How to mount an ISO on the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck isn't just a portable gaming console. It is also a mini computer that runs Linux as its operating system. This means that it can be used like a traditional PC and Valve does not withhold any functionality from the user. Some tasks require additional software to be installed before they can be performed. One of them is mounting ISO files. These are digital files of compressed data that contain the same data as the CD/DVD/Blu-ray disc from which they were copied. They are often used to distribute operating system installation files, but also for archiving purposes and to create game files for use with retro console emulators. It is not difficult to mount ISO files on the Steam Deck and they work like any other operating system once mounted.

What you need

To prepare for mounting ISO files on your Steam Deck, you don't need much other than a little time to get everything up and running. It's worth checking that your internet is working properly and that you have enough storage space for the files you need. Otherwise you can start.

• An internet connection: You need a stable internet connection to download the programs you need to install on the Steam Deck.
• An ISO file: You can create your own ISO files from CDs or DVDs you own using a program like ImgBurn. Some software, such as Linux distributions, also come in ISO format, and that is what we used for this tutorial.
• Free space on the Steam Deck: You need enough space for the ISO file and at least as much free space to mount it.

How to mount an ISO file on Steam Deck

Switch to desktop mode to get started

Mounting an ISO file on the Steam Deck allows you to use it instead of a physical CD. Emulators allow you to copy data, install games, or play disc-based games. It's essentially a virtual version of a physical disc. All you need is a few programs and enough space for the ISO file.

1. Press and hold the power button until the menu appears, then select Switch to desktop.

Alternatively, you can also press the button
steam
to bring up the menu, then scroll down to “Power” and select it.

2. Open that Discover app.

3. Search for Mounting and unmounting ISO which is from Pulsar-ai and install it.

4. Open that Dolphin file manager and navigate to the ISO file you want to mount.

5. Select the ISO file and move the cursor to Mount/unmount ISO image Then select “Mount”.

6. Look for that Devices Section in the left pane of the Dolphin File Manager. The mounted ISO file will appear here and can be navigated like any other folder tree on the Steam Deck.

While the Steam Deck mounts each ISO file in this manner, you may experience problems running some software from the mounted files. This is usually due to SECUROM or other copy protection methods applied to PC games when available on physical media and cannot be easily bypassed. It is worth noting that if it is a PC game, the CD key that came with the CD must be used Activate a product on Steam The dialog on your Steam Deck could be used to link the game to your Steam account, so you don't need the ISO file or the disc it was created from.

Enjoy the ability to play games from ISO files on your Steam Deck

Now that you know how to mount ISO files on the Steam Deck, the floodgates are now open for possibilities. You can create ISO files of your games on CD or DVD, transfer them to the Steam Deck, and install them to play titles that may no longer be available on Steam. Or you can play games from disc-based consoles like the PS2 or Xbox on your Steam Deck using emulators. This type of playback protects your discs from wear and tear and allows you to play them from anywhere.