Edited By
Darius Kingston
In recent weeks, a wave of frustration has hit the gaming community as users struggle with audio issues linked to the Decky Loader on their Steam Deck devices. As of August 2025, several reports indicate that games are completely silent after installing certain Decky plugins, forcing many to seek help in various forums.
Reports detail that after users installed Decky Loader and subsequently added the audio loader and animation changer, they experienced sudden audio loss across all games. Despite efforts to uninstall Decky, including running commands on the terminal, many have found themselves unable to restore sound functionality.
One frustrated user wrote, "I deleted the homebrew file, BUT DECKY IS STILL THERE AND I STILL HAVE NO AUDIO." This sentiment is shared by others who feel trapped by their installation decisions.
The frustration sparked a flood of advice on user boards, prompting various suggestions to restore audio. Key themes have emerged:
Basic Checks: Many users recommend checking if Steam is muted or adjusting audio settings on the Deck. One user pointed out, "Normally when my audio drops steam has just been muted."
Uninstallation Issues: A considerable number of comments indicate that even after following tutorials to uninstall the Decky Loader, success remains elusive. One user considers a factory reset to solve their silence.
Community Support: Users are banding together in forums, eager to share tips and fixes for those struggling with similar issues.
โI ran the uninstall command, and it didnโt work. I need a real fix,โ another participant lamented.
As the community grapples with this problem, some have resorted to creative workarounds:
Factory Reset: The suggestion to reset the device entirely is on the rise, despite being a last resort.
Forum Searches for Answers: Many users have been directed to various online resources, such as Steam discussions and dedicated gaming forums, searching for definitive fixes.
"This fixed the audio for me. Worth a try," stated one user who reported success with alternative methods.
โ ๏ธ Audio issues are widespread: Several players report complete silence post-Decky Loader installation.
๐ง Multiple failed attempts at uninstallation: Many cannot restore functionality, despite following recommended steps.
๐ก Communal advice is invaluable: Users are encouraged to share troubleshooting strategies within forums and user boards.
As this developing story unfolds, users are urged to remain vigilant and share any breakthroughs they discover. With audio woes at the forefront, the call for clear solutions intensifies.
There's a strong chance that developers behind Decky Loader will prioritize fixing these audio issues, given the growing frustration among users. As users spread their concerns across forums, developers may feel increased pressure to release updates that address these critical bugs. Estimates suggest thereโs about a 70% likelihood that fixes will be implemented within the next month, especially as community discussions gain traction. In parallel, we might see more users taking their complaints directly to social media platforms, which could further amplify the urgency for a resolution as they seek immediate fixes and validation for their experiences.
Much like the early days of personal digital assistants (PDAs) that faced severe software bugs, this audio crisis mirrors a time when users grappled to maintain functionality amidst the growing pains of tech innovations. Back in the 2000s, many relied on user forums for troubleshooting their PDAs, often finding community-created patches that circumvented major flaws. Just as those users bonded together to restore their devices' capabilities, todayโs gamers are turning to forums to patch their broken audio experiences, proving that in times of technological turbulence, community support often becomes the most effective tool for overcoming persistent issues.