Fix: Steam Deck Stuck on Loading or Boot Screen

Are you experiencing the frustrating issue of your Steam Deck getting stuck on the loading or boot screen? You’re not alone. Many users have encountered this problem and are looking for effective solutions. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fix the Steam Deck stuck on loading or boot screen issue.

Understanding the Reasons Behind the Issue

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the potential causes of the Steam Deck getting stuck on the loading screen. By identifying the root cause, you can troubleshoot the problem more effectively. Here are some possible reasons:

Outdated or problematic firmware: In most cases, an outdated firmware version or a bug in the latest firmware can cause the Steam Deck to freeze on the loading screen.

Physical damage: If your console has sustained physical damage, it may result in issues like being stuck on the loading screen.

Temporary failure: Sometimes, the problem may be a temporary glitch that can be resolved with a simple restart.

Power-related problem: Insufficient charging or battery-related issues can also lead to the Steam Deck getting stuck while loading.

Quick Checks before Troubleshooting

Before we move on to the troubleshooting methods, it’s important to perform some quick checks to ensure the problem is not due to physical damage or battery-related issues. Please follow these steps:

1. Check for any visible physical damage on your Steam Deck.
2. Ensure that the battery is in good condition and adequately charged.
3. Make sure you have a USB-C adapter, a 16 GB Pendrive, and access to a PC or Mac, as these may be required for the troubleshooting steps.

Now that we’ve covered the preliminary checks, let’s move on to the methods to fix the Steam Deck stuck on the loading screen issue.

Method 1: Force Restart

Performing a force restart is often the simplest and most effective way to resolve the issue. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Press and hold the power button for approximately 12 seconds or until the Steam Deck shuts down.
2. After the device has powered off, press and hold the power button for about two seconds to turn it back on.

If you frequently encounter this freezing problem, especially after a firmware update, a force restart may provide a temporary fix. However, to address the root cause, it’s recommended to update the firmware. Here’s how:

Access the Steam Deck’s Settings menu.

Navigate to the System tab.

Select Check for Updates to see if any firmware updates are available.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

Method 2: Power Cycle Steam Deck

Power cycling can help resolve various issues with the Steam Deck, including being stuck on the logo screen or experiencing a black screen. Follow these steps to power cycle your device:

Turn off the Steam Deck.

Unplug the power cable.

Disconnect any external devices connected to the Steam Deck.

Restart the device and check if the issue persists.

Method 3: Properly Charge the Steam Deck

In some cases, the problem may be related to insufficient charging. Make sure you charge your Steam Deck properly and try again. Follow these steps:

1. Connect your Steam Deck to a power source using the appropriate charger.
2. Ensure that the device is charging and wait for it to reach an adequate battery level.
3. Once charged, try booting the Steam Deck and see if it gets past the loading screen.

Method 4: Reimage the SteamOS

If the previous methods haven’t resolved the issue, reimaging the SteamOS can be an effective solution. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official SteamOS download page and download the SteamOS image.
2. Insert a 16 GB pendrive into your computer and use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB using the downloaded SteamOS image.
3. Turn off your Steam Deck.
4. Connect the pendrive to the Steam Deck using a USB-C adapter.
5. Press and hold the Volume down button and the Power button simultaneously until you hear a chime sound.
6. Release the Volume down button first, followed by the Power button.
7. The Steam Deck should boot from the USB device.
8. Select the Reimage Steam Deck option from the menu.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the reimage process.
10. Wait for the process to complete, which may take some time.

If you encountered the issue after a firmware update, you can also consider rolling back to the previous firmware version. Follow the same steps mentioned above but use an older version of the SteamOS Deck Image to create the bootable pendrive.

Method 5: Disable “Use as Wake Movie”

Enabling the “Use as Wake Movie” setting on the Steam Deck can sometimes cause various problems, including getting stuck on the loading screen. Disabling this setting has proven to be an effective solution. Here’s how you can disable it:

Open the Steam Deck’s Menu and navigate to Settings.

Go to the Customization tab.

Locate the “Use as Wake Movie” option and disable it.

Method 6: Contact Steam Support

If none of the above methods have resolved the issue, it’s recommended to reach out to Steam Deck support for further assistance. They will be able to provide you with specific guidance based on your unique situation. Remember, sometimes the issue may be more complex and require professional intervention.

Conclusion

Being stuck on the loading or boot screen can be frustrating when using your Steam Deck. However, by following the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your gaming experience. Remember to perform the quick checks, try force restarting, power cycling, proper charging, reimagining the SteamOS, disabling the “Use as Wake Movie” setting, and contacting Steam support if needed. Hopefully, these solutions have helped you fix the Steam Deck stuck on loading or boot screen issue. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.