What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Back up your Steam Deck’s Decky Loader data before installing a theme or changing UI plugins. In Gaming Mode, inventory every plugin and its settings, use each plugin’s own export tool when available, then switch to Desktop Mode, close Steam, and copy the relevant Decky and homebrew data into a dated archive. Keep one copy on removable storage and a second copy on another computer or a supported cloud service before you make any changes.
This matters because Decky Loader is more than a theme switcher: it can stylize menus, alter system sounds, adjust screen saturation, and change other system settings. There is no documented, universal settings file that covers every plugin, so a reliable backup combines plugin-specific exports with a broad copy of the data directories each plugin creates.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What you are actually backing up
Decky Loader is a homebrew plugin launcher for Steam Deck. The SteamDeckHomebrew Decky Loader README describes it as a tool that can “stylize your menus, change system sounds, adjust your screen saturation, change additional system settings, and more.” A UI customization can therefore affect plugin preferences, CSS, sounds, performance controls, layout choices, and other system-facing options—not just one theme file.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Each plugin can decide how and where it stores its data. Some provide an export or backup command; others leave configuration files or supporting files in the Decky/homebrew data area. No documented universal settings file contains every plugin’s data. Your archive should therefore contain both kinds of material:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Plugin-supported exports: files created by a plugin’s own backup or export function. These are usually the cleanest way to restore that plugin.
- A broad data copy: the relevant Decky and homebrew plugin directories, copied wholesale so that unknown configuration, cached choices, or files left by an uninstaller are not missed.
- Your inventory: plugin names, versions or channels, and the choices you made in each plugin. This gives you a recovery map if a plugin’s import process changes.
The Decky Ludusavi guide calls its plugin the official successor by the same developer, with more features, versioning, and clean maintenance. Whether you use that tool or manual copies, treat an archive as your safety net rather than assuming a clean reinstall will recreate every setting.
When to make the backup
Make the archive before installing, updating, removing, or reconfiguring any CSS, theme, sound, performance, layout, or system-setting plugin. Also back up before a SteamOS update if your Deck depends on several custom plugins, and before a factory reset or storage replacement.
Do not wait until the interface is already broken. A failed theme can make navigation difficult, while a plugin that changes performance or other system settings can create symptoms that are not confined to the appearance of one menu. The safest order is:
- Record the current state in Gaming Mode.
- Export data from plugins that support it.
- Copy the relevant data in Desktop Mode with Steam closed.
- Place a second copy somewhere other than the Deck.
- Only then change the UI.
Prepare a clear, recoverable archive
Name the folder so you can identify it later
Create a dated folder such as SteamDeck-UI-backup-YYYY-MM-DD. Use the actual date in place of YYYY-MM-DD, and keep the name unchanged when you copy it to other storage. If you make multiple archives, add a short description, for example SteamDeck-UI-backup-2026-10-19-before-theme.
Include a written inventory
In the archive, create a plain-text or markdown file named inventory. Record every installed Decky plugin, its displayed version, its release or testing channel if shown, and whether it has an export file. Note custom theme names, CSS edits, sound selections, layout changes, performance profiles, and any option that changes a system setting. This record is useful even when a plugin export succeeds because it tells you what should be present after restoration.
Use a stable destination
The working archive can be created on the Deck, but it should not remain there as the only copy. Use local removable storage such as a portable SSD or microSD card for a quick, offline copy. Then place a second copy on another computer or a supported cloud service. The Decky Ludusavi guide names Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox as cloud destinations. Verify that the copy finishes before disconnecting the storage or deleting anything from the Deck.
Step-by-step backup procedure
1. Inventory plugins in Gaming Mode
Start in Gaming Mode so the list reflects what you use in the normal interface.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11- Open the Decky menu from the Quick Access area.
- Open the installed-plugin list.
- For each plugin, write down its name, displayed version, and channel, such as stable or a testing channel if the plugin shows one.
- Record every customized choice that would be inconvenient to reconstruct: themes, CSS, sounds, saturation, layouts, performance limits, controller behavior, and other system settings.
Do not rely on memory. A plugin can be installed but disabled, or it can expose settings only inside its own page. Include both active and installed items in the inventory.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
2. Export from each plugin that supports it
Open each plugin’s settings page and look for an option labeled Export, Backup, Save configuration, or a similar command. The exact label is plugin-specific; there is no single Decky command that exports every plugin.
- Open one plugin’s settings.
- Run its export or backup command, if present.
- Save the resulting file inside the dated archive, using a subfolder named for that plugin.
- Repeat for every plugin, including plugins that do not change the visual theme.
- Update the inventory with the exported filename and the time you created it.
If a plugin has no export function, do not treat that as proof that it has no data. Continue with the broad directory copy in the next step.
3. Switch to Desktop Mode and close Steam
Switch to Desktop Mode before copying files. Close Steam completely rather than leaving the client running in the background. Open the desktop file manager and prepare the dated archive folder on local storage.
Closing Steam reduces the chance that a running plugin or client process will rewrite a configuration file while you are copying it. If the file manager reports that a file is in use, confirm that Steam and any related process has closed before trying again.
4. Copy Decky and plugin data broadly
Copy the relevant Decky/homebrew plugin data and any plugin-created configuration into the archive. Because plugins do not share one documented universal path, do not assume that one file or one folder is sufficient. Copy the relevant directories wholesale, preserving their folder structure and filenames.
Use the specific plugin’s documentation to confirm path-level details when it provides them. For a plugin without clear documentation, include its complete data directory rather than selecting only files that look like settings. This broader approach also captures supporting files that an uninstall may leave behind.
Keep exported files separate from the raw directory copy. For example, the archive can contain an exports folder for plugin-generated backups, a decky-data-copy folder for the wholesale copy, and the inventory file at the top level. The names are for organization; the important point is that you retain both forms of backup.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
5. Verify the local archive
Before disconnecting storage, open the archive and check that it contains:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- The inventory of installed plugins, versions or channels, and custom choices.
- Every export file you created, grouped by plugin.
- The copied Decky/homebrew data directories with their contents visible.
- A readable folder name with the date and purpose of the backup.
Open a few exported files when their format permits it. A file with zero bytes, an obviously incomplete copy, or a folder that contains only empty directories is not a usable backup. If the archive is on a microSD card or portable SSD, safely eject it only after the copy and verification finish.
6. Create the off-device copy
Copy the entire dated archive to another computer or to a supported cloud destination. Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox are named in the Decky Ludusavi guide. Keep the local removable copy as well: a cloud copy protects against loss of the Deck, while the local copy is usually faster to restore when you are offline.
Do not replace the first copy with a shortcut or a sync link. Confirm that the second location contains the actual exported files and copied directories. If your cloud service shows synchronization status, wait for it to report completion before modifying the Deck.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems7. Make the UI change only after both copies exist
With two verified copies available, install or change the CSS, theme, sound, layout, performance, or system-setting plugin. Change one plugin or one related group at a time, then restart Steam and test before making another change. This makes it possible to identify the change that caused a problem.
After restarting Steam, check the Quick Access Decky menu, each customized screen, and every plugin that changes performance or system settings. Confirm that the Deck remains usable before continuing with additional customization.
What to copy when a plugin has no export tool
| Item | Why it belongs in the archive | How to handle it |
|---|---|---|
| Plugin export file | Uses the plugin’s supported restoration format. | Save it in a folder named for that plugin and record the filename in the inventory. |
| Decky/homebrew plugin data | Captures configuration and supporting files that may not be exposed in the UI. | Copy the relevant directories wholesale in Desktop Mode with Steam closed. |
| Custom CSS or theme files | Preserves visual changes that may be separate from plugin preferences. | Include them in the relevant export folder or raw data copy, and note where they were used. |
| Sound, layout, performance, and system-setting choices | These settings can affect more than the appearance of a theme. | Record the exact choices in the inventory even if no separate file is obvious. |
| Files left after an uninstall | Removing a plugin may not remove every file it created. | Keep the broad copy; do not rely on uninstalling and reinstalling to produce a clean state. |
The table is a planning guide, not a claim that every plugin uses each item. A plugin’s own documentation and export function take precedence when they specify a different format or location.
Choosing a backup method
| Method | Strength | Limitation | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual archive | Broad coverage of files whose purpose or location is not obvious. | Requires careful copying and a written inventory. | Your baseline backup before customization or a major SteamOS change. |
| Plugin export | Cleaner, plugin-supported restoration when the feature exists. | Not every plugin provides one, and exports may cover only that plugin’s known settings. | Use alongside, not instead of, the broad archive. |
| Local removable storage | Fast offline recovery and no internet dependency. | Can be lost or damaged with the Deck if kept in the same place. | First copy on a portable SSD or microSD card. |
| Cloud or another computer | Protects against loss, theft, or storage failure affecting the Deck and local copy. | Requires a completed upload or a separate computer and may be slower to retrieve. | Second copy after the local archive is verified. |
| One copy | Simple and quick. | A single failure can remove the only recovery option. | Only as a temporary staging copy. |
| Two copies | Resilient to device loss or corruption. | Requires an extra copy operation and periodic maintenance. | The recommended minimum before UI customization. |
How to restore after a failed customization
Start with the smallest change
If the interface breaks immediately after a change, disable or remove the most recently changed plugin first. Decky’s update guidance says plugins can be updated, reloaded, or removed individually. This gives you a reversible first response instead of changing several components at once.
- Return to the Decky menu if it is still usable.
- Reload, disable, or remove the plugin you changed most recently.
- Restart Steam.
- Check the Quick Access menu and the screen that was affected.
- If the problem remains, continue with the saved archive.
Restore exported settings
Use the affected plugin’s import or restore command, if it provides one. Select the export file from the dated archive and restart Steam when the plugin requests it. Restore one plugin at a time and test after each import so that a bad setting is not reintroduced across the whole interface.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Restore the broad data copy
If an export is unavailable or incomplete, close Steam in Desktop Mode and restore the relevant Decky/homebrew data from the archive, preserving the original directory structure. Use the plugin’s documentation for exact path-level instructions because there is no universal path that applies to every plugin. After copying, restart Steam and check each customized screen and system-setting plugin.
When a clean reinstall is appropriate
A clean Decky reinstall may preserve installed plugins and configurations, according to the Decky update guidance. That behavior is useful, but it is not a substitute for your archive: plugin uninstall behavior can leave other files behind, and a reinstall may not restore an undocumented or plugin-specific choice. Keep the archive even if the reinstall appears to recover everything.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Restoring after a SteamOS update
After an operating-system update, first open Decky and compare the installed-plugin list with your inventory. Check versions and channels, then test the Quick Access menu, customized screens, and any plugin that changes performance or other system settings.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If a plugin is missing or its settings have reset, reinstall or update that plugin individually, then use its export import function if available. If the plugin has no supported import, restore its relevant data from the archive in Desktop Mode with Steam closed. Test after each restoration rather than copying every plugin’s data at once.
A clean Decky reinstall can preserve plugins and configurations, but the result can differ by plugin. The inventory and two-copy archive give you a known target for what should be present and a fallback when automatic preservation is incomplete.
Restoring after a factory reset or storage replacement
A factory reset or replacement drive removes the reason to keep the archive on the Deck, so use the off-device copy. Reinstall Decky and the plugins you actually need, then restore plugin exports and relevant data directories one at a time. Keep the inventory open while you work so that you can match versions, channels, and custom choices.
- Retrieve the archive from the portable SSD, microSD card, another computer, or the supported cloud destination where you stored the second copy.
- Install Decky and confirm that the basic launcher works before restoring customizations.
- Install or enable one plugin from your inventory.
- Import its export file if available, or restore its relevant data using the plugin’s documented path.
- Restart Steam and test the plugin and affected screens.
- Repeat until the required plugins and settings are restored.
Do not copy an entire old data tree blindly if a plugin’s documentation specifies a safer migration method. The broad archive is coverage for unknown files; plugin-supported import remains the preferred route when it exists.
Recommended Free Tools
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Backing up only the theme
A theme file does not necessarily include sound, saturation, layout, performance, or other system-setting choices. Keep the inventory and the broader plugin data copy as well as any theme export.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Assuming one settings file covers Decky
There is no documented universal settings file for every plugin. Treat each plugin as a separate data owner and use its export function when available.
Copying while Steam is open
Open files can change during the copy. Switch to Desktop Mode and close Steam before copying Decky/homebrew data.
Keeping the only copy on the Deck
A reset, storage failure, or an unusable interface can make an on-device archive difficult to reach. Keep a removable local copy and a second copy on another computer or supported cloud service.
Trusting uninstall to remove everything
Plugin uninstall behavior can leave other files behind. Preserve the broad archive and do not assume that uninstalling and reinstalling creates a pristine or fully restored configuration.
Changing several plugins at once
Multiple simultaneous changes make diagnosis harder. Apply one change, restart Steam, and test before proceeding to the next.
Maintenance after the first backup
Refresh the archive whenever you add a plugin, change a major customization, or move to a different release or channel. Create a new dated folder instead of overwriting the previous known-good copy. Keep at least one earlier archive until the new configuration has been tested for normal use.
When you remove a plugin, update the inventory rather than deleting its old backup immediately. Retaining the older export and raw data can help if you later reinstall the plugin or discover that an uninstall left files that affect another customization.
Periodically check that the second copy still opens and that cloud synchronization has completed. An archive is useful only if the files are readable and the inventory still describes the Deck you are trying to rebuild.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
