Recently, there has been an increase in reports of a “Compatibility Tools Failed” error on the deck. Sometimes, the issue is limited to a single game, but at other times, it affects all games. Even brand-new out-of-the-box decks have exhibited this issue. In some cases, an update to the Steam Deck’s software has triggered the problem. The Compatibility Tool can be fixed by using simple steps such as restarting or updating it. If those don’t work, resetting or reimaging might be the ultimate solutions. Before you begin troubleshooting, check in the deck’s settings to see if a disk maintenance task is running. If it is, allow it to complete before checking if the problem has been resolved.
1. Disable the Offline Mode of the Steam Deck
Many compatibility operations require Internet access. If your deck is in offline mode, it won’t have the access it needs, which can cause issues. To fix this, disable the offline mode of the Steam Deck.
2. Reinsert the SD Card into the Steam Deck
If the Steam Deck encounters difficulties performing read/write operations on the SD card, the compatibility tool might not be able to process as necessary and could fail. To remediate this, reinsert the SD card into the Steam Deck.
3. Restart Steam and the Steam Deck
A failed compatibility tool on the Steam Deck could be due to an OS module not loading correctly or an OS component needing a restart to apply changes after an update. In either case, restarting Steam or the Steam Deck should solve the problem. Restart Steam Restart the Steam Deck
4. Update the Steam Deck’s OS, Games, and Proton Versions
An outdated deck’s OS might not be compatible with games or other services and could cause the compatibility tool to fail. Updating to the latest build should resolve the issue. Update the Deck’s OS Update the Game Update Proton Version If you’ve previously uninstalled a Proton version, reinstall and update it to see if this resolves the problem.
5. Check the Free Space on the Steam Deck
If there is insufficient free space on the Steam Deck, necessary updates and OS component compatibility may be hampered. Checking and freeing up space should clear this issue.
6. Leave Steam Deck Beta
Being part of the Steam Deck Beta could introduce incompatibilities due to its testing nature. Opting out should address this.
7. Check the Integrity of the Game and Services Files
Damaged files critical to the game or services on the deck’s OS can cause the compatibility tool to fail. Correcting this involves checking the integrity of those files.
8. Reinstall the Problematic Game
If a game’s core modules are damaged, it may no longer be compatible with the deck, causing the compatibility tool to fail. Reinstalling the problematic game is the solution.
9. Launch Steam Through Konsole
If none of the above methods work, you can attempt to launch Steam through Konsole. Any resulting errors can then be investigated for solutions online.
10. Try Different Proton Versions
If the compatibility tool fails because a game or service does not support the current Proton version, trying different versions may help.
11. Reset or Reimage the Steam Deck
If the core components of the Steam Deck’s OS are corrupted or invalid, resetting or reimaging the device may be necessary. Before proceeding, backup any important data on the deck as it will be erased, and ensure the deck’s battery is fully charged.
Reset the Steam Deck
Re-image the Steam Deck
Should the problem persist, it would be prudent to contact Steam Support for further assistance. They can provide additional troubleshooting steps and guidance to help resolve the issue with your Steam Deck’s Compatibility Tool.
