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 →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Steam Deck does not have a shader-cache relocation control documented in Valve’s storage guidance. Start at Steam > Settings > Storage to see what is using space. If games are filling the internal drive, you can move their installations to a microSD library—but Valve’s instructions do not say that this moves shader-cache folders too.
Check what is using storage
Open Steam > Settings > Storage. Valve identifies this screen as the place to manage system storage and connected storage, so use it to check which drive is under pressure and review your installed games. “Other” is a storage category, not proof by itself that shader caches are responsible. Valve’s cited guidance does not give a typical shader-cache size or a reliable estimate of how much space clearing one would recover.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Valve’s Steam Deck basic use and troubleshooting guide documents storage management here, but does not document an in-client option to relocate shader-cache folders.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree space using Steam’s supported controls
If installed games are taking up internal storage, use Steam’s storage controls to move or uninstall games. You can also add a microSD card as a Steam library. This addresses game-installation storage; do not assume that the shader cache moves along with a game.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch 1 (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2), smartphones, and tablets
- Boost your gaming experience with up to 160MB/s read for fast load times
- A2-rated app performance lets you quickly access and enjoy games and apps without lag for an enhanced gaming experience and a competitive edge
- Store more of your favorite games and other content with capacities up to 2TB
- Built to endure with temperature resistance, waterproofing, x-ray protection, and more
- Insert a microSD card.
- To format it through Steam, open Steam > Settings > System > Format SD card. Formatting erases the card’s contents, so copy off anything you need first.
- Return to Steam > Settings > Storage and use Steam’s available library and game-management controls to move installations or choose a library for future installs.
Valve documents support for UHS-I cards rated class 3 or better. UHS-II and UHS-III cards are expected to work, but the Deck does not support their higher transfer speeds. These card details do not imply that a microSD card automatically relocates caches or fixes every storage issue. See Valve’s storage and microSD guidance.
What the available approaches actually do
| Approach | What it can do | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Storage controls | Show system and connected storage and manage game libraries. | Valve’s cited instructions do not identify a shader-cache relocation control. |
| Move game installations to microSD | Put supported game-library content on removable storage. | This is a move of game installations; the cited guidance does not say shader-cache directories move with them. |
| Delete caches or move folders manually | Community posts discuss deleting or relocating cache and compatibility-data folders, sometimes with links to the new location. | These are unofficial procedures. Deleting data may mean it has to be rebuilt or downloaded again; moving folders can create path problems or make games depend on the card being present. |
Why manual cache moves are risky
Community instructions commonly involve moving shadercache or compatdata folders and creating links where the original folders were. They are not Valve’s documented storage procedure, and community reports are anecdotal rather than proof of a universally safe method. Reports include launch issues and warnings about folder-moving changes. A game that depends on data on a removable card may also be affected when that card is absent or unavailable.
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch 1 (NOT compatible with Nintendo-Switch 2), smartphones, and tablets
- Boost your gaming experience with up to 160MB/s read for fast load times
- A2-rated app performance lets you quickly access and enjoy games and apps without lag for an enhanced gaming experience and a competitive edge
- Store more of your favorite games and other content with capacities up to 2TB
- Built to endure with temperature resistance, waterproofing, x-ray protection, and more
Valve cautions users to be careful with commands and scripts found online because they can leave the device in a bad state or compromise data. Its Steam Deck and Steam Machine Desktop FAQ also notes that software installed outside Flatpak may be wiped by a SteamOS update. Avoid copy-pasting shell commands unless you understand what they change and how to reverse them. For most readers, managing game installations through Steam is the safer first step.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CAPTURE LARGER THAN LIFE. Unlock startling 5K[3] point-of-view and pristine high-res stills with video speed class ratings of U3 and V30[4].
- SPEED BARRIERS SHATTERED. Save precious moments with rapid read speeds up to 245MB/s[2] and write speeds up to 170MB/s[2] [256GB-1TB capacities[1]].
- MAXIMIZE WITH MASSIVE CAPACITY. Record longer and store more with up to 2TB[1] of storage.
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON. SANDISK microSD cards are temperature proof, humidity proof, waterproof, shock proof, drop proof, magnet proof, X-ray proof and wear-out proof[7].
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[10].
Rank #4
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
Rank #3
- Note: NOT compatible with Switch2 Please note that this product is not a microSD Express card and is not compatible with Switch2 for game storage or save data. If used in the Switch2, it may only support limited functions such as storing screenshots or videos, but will not allow game installation or save file access.
- Designed for dependable storage on portable gaming consoles
- Steam Deck users: For optimal gaming performance, including the ability to store and load video games, we suggest using a Gen4x4 2230 SSD.
- 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
- SmartPhones: S20, S20+, S20 ultra 5G, S10 lite, S10, S10+ A22, A22 5G, A52 5G, A32 5G, A52, A72, A32, A02s, A12, A21, A71 5G, A51 5G, A20s, Note 10+, J4 Core, J8, J7 Star, J7, Note 10 Plus. SAMSUNG TABLETS: Tab S7 FE 5G, Tab S7 FE, Tab A7 Lite, Tab A7 10.4 (2020), Tab Active 3, Tab S7, Tab S7+, Tab S6 Lite, Tab S6, Tab A 8.0 (2017), Book S and 10th Generation Fire Tablets.
Protect local data and troubleshoot instability
- Do not assume Steam Cloud backs up everything. Valve says developers can choose which kinds of data—such as saves, settings, or other user data—are uploaded. Check Steam Cloud support for each game and protect important local files separately before making storage changes. See Valve’s Steam Cloud documentation.
- If the Deck is unstable, update and restart. Valve recommends installing available system updates and restarting. It also advises temporarily exiting or disabling third-party desktop applications while troubleshooting. See the Steam Deck troubleshooting guide.
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.
