How to run Steam on your Lenovo Legion Go (2024)

Do you want your Lenovo Legion Go to do more? You can unlock a world of fun because, unlike other Steam Deck alternatives, you can detach the controllers and use the handheld gaming PC in many different ways. While the Legion Pro includes its own proprietary store, if you're looking for more games to play on your Legion Go (or want to play games you already own) you might want to install Steam. After all, Steam is home to thousands of titles. While the application does not come pre-installed, you can run Steam on the Lenovo Legion Go pretty easily. Here's what to do.

How to run Steam on Lenovo Legion Go through Legion Space

Lenovo's Legion Space software is installed on the Legion Go. You can use this program to install numerous games and platforms, including Steam. Follow these instructions to do so:

1. Launch Lenovo Legion Space, which should open by default when you turn on the device. If it doesn't, press the Legion button (the one that looks like a broken circle) on the left controller.
2. Under Recommended, click on Popular gaming platforms.

   

3. Under Game Platforms, choose Steam.
4. Press Download.

   

5. Follow the steps on your screen to set up Steam. Choose a language, and install Steam in the default location.

   

6. When finished, you can uncheck the box for Run Steam and choose Finish.
7. To launch Steam, choose Popular gaming platforms again and click on the Open button under Steam.

   

8. Steam will launch and update. Log into or create your Steam Account when complete.

Once logged into Steam, you can install your favorite games by clicking Library and then the listing for your game. You also can discover new games by clicking Store and browsing through the list. To install a new game, choose Add to cart, and then check it out using your financial information. The game will then begin downloading and will add a shortcut to your desktop or Start Menu.

How to run Steam on Lenovo Legion Go through the new Legion Space

Lenovo has been working on a patch that updates Legion Space's look. You can access this version if you download a beta file — or you can wait for Lenovo to publish a bug-free official rendition. This updated Legion Space slightly alters the UI's layout, so if you don't install Steam before downloading the new Legion Space, you will have to use slightly different steps:

1. Launch Lenovo Legion Space.
2. Scroll over to the Library tab.
3. Select Game Platforms, then choose Steam.
4. Press Download.

From here on out, the installation process resembles the prior version. Just follow the on-screen instructions, and after your Legion Go is finished, you can find Steam in the Library tab along with all your other installed games and platforms. But you can still access them through the Game Platforms section if you want.

How to run Steam on Lenovo Legion Go without Legion Space

If you don't want to use Lenovo Legion Space to install Steam, don't worry. You can simply install it manually on your own.

1. Open your web browser of choice on your Legion Go.
2. Head to the Steam Download page and choose Install Steam.

   

3. Click on the SteamSetup.exe file in the Downloads tab at the top of the screen.
4. Follow the steps on your screen to set up Steam. Choose a language, and install the program in the default location,
5. When finished, you can uncheck the box for Run Steam and choose Finish.
6. Press the Start Menu button on your Legion Go, and launch Steam.
7. Steam will launch and update. Log into or create a Steam Account when complete.

Once Steam is installed, you can launch it from the Start Menu or from the shortcut on your desktop.

Tips and tricks for Steam on the Legion Go

After you're logged in and get Steam up and running, you'll be good to go. We do have some tips and tricks, though. Make sure you're gaming with your Legion Go set to Performance mode to get the best possible framerates — you can do this by entering the Settings menu, scrolling down to the Performance tab, and clicking on Thermal Mode. Also, you might want to consider checking out our dedicated Legion Go Tips and Tricks article, where we dive into ways for you to use the thumbstick and shoulder buttons to navigate Windows whenever Steam is active!

Happy gaming, and don't forget, invest in a case for your Legion Go to ensure it doesn't get damaged.