Resolving the Black Screen Issue When Switching to Desktop Mode on Steam Deck

When you encounter a black screen while attempting to switch to desktop mode on your Steam Deck, it can be a frustrating experience. However, there's a straightforward solution that can help resolve this issue. Here's a step-by-step guide to fixing the problem:

Solution

1. Switching Accounts:

   • Start by logging into a new Steam account through the game interface.
   • Switch to desktop mode using this new account.
   • If the switch is successful, proceed to delete all files (excluding folders) located in Home/.local/share/kscreen and Home/.local/share/kscreen/outputs.
   • For safety, instead of deleting, you may choose to cut and backup these files elsewhere before removing them from the original location.
   • After backing up, switch back to the game mode, log into the original account that was experiencing issues, and try switching to desktop mode again. The problem should now be resolved.

2. For Users with Decky Extension Framework Installed:

   • Ensure that you have the Decky Extension Framework installed and have set up a root password beforehand.
   • Install the Decky Terminal extension.
   • Execute sudo -i to log in as root, then run the following commands:

     cd /home/deck/.local/share/kscreen
     rm *
     cd /home/deck/.local/share/kscreen/outputs
     rm *
     exit

   • After executing these commands, close the Terminal and attempt to enter desktop mode again; the issue should be fixed.
   • It's recommended to create a script file named fix.sh containing the above commands and store it in /home/deck/. Remember to make the script executable with the command sudo chmod +x /home/deck/fix.sh.

By following these steps, you should be able to overcome the black screen issue on your Steam Deck and enjoy a seamless gaming experience.