Are you facing an update error on your Steam Deck after performing a factory reset?
It can be frustrating when your device encounters issues, but fear not, as we have gathered effective solutions to help you resolve this issue.
The error message read as “Fatal Error: Steam needs to be online to update. Please confirm your network connection and try again”.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps to fix the Steam Deck update error after a factory reset, ensuring that you can get back to enjoying your gaming experience without any hindrances.
How To Fix Steam Deck Update Error After Factory Reset
To fix steam deck update error after factory reset you can update time in bios, install SteamOS image on usb drive, access recovery boot menu.
Additionally, you can test different usb drives, modify emudeck config files, connect to internet via usb tethering, utilize usb to ethernet adapter, and reimage the steam deck.
1. Update Time In BIOS
Ensure that the system time in the BIOS is accurately set, as discrepancies in the time settings can sometimes lead to update errors.
To update time in BIOS:
- Restart the Steam Deck and access the BIOS settings by pressing the designated key during startup (common keys include F2, F10, Del, or Esc).
- Navigate to the system time settings within the BIOS interface.
- Update the time to ensure it is accurate and matches the current date and time.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
- Attempt to initiate the update process on the Steam Deck to see if the error is resolved.
2. Install SteamOS Image On USB Drive
Consider reinstalling the SteamOS image on a USB drive to facilitate a fresh installation, which may resolve the update error after factory reset. To do this,
- Download the official SteamOS image from the Steam website onto a computer.
- Use a tool like Rufus or Etcher to create a bootable USB drive with the SteamOS image.
- Insert the bootable USB drive into the Steam Deck.
- Boot the Steam Deck from the USB drive to initiate the SteamOS installation process.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall the SteamOS and complete the installation.
- After the reinstallation, attempt to perform the update to check if the error is resolved.
3. Access Recovery Boot Menu
Access the recovery boot menu on the Steam Deck to explore additional troubleshooting options and potential fixes for the update error.
Follow these steps to recover boot menu:
- Restart the Steam Deck and access the recovery boot menu by pressing the designated key combination during startup (specific key combination may vary).
- Explore the troubleshooting options available in the recovery boot menu, such as system repair, startup repair, or rollback to a previous state.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to execute the selected troubleshooting option.
- After completing the troubleshooting process, attempt to perform the update to verify if the error has been resolved.
4. Test Different USB Drives
If utilizing a USB drive for updates, experiment with different drives to rule out potential compatibility issues that may be contributing to the update error. To do this,
- Obtain alternative USB drives from different manufacturers or with varying specifications.
- Transfer the update files to the different USB drives.
- Insert each USB drive into the Steam Deck and attempt to perform the update from each drive.
- Determine if the error persists when using different USB drives for the update process.
5. Modify EmuDeck Config Files
Explore the possibility of editing EmuDeck configuration files to address any specific settings or configurations that may be contributing to the update error.
Follow these steps to modify EmuDeck Config Files:
- Access the EmuDeck configuration files on the Steam Deck.
- Identify the relevant configuration files that may impact the update process.
- Make necessary edits to the configuration files, such as adjusting network settings or update parameters, based on official documentation or expert recommendations.
- Save the changes to the configuration files and exit the file editor.
Attempt to perform the update process to evaluate if the error has been resolved after the configuration adjustments.
6. Connect To Internet Via USB Tethering
Utilize USB tethering with a smartphone to establish an alternative internet connection for the Steam Deck, potentially bypassing any network-related update issues. To do this,
- Enable USB tethering on your smartphone through the device settings.
- Connect the smartphone to the Steam Deck using a USB cable.
- On the Steam Deck, navigate to the network settings and select the USB tethering option to establish an internet connection.
- Once the USB tethering connection is active, attempt to initiate the update process to check if the error persists.
7. Utilize USB To Ethernet Adapter
Employ a USB to Ethernet adapter to establish a stable and direct wired connection, which can sometimes mitigate update errors associated with network connectivity. To do this,
- Acquire a compatible USB to Ethernet adapter.
- Connect the USB to Ethernet adapter to the Steam Deck’s USB port.
- Use an Ethernet cable to establish a wired connection between the adapter and a network source (such as a router or modem).
- Configure the network settings on the Steam Deck to utilize the wired Ethernet connection.
- Once the wired connection is established, proceed to perform the update to determine if the error has been resolved.
8. Reimage The Steam Deck
Consider reimaging the Steam Deck entirely, which involves a complete restoration of the device to its original state, potentially resolving persistent update errors.
To reimaging the steam deck:
- Back up any essential data or files from the Steam Deck to an external storage device.
- Access the Steam Deck’s recovery or reset options to initiate the reimaging process.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to reset the Steam Deck to its factory settings or perform a full system reimage.
- After the reimage process is complete, attempt to perform the update to assess if the error has been resolved.
9. Contact Steam Customer Support
If none of the aforementioned solutions effectively resolve the update error on your Steam Deck following a factory reset, consider reaching out to Steam’s customer support.
Their knowledgeable support team can provide tailored troubleshooting steps and guidance to address the issue.