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TheSteam Deckis available in two models. The regular version is sold with 64GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. The OLED Steam Deck is more expensive but offers more space with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The lowest-priced models sell out frequently on the Steam store, and they are a viable option for gamers who want a high-quality experience on the go or if they plan on using it as a desktop for work.
Unfortunately, all models of the Steam Deck can run out of space fairly quickly. Even after a game is uninstalled from the console, it leaves traces behind called shader cache. This guide will teach Steam Deck users the easiest and fastest method to clear the shader cache and free up more space on the Steam Deck.
Updated June 29, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:The Storage Cleaner is an excellent tool for clearing unwanted files on the Steam Deck. It requires the Decky Loader program to work but the latest Steam Deck update broke the program making it inaccessible from the Quick Access Menu. This guide is updated to include the steps for restoring Decky Loader back to its original state with all your settings intact.
Enable Developer Mode
Before switching to Desktop Mode and installing the Decky Loader program, you should enable your Developer Mode settings.
Major updates to Steam Deck may disable the Decky Loader program in the Quick Access Menu. There’s no need to panic; just check your Developer Mode settings, re-enable developer mode and CEF Remote Debugging, then restart your Steam Deck. Your Decky menu and installed plugins and settings will return. With the frequent updates in Beta and Beta Candidate Modes, Maintaining the Steam Deck in Stable mode ensures safer compatibility with Decky Loader’s patches.
Install Decky Loader
Before trying to clear the cache tofree up space on the Steam Deck,users must first install a plugin called Decky Loader. Decky allows users to install several helpful tools to make the handheld more versatile and customizable, fromnew boot videosto general maintenance and performance improvements. To install Decky Loader, use the following steps:
Install Storage Cleaner
With Decky Loader installed, it is time to download the Storage Cleaner plugin by Matt Carlucci to clear more space on the Steam Deck.
That’s everything a Steam Deck user needs to free up more space. In addition, users can use thisguide to increase the Steam Deck’s storageusing the recommended SD cards.
Install Deck Cleaner
Even though using the Decky Loader option is the most convenient, some Steam Deck users may want to use theDeck Cleaneroption from MiaPepsi. It means players won’t have to install Decky Loader and sideload the Storage Cleaner above:
How To Restore Decky Loader After The Steam Deck Update
The latest update for the Steam Deck has removed Decky Loader from the Quick Access Menu. If you want to use Deck Cleaner and similar plugins, you’ll need to restore Decky Loader and your installed plugins and settings. Follow these steps to get everything back in order.
If you haven’t set up a sudo password, be careful and use a memorable word. Changing the password without performing a factory reset on the Steam Deck is impossible.
