Wondering how to transfer files between your Steam Deck and your computer? Wonder no more. While the Steam Deck is unlike a mobile phone or camera in that it cannot be plugged directly into a PC and navigated through File Explorer or the Finder on macOS, there are third-party applications that can assist you.
In particular, KDE Connect is one of the finest to use. This application allows you to manage devices that are on the same network and are capable of operating the application.
Obviously, you must utilise this application while in desktop mode on your Steam Deck.
transfer files to and from your Steam Deck
To begin transferring files to and from your Steam Deck, you must first install the KDE Connect application on your Mac or Windows computer.
On Linux, you can also obtain the application. KDE Connect is platform independent. Visit the website and select the operating system-specific download. Additionally, ensure that both computers are connected to the same network.
- Install KDE Connect on the PC, Mac, or Linux device from/to which you wish to send/receive files by following the on-screen instructions.
2. Let the KDE application function on the system.
3. Activate Desktop mode on your Steam Deck by pressing the power button and selecting Switch to Desktop.
4. Select Internet, then KDE Connect by pressing the Steam button on your screen.
5. The interfaces of the KDE Connect Steam Deck.
6. The identity of your PC, Mac, or Linux device will appear on the Steam Deck. On the opposite side, the name of your Steam Deck will appear in the KDE Connect app on your Windows, Mac, or Linux device.
7. Click the Pair or Request Pair icon on each device. Trying to pair a Steam Deck with KDE on a MacBook
Once connected, you can send a file to your Steam Deck by opening the KDE Connect window on your PC, Mac, or Linux device.
8. To transmit a file to your Steam Deck using a Mac, select Share and Receive, then transmit File, followed by the file and OK.
9. KDE Macbook file transfer or reception To transmit a file to your Steam Deck on Windows, select Share file, then select the file, followed by OK.
10. To send a file from your Steam Deck to another PC, you can launch KDE Connect, select Share File, and then choose the destination device. Sending a file to a computer through a Steam Deck
5 features Windows needs that ChromeOS already has
Currently, I frequently switch between Windows 11 and ChromeOS. In many respects, the operating systems are comparable.
Both operate Android and Linux applications and have excellent cross-device compatibility with Android phones. I’ve written exhaustively about both operating systems and use devices with both, but recently I’ve been leaning more towards.
ChromeOS, noting reasons why I like my Chromebook more than my Surface and even more than the best laptops. ChromeOS is a more lightweight and efficient operating system than Windows, according to my opinion.
Microsoft could still learn a great deal from ChromeOS, even though Windows won’t become a lightweight system overnight. There are five Chromebook features that I wish Microsoft would incorporate into Windows.
Attach documents to the Taskbar for easy access
The ChromeOS quick folders section One of my favourite ChromeOS features is the ability to pin files to the ChromeOS shelf, which makes it much simpler to access important files.
When producing graphics for XDA, for instance, I always refer to a particular file containing colour codes. On my Chromebook, this file has been attached to the shelf, making it easier to access.
On Windows, I must open File Explorer and navigate to the sidebar, or minimise all my open windows to reach the desktop, where I must locate the folder containing the relevant file.
You cannot attach files to the Windows taskbar for quick access. Accessing the same file from the shelf is less disruptive to my productivity, allowing me to leave much quicker.
Remember the My People section in the taskbar of Windows 10? It provided similarly convenient access to contacts for emailing. Although it was temporary, this capacity could be utilised to store pinned files instead.
No ads
Screenshot of a Microsoft Store advertisement displayed in the Spotlight area Microsoft (Source) Microsoft has recently become extremely aggressive in Windows 11’s self-promotion, constantly promoting reminders and suggestions to use other Microsoft services throughout its operating system and software. That will never occur on ChromeOS.
This operating system is compact, efficient, and devoid of bloat. You won’t receive recommendations from Google on what to do with your Chromebook; there are no pop-ups in Chrome to test a new feature or save money when shopping, unlike Microsoft Edge.
When you set up your Chromebook, there is no aggressive push to use Google Drive to store files or G Suite to access documents, as there is when you set up Windows and are prompted to try OneDrive or Office.
Google allows you to utilise ChromeOS with minimal interruptions, and Windows could do the same.
A distinct notification area from the calendar
Chrome OS’s dedicated notification area The calendar pop-out in the taskbar is a Windows feature that ChromeOS ultimately replicated.
This provides a short preview of what lies ahead. However, it is cumbersome to use in Windows 11 because notifications appear above this calendar.
You must then collapse the calendar to view the events.
It’s a minor issue, but I wish Microsoft would return to the Windows 10 design where notifications had their own space.
This would greatly simplify the process of managing notifications, requiring fewer actions to simply view the list.
Four faster methods to switch between Windows Insider programme rings
The ChromeOS channel switching option This fourth Windows 11 complaint may not be simple to resolve, but it has always troubled me.
Testing the latest Windows features on multiple PCs as a Windows Insider can be frustrating at times. Since there are multiple “channels” of the programme, such as Dev and Beta, switching between them typically requires reinstalling Windows.
I’m aware that the various Windows 11 editions share a common code base, so it’s aggravating that I must reinstall Windows in order to test a feature that is exclusive to one of the other channels.
It has necessitated the use of individual PCs for each of these channels.
I wish that everything were like ChromeOS. Simply navigate to the Settings application, select the desired channel, and resume your computer with minimal interruptions.
Increase the prominence of phone integrations.
Chromebook Pixel 7 Pro with Chrome OS Phone Hub I enjoy using my iPhone with my Windows PC ever since Phone Link’s availability.
Even when I was using Android, I enjoyed being able to receive notifications, texts, photographs, and more on Windows via Phone Link. However, I dislike having to access a distinct app for this purpose.
All the action takes place within Phone Link, but it would be interesting if Microsoft followed Google’s lead with ChromeOS and placed the Phone Hub feature directly on the shelf.
Perhaps Microsoft could incorporate these Phone Link features into a taskbar area, similar to the My People feature.
There is already a Phone Link widget for the widgets panel, so I see no reason why this wouldn’t work for the Taskbar as well.
Microsoft has channels to listen
There is a place for Microsoft to listen, regardless of how impossible some of these solutions may be. I submit my suggestions via Windows to the Feedback Hub.
Obviously, a single piece of feedback is meaningless, and Microsoft only acts on items that have received multiple upvotes and feedback.
If you, like me, have wacky ideas on how to enhance Windows based on other operating systems, your best bet is to inform Microsoft and hope that the company will listen.
5 cool Microsoft Build 2023 announcements that flew under the radar
Microsoft Build is the finest time of the year for Microsoft enthusiasts, and this year was no different. This year’s annual developer conference was filled with major announcements, including Windows Copilot, the ability to restore pinned applications across Windows 11 devices, and Bing becoming the default search engine in ChatGPT.
There were, however, smaller announcements that we noticed by tuning into keynotes and breakout sessions. In case you overlooked them, we have compiled some of our favourites that may have escaped your attention.
Windows Copilot’s transcribe feature
Microsoft spoke extensively about Windows Copilot at Build this year. Initial disclosure revealed how the feature would be integrated into Windows 11.
It would reside on the desktop and could be useful for converting a PC to a dark mode, listening to music on Spotify without opening the app, and organising windows, all with simple text prompts.
However, chief product officer Panos Panay also mentioned Windows Copilot’s ability to transcribe audio, which piqued my interest.
This feature has the potential to be breathtaking, particularly for journalists. Obviously, Panay did not present a live demonstration during a keynote, but the ease of being able to drag and drop audio into Copilot and have it transform it into text merited more attention.
Redesigned File Explorer
The File Explorer is one of the most important components of Windows, so it is not surprising that Windows 11 has redesigned it extensively.
However, in the Windows Copilot teaser video, we also saw a newly redesigned File Explorer. It was a fleeting glimpse, but it was exciting for Microsoft enthusiasts.
This was previously reported, but Build was the first time we saw what it would actually appear like. In addition to a new address and search bar, file and folder actions will be relocated, and Microsoft will implement a streamlined navigation tree.
This provides the most important Windows 11 app a more modern appearance, and its unveiling was largely overlooked at Build.
A new WhatsApp desktop app on Windows
Given that millions of people around the globe use WhatsApp, Microsoft’s announcement of the WhatsApp desktop application was surprisingly modest. Even the app’s creator, Meta, appeared.
The application will consume less power, RAM, and CPU and has extensive OS integration, allowing it to operate in the background.
The new app does not require you to remain connected to the mobile app, so you can use it even when your phone is turned off.
Meta uses Arm64 architecture to optimise app performance and add support for Windows Studio Effects features such as background blur.
A new option to kill apps from the Windows 11 Taskbar
Though it has been in testing (and concealed in the Windows 11 Canary builds for some time under the developer menu), the company is now introducing a way to force quit applications from the Windows 11 Taskbar.
This was clearly emphasised during one of Microsoft’s breakout demo sessions (as noted by The Verge).
It’s not a significant change, but it means that future versions of Windows 11 will give you fewer difficulties when a particular application is misbehaving. Goodbye, Ctrl+ Alt + Delete.
Native support for opening archive file formats
Panay’s blog post reveals something Microsoft secreted deep within its AI-related announcements, hidden behind a few words.
The executive stated that compression on Windows can “improve performance or archive functionality.” That includes native support for archive formats such as rar and 7-Zip.
This reduces your reliance on a third-party application for such a common unzipping task. In fact, Microsoft has informed The Verge that this feature will be included in an upcoming iteration.
Conclusion
Finally, transferring files to and from your Steam deck is a straightforward process that allows you to easily manage your game library and other content.
The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device developed by Valve Corporation, allows users to transfer files and data between their computer and the device.
To transfer files to your Steam Deck, you can use the USB-C port or microSD card slot on the device. Connecting your Steam Deck to your computer via a USB-C cable allows you to access the device as an external storage device.
This enables you to drag and drop files including games, videos, music and other media directly onto the Steam Deck’s storage.