How to install Xodus Nexus on Linux and Steam Deck
How to install Xodus Nexus on Linux and the Steam Deck, from the AppImage to your first game. Most failed setups come from the system keyring, which step 4 covers.
Before you start:
- A 64-bit x86 Linux system, or a Steam Deck (experimental).
- A Microsoft account with a valid purchase or a subscription such as PC Game Pass.
- KDE Wallet or GNOME Keyring enabled, with a password.
- Room for the backend, the runtime and your games.
Install Xodus Nexus step by step
Step 1: Download the AppImage
Download Xodus-Nexus-0.3.9-x86_64.AppImage from the official releases page. The download page explains which file is which.
Step 2: Make it executable and open it
In a terminal, in the download folder, run chmod +x Xodus-Nexus-0.3.9-x86_64.AppImage, then open the file. In most file managers you can also tick "Allow executing file as program" in its properties and double-click it.
On Arch-based, Debian/Ubuntu and Fedora systems, the official setup guide also documents an install script that adds Xodus Nexus to your application menu. On SteamOS, use the AppImage instead.
Step 3: Install the backend and runtime
Open Settings in the launcher and install the Nexus backend and the Nexus runtime. These are the parts that sign you in, download games and run them. Keep all three parts up to date from the same page.
Step 4: Sign in with your Microsoft account
Sign in with the Microsoft account that owns your games or your Game Pass subscription. Xodus Nexus stores the sign-in in your system keyring, so the keyring must be enabled and unlocked, with Secret Service support.
- KDE: enable the wallet in System Settings → KDE Wallet if it is off, and keep its password enabled.
- Passkey or security key: if sign-in waits forever, choose Continue in browser. This requires Google Chrome.
Step 5: Install and play a game
Find a game in My Library or the Store and install it. The Install Queue shows progress and lets you pause and resume. When it finishes, press Play. Check the compatible games list before downloading a large title.
Installing Xodus Nexus on Steam Deck
The developer describes Steam Deck and similar handheld support as experimental, currently tested on virtualized SteamOS rather than real hardware. If you try it:
- Switch to Desktop Mode and follow steps 1 to 4 above with the AppImage. Use launcher 0.3.2 or newer with backend 0.2.3 or newer.
- Complete KDE Wallet setup and unlock it while still in Desktop Mode. Password prompts may not be visible in Game Mode.
- Use Add Nexus to Steam in Settings, or Add to Steam on a game, to get a shortcut in Game Mode. Native Steam is required; the Steam Deck’s built-in Steam is native.
- In Game Mode, press Steam + X for the on-screen keyboard. Sign-in windows and file pickers may still need touch or a mouse.
If Xodus Nexus does not work
| What happens | What to check |
|---|---|
| Sign-in fails or repeats | Keyring enabled and unlocked; launcher and backend up to date. |
| Sign-in stuck on a passkey | Use Continue in browser with Google Chrome installed. |
| Library is empty | Update the backend to 0.2.9, which fixed empty libraries for some accounts. |
| Game asks for VC++ | Right-click the game → Install / update VC++. |
| Game fails to start | Check the compatibility list; some titles are known not to work. |
| Anything else | Settings → Xodus backend → Open backend diagnostic log, then report it on GitHub. |
Install questions
Why does Xodus Nexus keep asking me to sign in?
Your sign-in is stored in the system keyring. It must be enabled, unlocked and support the Secret Service interface. On KDE, check System Settings → KDE Wallet; since 0.3.9, Settings can check the keyring and start an installed provider.
Microsoft sign-in is stuck on a passkey. What do I do?
Choose "Continue in browser" in the sign-in window. This needs Google Chrome, either installed natively or the Flatpak from Discover, and launcher 0.3.3 or newer. Other browsers are not supported for this option.
Can I install Xodus Nexus on SteamOS without changing system files?
Yes. Use the AppImage. The documentation says to use it on SteamOS instead of the install script, and that launcher 0.3.2 or newer does not modify the read-only system partition.
How do I play Xodus Nexus games in Steam Game Mode?
Choose Add to Steam on a game, or Add Nexus to Steam in Settings. This needs native Linux Steam; Flatpak Steam is not supported yet. Set up and unlock KDE Wallet in Desktop Mode first, because its prompts may not appear in Game Mode.
A game says VC++ is required.
Right-click the game and choose Install / update VC++.
Where do I report a problem?
In the Xodus Nexus GitHub issue tracker, with the game name, the exact error, the launcher, backend and runtime versions, and your Linux distribution. Remove credentials and private paths from logs, and never attach game files or saves.
Back to the Xodus Nexus guide.