How to Transfer Files to Steam Deck Wirelessly (LocalSend & SSH Guide)

In our previous guide on how to mount an ISO on the Steam Deck, we explored how SteamOS’s underlying Linux foundation unlocks massive flexibility. But before you can mount ISOs, install game mods, or manage emulation ROMs, you first have to get those large files onto the device.

Constantly plugging and unplugging USB-C thumb drives or swapping MicroSD cards is tedious and can wear out your ports.

Here are the two best, fastest methods to transfer files wirelessly over your local Wi-Fi network between your PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and your Steam Deck.

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Method 1: LocalSend (Easiest, Zero Setup, Open Source)

LocalSend is a free, open-source cross-platform file sharing tool that works like Apple AirDrop over your local Wi-Fi network. It requires no accounts, no command line, and no password setup.

Step 1: Install LocalSend on Steam Deck

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Press the STEAM button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
2. Open the Discover Software Center.
3. Search for LocalSend and click Install.

Step 2: Install LocalSend on Your PC

Download the official client on your main computer:

• Windows: Available on the Microsoft Store, winget (winget install localsend), or localsend.org.
• macOS / Linux: Available via Homebrew, DMG, or Flathub.

Step 3: Send Files

1. Open LocalSend on both your computer and your Steam Deck (ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network).
2. On your PC, click Send > File or Folder and choose your games, ISOs, or mod archives.
3. Your Steam Deck will appear in the nearby devices list. Click it.
4. On the Steam Deck, tap Accept.
5. Transferred files save to your Deck’s Downloads folder by default.

[!TIP] You can also add LocalSend as a non-Steam game in Desktop Mode so you can launch it directly inside Gaming Mode without switching to Desktop!

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Method 2: SSH & SFTP (Best for Power Users & Large Transfers)

If you regularly transfer gigabytes of ROMs, emulator saves, or custom game files, enabling the native OpenSSH server on SteamOS gives you a persistent file browser inside FileZilla, WinSCP, or VS Code.

Step 1: Set a Password for User deck

By default, the Steam Deck’s deck user has no password set. Open the Konsole terminal in Desktop Mode and set one:

passwd

Enter a secure password and confirm it. (Keep this password safe—it also acts as your sudo root password on the Deck).

Step 2: Enable and Start the SSH Service

In Konsole, start the SSH daemon:

sudo systemctl enable --now sshd

Step 3: Find Your Steam Deck’s Local IP Address

Run:

ip -br a

Look for wlan0 (e.g., 192.168.1.145).

Step 4: Connect from Your PC via FileZilla or WinSCP

1. On your PC, open FileZilla or WinSCP.
2. Create a new SFTP connection with the following credentials:
   • Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
   • Host: Your Steam Deck’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.145)
   • Port: 22
   • Username: deck
   • Password: The password you set in Step 1.
3. Click Connect and accept the host key fingerprint prompt.

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Important Steam Deck File Paths to Bookmark

Once connected via SFTP or using the Dolphin file manager, here are the most important directory paths on SteamOS:

• Internal Storage Games: /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/
• MicroSD Card Games: /run/media/mmcblk0p1/steamapps/common/
• Emulation ROMs (Emudeck): /run/media/mmcblk0p1/Emulation/roms/ (or /home/deck/Emulation/roms/)
• Proton Compatibility Prefixes (Saves / Windows AppData): /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/<AppID>/pfx/drive_c/

(Note: Folders starting with a dot like .local are hidden. In Dolphin, press Ctrl + H to reveal hidden files).