How to Factory Reset Steam Deck: complete guide

How to Factory Reset Steam Deck: complete guide: You can take the Steam Deck with you and play your favorite PC games while you’re on the go. But you might have trouble or decide you want to start over. A factory reset is what you need to do to fix problems or get your device ready for a new owner.A factory reset should only be used as a last resort when all else fails when trying to fix a Steam Deck. All of your user data is erased, and your Deck goes back to how it was on Day One.

But if you’ve already done everything else, like checking for software updates or restarting your computer by hand, here’s what you need to do. The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device that uses a version of SteamOS that has been tweaked to work best with games. Like any other electronic device, it might have technical problems that can be fixed by turning it off and on again. This step-by-step guide will show you how to reset your Steam deck so you can easily start playing games again. Come on, let’s learn how to Factory Reset Steam Deck: complete guide.

What is Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming computer that was first announced on February 25, 2022, and it has just recently been released. Valve is the company behind its creation. You can play video games on the Steam Deck either by hand or by attaching it to a monitor and using it that way. This is similar to the Nintendo Switch. It is an x86-64-v3 device that runs SteamOS and has an integrated game input designed to play the entirety of the Steam library. This includes Windows PC games that can be played through the Linux-based Proton compatibility layer.

Because it is an open platform, it enables users to install operating systems and games that are compatible with the device that are not distributed through Steam. If your Steam Deck is connected to the same network as your computer and your computer is running Steam, you will also be able to connect your Steam Deck to your computer through Steam. You will not be able to transfer files using this, but you will be able to stream games to a Steam Deck that is connected to your personal computer.

Why might you need to factory reset your Steam Deck?

1. Software Issues: If your Steam Deck keeps having software issues or glitches, a factory reset can help by putting the device back to the way it was when it was first set up.
2. Performance Issues: If your Steam Deck is running slowly or not responding at all, a factory reset can get rid of files and programs that aren’t needed and could be slowing it down.
3. Concerns about security: If you want to sell or give away your Steam Deck, a factory reset will delete all of your personal data and accounts. This makes it less likely that someone will get your information.
4. Forgotten Password or PIN: If you can’t get into your Steam Deck because you forgot the password or PIN, you may need to do a factory reset to get back in.
5. System Corruption: The operating system or system files on your Steam Deck may get damaged sometimes, which can cause errors or problems. To get the system back to a stable state, you can do a factory reset.
6. Transferring Ownership: If you’re giving someone else ownership of the Steam Deck, you should do a factory reset to make sure they get it in a clean and untouched state.

How to Factory Reset Steam Deck

1. Ensure your Steam Deck is on and that you are logged in.
2. On your Steam Deck, press the Steam button.
3. Scroll down and pick Settings from the list.
4. Pick out System.
5. Scroll down when you get to the “Advanced” part.
6. Press and hold the Factory Reset button.
7. Press the Factory Reset button again to make sure.

How to Reset Steam Deck using Recovery

1. Get the SteamOS Recovery Image on your computer.
2. The USB disk should be found by your computer.
3. The right utility program should be launched depending on your computer’s operating system.
4. Valve says that Windows users should use Rufus.
5. Balena Etcher is what Valve suggests for Mac and Linux.
6. Follow the steps shown on the screen to pick the SteamOS recovery file and save it to the USB drive.
7. Once the process is done, remove the drive from your computer.
8. Hook up your Steam Deck to a USB hub.
9. Connect the recovery drive that you just made.
10. Do not use your Steam Deck at all.
11. Press the Volume Down button over and over.
12. Press and hold the Power button.
13. After the chime, let go of the Volume Down button.
14. From the Boot Manager, pick the EFI USB Device.
15. Wait until the Desktop environment is ready to use.

How to Reset Steam Deck’s PIN Code

1. To begin, click on the Steam Deck Options button (the one with the three dots).
2. Enter the login name and password for an account to change the PIN in that account.

How to Force Restart Steam Deck

1. For at least 12 seconds, hold down the Power button.
2. Make sure the Steam Deck is turned off and hold down the Power button until you hear the boot sound. The screen should be blank and all the fans should be turned off.
3. If everything is okay with your Steam Deck, you should be able to play again in a few seconds.

What data is erased during a factory reset?

1. User Data: This includes all user-installed apps, photos, videos, music, documents, and any other personal files stored on the device.
2. App Data: Data associated with the apps installed on the device, such as login credentials, app settings, game progress, and cached data, is usually deleted.
3. Settings: All device settings and preferences, including Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, display settings, sound settings, and custom configurations, are typically reset to their default values.
4. Accounts: Any accounts linked to the device, such as Google accounts on Android devices or Apple ID on iOS devices, may be removed. You will need to re-enter your account information after the factory reset.
5. System Updates: Depending on the device and the reset method used, system updates and patches may be removed, and the device will revert to the version of the operating system it had when it left the factory.
6. Security Measures: Any security measures like PINs, patterns, or passwords that were set up to unlock the device will be removed. The device will usually revert to its default security settings.

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