How to Install and Format an SD Card for Steam Deck [Step-by-Step Guide]

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on April 22, 2024

Key Takeaways:

In this article, you will learn about the preparations for installing the SD card for the Steam Deck. You will discover the optimal SD card format and be presented with two effective methods to install and format an SD card for Steam Deck.

Steam Deck is one of the top contenders for the best handheld gaming console. However, many games often pose issues with storage space on the device. In order to download more games, users need to expand the Steam Deck's capacity by purchasing and installing an SD card.

However, before inserting the SD card, users need to format it to be compatible with the Steam Deck. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to install and format SD cards for use with the Steam Deck.

Preparations for Installing and Formatting the SD Card for Steam Deck

Installing an SD card on your Steam Deck enables you to transfer some games from internal storage to the SD card or download games directly onto it. The SD card serves as a vital storage device for data. Consequently, there are three key factors to consider when installing the SD card:

• Select the best SD card: You need to choose secure and dependable SD cards, such as Samsung or SanDisk Extreme Pro. Both are the top choices for Steam Deck.
• Choose the appropriate Steam Deck SD card size: All storage capacities of the Steam Deck are accessible, but 256GB and 512GB are the most suitable options for storing game data.
• Format the SD card correctly: SD cards must be in a specific file system format to work with various devices. The correct Steam Deck SD card format should be EXT4.

After selecting the appropriate SD card and size, proceed to install it on the Steam Deck and format it. To do this, follow the step-by-step guide outlined in the subsequent section. Incidentally, if you wish to test the speed of your Steam Deck SD card, click the provided link for more information.

How to Effectively Perform a Steam Deck SD Card Speed Test [Step-by-Step Guide]

The speed of an SD card is crucial for the Steam Deck, significantly impacting your gaming performance. But how do you test the SD card speed for Steam Deck? On this page, you'll find two methods to conduct a Steam Deck SD Card Speed Test.

How to Install and Format Stem Deck SD Card - Two Methods

Formatting the SD card for the Steam Deck isn't complicated. To save time and increase the likelihood of successful formatting, we recommend first formatting your Steam Deck's SD card using Windows.

注意: 格式化 SD 卡会删除原始 SD 卡上的所有内容，而且在 Windows 上格式化会让您更容易备份重要内容。然后您可以按照以下我们的指示进行：

Install and Format Stem Deck SD Card on Windows

The built-in tool provided by the Windows system does not support the EXT4 format required by the Steam Deck. In this case, why not utilize a professional and reliable disk management tool? The tools Partition Master Free will assist you in effortlessly managing your disks and partitions, thereby enhancing the performance of your drives.

With its straightforward interface and precise instructions, even beginners can easily format their SD card for use with the Steam Deck.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition you plan to format and choose "Format".

Step 2. In the new window, enter the Partition label, select the FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 file system, and set the cluster size as needed, then click "OK".

Step 3. You'll then see a warning window. Click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, then click "Apply" to start formatting the partition to FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4.

If you encounter any issues with your SD card, you can resolve them using the Partition Master tool. It also offers the following features:

Once you've formatted the Steam Deck SD card to the correct format, you can insert it and utilize it on your Steam Deck. Keep reading to learn how to install and format it on your device.

安装和格式化Steam Deck的SD卡

The Steam Deck SD card utilizes the Linux file system format, specifically EXT4. After inserting the SD card, the Steam Deck offers built-in functionality to format it. Below are the exact steps to download and format the SD card on your Steam Deck: 1. Ensure your Steam Deck is powered on and unlocked. 2. Access the home screen of your Steam Deck. 3. Locate and open the "Settings" application. 4. In the "Settings" menu, navigate to "System." 5. Under the "Storage" section, select "SD Card." 6. Choose the "Format" option. A warning will appear, reminding you that all data will be erased. 7. Confirm the action to proceed with formatting. 8. Wait for the formatting process to complete. This may take a few minutes. 9. Once done, your SD card will be formatted and ready to use. Remember to backup any important data before formatting.

Step 1. Find the SD card slot on the Steam Deck: It's typically situated on the bottom right side of the device.

Step 2. Hold the card correctly: Insert it into the slot following the arrow direction on the card.

Step 3. Make sure the SD card is fully inserted: a small icon will display at the top of the Steam Deck screen. If you don't see it, remove the SD card and insert it again.

Step 4. Format the Steam Deck SD card:

Translate the following text into English:
• Open the Steam menu on the Steam Deck and locate Settings.
• In the System menu, find the Format SD Card option.
• Confirm the warning message and begin formatting.

Step 5. Set SD card as default storage: Go to Settings, then locate Storage. From there, set the SD card as the default storage.

When formatting the SD card through Steam Deck, you might encounter an error where Steam Deck fails to format the SD card. You can attempt to resolve the issue by using a tool like Partition Master.

How to Install Windows on Steam Deck in 2024? Comprehensive Guide

This article provides a detailed guide on installing the Windows operating system on Steam Deck, including a step-by-step tutorial and potential troubleshooting solutions.

Conclusion

Before installing the SD card, it's essential to select the appropriate one for your requirements and format it to the EXT4 file system. This article provides preparatory guidance for installing and formatting SD cards for the Steam Deck and presents two methods to assist you in formatting SD cards.

Formatting an SD card for Steam Deck is straightforward. However, tools like Partition Master provide more advanced features and can even repair the SD card if the Steam Deck encounters issues.

If you encounter any issues with the Steam Deck, such as the "Steam taking too long to allocate disk space" problem or the "Steam unpacking slowly" error, you can click the links to find solutions. The tool Partition Master will be of great assistance to you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Installing and Formatting an SD Card for Steam Deck

Do you know how to format the SD card for Steam Deck? This article presents two methods. Additionally, it includes some frequently asked questions and answers related to the topic. Hopefully, this information will be beneficial to you.

1. What format should the Steam Deck SD card be in?

The Steam Deck SD card utilizes a specific format, which is EXT4. Other formats will not be supported on the Steam Deck.

**2. Should I use SDXC or SDHC for the Steam Deck?**

An SDXC card is the optimal choice for the Steam Deck. This type of microSD card offers the fastest speed. When selecting the SD card, consider its read, load, and installation times.

3. What should I do if the Steam Deck Format SD card option is grayed out?

If the "Format SD Card" option appears grayed out on your Steam Deck, it could be due to a corrupted SD card or insufficient battery charge on the device.