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How to Transfer Files from PC to Steam Deck: 4 Best Ways
This article tells you 4 methods on how to transfer files from PC to Steam Deck. Choose the way that suits you best.
By Jonna Updated on March 29, 2024
Can you transfer files from Windows PC to Steam Deck?
I finally got my Steam Deck the other day (wooo!) and I'd like to transfer some files from my PC (Windows Laptop) onto it. Is there an easy way to do this? I figured that file transfer would be easier instead of downloading all my songs again. Thank you!
Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device developed by Valve Corporation, offering gamers the freedom to play their favorite PC games on the go. However, sometimes, you might want to transfer files from PC to Steam Deck to stream games and other data. Thankfully, this is a simple thing to set up. In this guide, we will explore four efficient methods to accomplish this task seamlessly.
Necessity of transferring files from PC to Steam Deck
Transferring files from your PC to the Steam Deck is essential for several reasons:
- Access game saves: Transfer game saves, settings, and configurations from your PC to the Steam Deck for a consistent gaming experience.
- Install custom content: Transfer mods, custom maps, and other user-generated content from your PC to enhance your gaming library on the Steam Deck.
- Backup data: Create backups of important files, documents, and media to ensure they're readily available on the go.
👉 Way 1. Use Warpinator for Steam Deck file transfer
👉 Way 2. Transfer PC files to Steam Deck with USB drive or SD card
👉 Way 3. Transfer files from PC to Steam Deck via network drive
👉 Way 4. Transfer files to Steam Deck SD card with free file sync software🔥
Way 1. Use Warpinator for Steam Deck file transfer
Warpinator is a convenient tool available on the Steam Deck and PC, allowing seamless file transfer between devices connected to the same network. Follow these steps to use Warpinator to connect Steam Deck to PC for file transfer:
Step 1. Press and hold the power button on your Steam Deck, then choose "Switch to Desktop" from the menu that appears.
Step 2. Locate the Steam Deck icon in the lower right corner and open Discover. Next, tap on Search, type Warpinator, and select Install to begin the installation process.
Step 3. Switch to your PC and open a web browser. Navigate to the Winpinator download website, download the application, and follow the installation instructions.
Step 4. On your PC, launch Winpinator and choose your Steam Deck from the available devices.
Step 5. Select either "Send files" or "Send a folder," then choose the specific file or folder you wish to transfer to your Steam Deck.
Step 6. Once prompted with "Awaiting approval from Steam Deck User," switch back to your Steam Deck. In Warpinator, tap on your PC username, then click the check mark to initiate the file transfer process over the local network. Wait for the transfer to complete.
Way 2. Transfer PC files to Steam Deck with USB drive or SD card
Using an SD card or USB flash drive to transfer files between the Steam Deck and your PC is a traditional yet effective method, with some limitations. But if you're currently using a Micro SD card to as your Steam Deck's additional storage, you won't be able to use that card to transfer files.
To transfer files between a Steam Deck and a PC card using this method, you need to first format your SD card or USB card using the exFAT file system. This is a file system that both Windows and Linux can read and write to. Then, follow these steps to transfer game files from PC to Steam Deck:
Step 1. Connect a USB drive or SD card to your PC with the right format. Copy the desired files to the USB drive or SD card.
Step 2. Safely eject the USB drive or SD card from your PC.
Step 3. Connect the USB drive or SD card to your Steam Deck. Then, copy the files from the USB drive or SD card to the desired location on the Steam Deck.
Way 3. Transfer files from PC to Steam Deck via network drive
You can also utilize NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices to transfer files from PC to Steam Deck. Steam Deck owners can copy files from network storage and access them in desktop mode.
Step 1. Open Dolphin File Explorer > select Network > choose a NAS device to access files on Steam Deck.
Step 2. Enter desktop mode on your Steam Deck, open the Dolphin file explorer, select Network, and then select your network drive.
Way 4. Transfer files to Steam Deck SD card with free file sync software
If you are looking to transfer files from PC to Steam Deck SD card, the free file sync software, AOMEI Backupper Standard, can do you a favor. It works widely in in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, etc, and offers various sync features:
AOMEI Backupper- Various devices - It is capable of syncing files/folders to network drive, NAS, USB drive, SD card, cloud storage, and so on.
- Auto sync - It allows you to sync files and folders with different frequencies, such as daily, weekly, monthly, USB plug in, or event triggers.
- Multiple sync modes - It supports one-way file sync with the Basic Sync feature. Mirror Sync, Two-Way Sync, and Real-Time Sync are also available in Professional or higher editions.
100% SecureStep 1. Connect your Steam Deck SD card to computer, and run AOMEI Backupper. Click Sync and then Basic Sync.
Step 2. Choose the files you would like to sync from PC by clicking Add Folder, then select your Steam Deck SD card as the destination path.
Step 3. To automate the file sync, click Schedule Sync and turn it on, then select daily, weekly, or monthly.
Step 4. Then, click Start Sync to sync files from PC to SD card.
Conclusion
Transferring files from your PC to the Steam Deck is essential for optimizing your gaming experience and ensuring seamless access to your favorite content. Whether you prefer using Warpinator, USB drives, network drives, or file sync software, there are multiple ways to accomplish this task efficiently.
If you want to upgrade your Steam Deck SSD or clone Steam Deck SD card to a larger card, you can also utilize the Clone functions of AOMEI Backupper to get it done easily.
