How to Set Up a Sudo Password on Steam Deck

When exploring the vast and diverse world of Linux, think of your Sudo password as the key that unlocks the full potential of your Steam Deck. It serves as your gateway and allows you to access all the possibilities that await.

Both Windows and macOS have their own versions of “Sudo” passwords, while Linux has a different method. To make any changes to the Steam Deck, you must directly request it from your PC.

Think of it as a means to activate the ‘run as administrator’ feature; instead of a single click, you have complete control – the Steam Deck’s metaphorical OS empire is at your disposal.

Working with the administrative end of Linux requires a certain level of expertise and is not recommended for beginners. Although making mistakes is not a simple task, it is not a simple task either. This is why the terminal often prompts for the Sudo password.

It is important to keep in mind that there is little margin for error once you make this decision. As Uncle Ben famously advised Spider-Man, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

How to Set a Sudo Password on Steam Deck

Switch to desktop mode
Select the Steam Deck icon on the toolbar
Navigate to the search bar
Search for ‘Konsole’
Open the Konsole app and type ‘passwd’
Type in your preferred password

To begin, make sure you are in desktop mode. To switch to this mode, access the Steam button menu and select Desktop mode from the Power options. Once you are in desktop mode, open the taskbar menu and locate Konsole. This will take you to the terminal page.

Screenshot of desktop mode on Steam Deck. — dexerto

In order to create a new password, simply type passwd. You will be prompted to enter a new password and it is important to remember it. Although Linux may allow for password retrieval, it is best to avoid the hassle of going through that process.

Resetting Sudo Password on Steam Deck

If you happen to have already forgotten your Sudo password for any reason, do not worry. While it may be a bit time-consuming, you can still retrieve your data without any loss.

Shut down Steam Deck
Press and hold ‘3 dot’ & power buttons simultaneously until the beep
Navigate to third option on list & select
Select ‘SteamOS’
Press ‘e’ key on connected keyboard
Find “fbcon=rotate:1” in the code and enter with a space after the previous entry – if you don’t do this the device will crash: systemd.debug_shell
Press Ctrl & X to reboot Steam Deck
In gaming mode, press Ctrl & Alt & F9 on attached keyboard – if your device freezes, you forgot the space after “fbcon=rotate:1”
Type in the command “passwd deck” & hit enter key
Type in a new sudo password & hit the enter key (do this twice)
Press Ctrl & Alt & F1 to return to gaming mode

Attaching a keyboard to the handheld via a Steam Deck dock can simplify the process of resetting your sudo password.

Remember to activate the F-keys by pressing FN if you are using a keyboard that requires it.

Sudo Password Explained

Sudo or superuser do is the Linux equivalent of ‘run as administrator’ in Windows, but it requires manual authorization from the user.

Many features on Linux are inaccessible without this protection. This measure is in place for safety and to prevent unintended alterations. While useful, the Steam Deck does not automatically set up the Linux password for running Sudo applications.

Valve added a desktop mode to allow users access to different features, and the community has embraced it. Since the Steam gaming mode serves as the primary page, there is no requirement to create a password. In fact, a user is not even assigned to the desktop environment until the settings are modified.

To perform tasks such as adding storage or installing plugins like Decky, superuser access is necessary. This is important for maintaining security. Allowing instant modifications to Sudo permissions can leave you vulnerable to various risks.

Despite its intimidating reputation, there is no need to be afraid of Sudo. Using it will not automatically cause any issues, and it is necessary for accessing helpful features such as SSH, which simplifies file transfers between your PC and the Deck.

Our guides on how to install Epic Games Store titles on your Steam Deck and play your complimentary Amazon Prime Gaming games are available for your viewing.