Steam Deck – How To Pause And Resume Multiple Games

The Steam Deck can run multiple games and apps at the same time, but doing so can cause performance issues and drain the battery life. As a result, it’s recommended that users only run one game or app at a time.

However, thanks to a neat little plugin called Pause Games, users can switch between apps and games without putting the Steam Deck through its paces. It functions similarly to the Resume feature on the Xbox Series X/S, and this guide will outline how players can use it.

Updated September 3, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The Steam Deck is easily customizable thanks to its Linux-based operating system. With programs like Decky Loader, you can also run and install plugins that improve the Steam Deck’s functionality. That said, updating the Steam Deck can result in the loss of certain plugins. As such, this guide has been updated to outline the steps to ensure that these plugins work correctly by enabling Developer Mode.

Activate Desktop Mode On Steam Deck

Before installing third-party and fan-created programs such as Decky Loader and its plugins, you should activate Developer Mode and its associated settings. Follow these steps to enable Developer Mode on your Steam Deck.

• Press the Steam button.
• Open the System menu and switch on Developer Mode.
• Locate and open the new Developer menu and switch on CEF Debugging.
• Press the Steam Button.
• Select the Power menu.
• Switch to Desktop Mode and be ready to install Decky Loader in the next step.

After receiving frequent updates, the Steam Deck may disable Developer Mode or CEF Debugging by default, especially if you’re using the Steam Deck in beta mode. If these features are disabled, your Decky Loader plugins may not be available. Be sure to check the developer settings on your Steam Deck after each update to ensure everything is working properly.

Install Decky Loader On Steam Deck

Decky Loader is a program that allows Steam Deck users to use plugins and get more functionality from the handheld machine. There are multiple plugins that users can install, and the Pause Games feature created by popsUlfr is one of the best. To use it, follow these steps:

• Press the Steam button under the left trackpad.
• Select the Power option.
• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Connect a keyboard and mouse to make downloading and installing programs more accessible. Docking the Steam Deck with a monitor can make the process easier to manage.
• Open a browser of your choice.
• Follow this link and i nstall Decky Loader.
• Locate the large Download icon further down the Decky Loader GitHub page.
• After downloading, double-click the installer and select the recommended install.
• When Decky Loader finishes install switch back to Gaming Mode.

Install The Pause Games Plugin For The Steam Deck

With the Decky Loader program installed, it’s time to get and use the Pause Games plugin for the Steam Deck:

• Press the button with the three dots underneath the right trackpad, the QAM button.
• Click the new plugin icon available at the bottom of the menu.
• Look for the plugin named Pause Games by popsUlifr.
• Select Install to use the new app.

You can’t close a running game on the Steam Deck with a game paused. To close it, resume the game in the plugin.

Using The Pause Game Plugin

• Open the Decky Loader app.
• Click on the Pause Games plugin.

• Switch on Pause before Suspend to automatically pause games before suspending the system.
• Pause on focus loss automatically pauses games and apps that are not in focus.
• The Also on overlay pauses games and apps when operating the Steam OS after pressing the Steam button on the Steam Deck.

The feature will allow Steam Deck users to pause and switch between games without draining the Steam Deck of its resources. It’s ideal for single-player games, but it doesn’t work well with titles that require an always online function.