How to Set Up GeForce Now on Steam Deck? [2025 Guide]

Are you looking to play high-end PC games on your Steam Deck without taxing its hardware? GeForce Now is the perfect cloud gaming solution. With NVIDIA's powerful servers, you can enjoy AAA titles at high settings, even on a handheld device. This guide will walk you through how to set up GeForce Now on Steam Deck seamlessly.

Quick Guide: How to install GeForce Now on Steam Deck ?

1. Switch to Steam Deck Desktop Mode
2. Download the Nvidia installation script
3. Execute and install the “GeForceNOW_Setup” file
4. Return to Gaming Mode
5. Navigate to the “Non-Steam” games section in your library
6. Launch GeForce Now and start streaming games   

What is GeForce Now?

GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming service platform from NVIDIA. It allows you to play games that your Steam Deck might not support due to hardware limits and run games you already own using NVIDIA’s powerful cloud servers.

Can You Use Geforce NOW for free?

Yes, GeForce NOW offers a free membership tier that lets you try cloud gaming without any upfront cost. With a free account, you can play for up to one hour per session—perfect for testing how well it runs on your setup or casually jumping into a game. Just sign up, log in, and you're ready to stream.

But the paid version offers a better gaming experience. The paid version costs $4.99 per month with no fees for the first 90 days of use. Paid players have priority access to avoid long queues. You can play for up to 6 hours per login. The paid version also supports NVIDIA's ray-tracing graphics, which improves the quality of light and shadows in the game, making the game scenes more realistic, which is appealing to those who are looking for the ultimate visual experience.

Overall, if you just want to experience the GeForce NOW cloud gaming service, the free version can satisfy your initial needs; if you want to get a better and unlimited gaming experience, the paid version is a better choice.

Why Use GeForce Now on Steam Deck?

Due to the limited internal storage space of the Steam Deck, the number of games that can be installed and stored without the use of cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now is limited by the capacity of the local hard drive. The advantage of GeForce Now is that players don't need to install games on the Steam Deck's local hard drive. Through cloud gaming services, players can stream games directly from the cloud and run them, thus breaking through the limitation of insufficient space on the local hard drive, and avoiding the problem of not being able to run large games smoothly due to insufficiently configured local hardware. So the benefits of using GeForce NOW on dteam deck:

• No storage limitations – Play games without worrying about internal SSD space.
• Superior performance – Run demanding games at high FPS with cloud computing.
• Play anywhere – Game on the go with an internet connection.
• Lower battery consumption – Cloud gaming reduces local hardware usage.

To enhance your gameplay experience, consider using an external display like the Arzopa Z1FC portable monitor.This 16.1-inch 1080P IPS screen delivers a high refresh rate 144Hz and vibrant colors, making your GeForce Now experience even better.

What do You Need to Use GeForce NOW on Steam Deck?

• A game supported by GeForce NOW (Supported Games List)
• An active GeForce NOW subscription (See Subscription Table)
• Follow the installation guide below

How to Set Up GeForce Now on Steam Deck?

GeForce NOW makes this process even easier. In desktop mode, simply go to the page provided, download the script, run it and everything is ready to go! To install GeForce NOW on your Steam Deck, you can follow these steps:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode: Begin by pressing the "Steam" button on the left - hand side of your Steam Deck. From the menu that appears, scroll down to the "Power" option and select "Switch to desktop". This action boots your Steam Deck into its Linux - based operating system's desktop environment. The desktop mode is crucial as most of the installation processes for non - native Steam applications, such as GeForce NOW, take place here.
   
   
2. Download the GeForce NOW Installation Script: Open up your browser of choice in Desktop Mode and download the GeForce Now installation file from Team Green’s site. Click the “Get Started” download link under the “Gaming Handheld Devices section, Steam Deck (BETA)”. Note, this process is a lot easier if you pair your Deck with a wireless keyboard and mouse — which you can easily do in Gaming Mode by hitting the Steam button, then Settings, then choosing the Bluetooth option.  
3. Install GeForce NOW: After the "GeForce Now_setup" file has been successfully downloaded, locate it. Usually, it will be in the default download folder of your browser. Right - click on the file and select "Execute". A prompt will appear, asking if you want to install GeForce NOW on your Steam Deck. Click "Yes" to start the installation process. The installation may take a few minutes to complete.
   
   
4. Return to Gaming Mode: Once the installation of GeForce NOW is finished, use a Bluetooth mouse or the trackpads on the Steam Deck to move back to the desktop. In the upper - left corner of the desktop, you will find a gaming mode shortcut. Click on this shortcut to return to the SteamOS gaming interface. 
5. Locate GeForce NOW in the Library: In the gaming mode, press the "Steam" button. This action opens the main menu. From the menu, select "Library". Then, use the R1 button to scroll to the "Non - Steam" section. Here, you will find the GeForce NOW app. It might be listed under a different name, but it will have the distinct GeForce NOW logo. Once you have located the app, click on it to launch GeForce NOW.
   
6. Log in and Start Using: When you launch the GeForce NOW app, you will be prompted to log in with your NVIDIA account. If you don't already have an NVIDIA account, you can create one for free. After logging in, you can start exploring the extensive library of games available on GeForce NOW. The games are sourced from platforms like Steam, Ubisoft Connect, and Xbox Game Pass. Find the game you want to play, click on it, and the streaming process will commence, allowing you to enjoy high - quality gaming on your Steam Deck.

Why Use an External Monitor for Steam Deck?

Boost your experience by connecting a portable monitor for a larger screen and higher refresh rates. The Arzopa Z1FC portable monitor is the ideal companion for Steam Deck users who want a bigger and better display.

Features of the Arzopa Z1FC Portable Monitor:

16.1-inch Full HD (1080P) IPS panel with stunning colors.

144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay.

USB-C and HDMI compatibility, making it plug-and-play with Steam Deck.

Ultra-slim and lightweight design – perfect for gaming on the go.

How to connect Arzopa Z1FC Gaming Portable Monitor to Steam Deck?

• Connect your Steam Deck to the Arzopa Z1FC using a USB-C or HDMI cable.
• Adjust display settings to optimize performance.
• Enjoy a bigger and more immersive GeForce Now gaming session!

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter lag, input delay, or connection issues, try the following:

1. Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection for lower latency.
2. Reduce streaming quality settings in GeForce Now for a smoother experience.
3. Restart your Steam Deck to refresh network settings.
4. Connect via Ethernet (using a dock) for a stable wired connection.

Conclusion

With GeForce Now on Steam Deck, you unlock limitless gaming possibilities without overheating or storage concerns. For the best cloud gaming setup, pair it with the Arzopa Z1FC gaming portable monitor to enjoy larger, smoother, and more immersive gameplay. If you have any further questions or would like to share your experiences about it, please leave a comment below. Don't forget to share this article with your friends and colleagues who may benefit from the information. Happy browsing!