So, you’re excited to dive into your favorite game on the Steam Deck, but your update is frozen at 87%. Frustrating, right? Don’t worry—this issue is more common than you think, and fixing it is easier than you might expect. Let’s walk through simple, tested solutions to get your Steam Deck back on track.
Why Does the Steam Deck Get Stuck at 87%?
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand why this happens. Most often, the culprit is a shaky internet connection, low storage space, or a temporary software hiccup. Less commonly, corrupted system files or bugs might be to blame. The good news? These are all fixable without needing a degree in tech.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal is the #1 reason updates get stuck. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Move closer to your router: Physical barriers like walls can weaken signals.
- Restart your router: Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Switch to a 5GHz network (if available): It’s faster and less crowded than 2.4GHz.
- Try a hotspot: If your home Wi-Fi isn’t cooperating, use your phone’s hotspot temporarily.
Pro Tip: Pause and resume the update in Steam Deck’s download manager. Sometimes a quick refresh kicks things back into gear.
Step 2: Restart Your Steam Deck
A simple restart can work wonders. Here’s how:
- Hold the Power button for 10 seconds until the device shuts off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then press the Power button again to turn it on.
- Check if the update resumes. If not, move to the next step.
Step 3: Clear the Download Cache
Corrupted download data can stall updates. Clearing the cache is safe and takes seconds:
- Go to Settings (the gear icon) > Downloads.
- Click Clear Download Cache.
- Log back into Steam and retry the update.
Step 4: Free Up Storage Space
The Steam Deck needs at least 10% of its storage free to install updates smoothly. To check:
- Open Settings > Storage.
- If space is low, delete unused games or apps:
- Hover over a game in your library > Settings (⋮) > Manage > Uninstall.
- Retry the update.
Bonus: Use a microSD card to expand storage if you’re regularly running low.
Step 5: Reinstall the Update Manually
If the update is still stuck, try reinstalling it:
- Boot into Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the Steam Deck.
- Hold Volume+ and press the Power button. Release both when the boot menu appears.
- Select Reinstall Steam OS (don’t worry—this keeps your games and files intact).
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Step 6: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing works, a factory reset might be necessary. Warning: This erases all data, so back up your games to the cloud first!
- Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Factory Reset.
- Confirm and wait for the process to finish.
Still Stuck? Contact Steam Support
If the problem persists, reach out to Steam Support. They’re responsive and can guide you through advanced fixes. Include details like error messages or steps you’ve already tried to speed things up.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Concerns
Q: Will I lose my games if I reinstall Steam OS?
A: No! Reinstalling Steam OS via Recovery Mode preserves your installed games and saves.
Q: How long should I wait before assuming it’s stuck?
A: Wait 20–30 minutes. Some updates pause to verify files, which takes time.
Q: Can a faulty SD card cause this issue?
A: Yes! Remove the SD card and try updating without it. If it works, reformat or replace the card.
Q: Should I avoid updating my Steam Deck?
A: No—updates include critical fixes. Just ensure you have a stable connection and enough storage.
Final Tips to Avoid Future Issues
- Update during off-peak hours: Less network congestion = faster downloads.
- Keep 15–20GB free: Avoid storage-related headaches.
- Use a wired connection: A USB-C Ethernet adapter provides rock-solid stability.
Wrapping Up
Getting stuck at 87% is annoying, but it’s rarely a death sentence for your Steam Deck. With these steps, you’ll likely solve the issue in under 30 minutes. Remember, most fixes are about patience and methodical troubleshooting—not tech expertise. Now, go finish that update and get back to gaming!
Got more questions? Drop a comment below or share your fix—I’d love to hear what worked for you!—it’s about knowing where to look. Now go show that Steam Deck who’s boss!
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