you how to use it.

How do I use Steam Deck desktop mode without keyboard and mouse?

How do I bring up Steam Deck keyboard in desktop mode?

How do I bring up Steam Deck keyboard in desktop mode?

1. Use the keyboard shortcut

2. Install  and use CoreKeyboard

Why is the Steam Deck keyboard not working in Desktop mode?

Keep in mind that these only apply to the built-in virtual keyboard.

It’s pretty simple to use the Steam Deck keyboard in Desktop mode, but for this feature to work, you need to have Steam running and an Internet connection, which seems counterintuitive.

Make sure toupdate your Steam Deck softwaresince Valve may have addressed this limitation.

In case you’re having issues with the virtual keyboard, you can alsouse your phone as a keyboard for Steam Deckin a pinch.

Did we miss your favorite method of using the virtual keyboard on Steam Deck? If so, feel free to let us know in the comments section.

More about the topics:keyboard,Steam Deck

Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

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Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.