How to install OpenVPN packages on Steam Deck.

[Angry Hippie]

It took me a while to find this so I figured I'd repost it:

passwd
sudo steamos-readonly disable
sudo pacman-key --init
sudo pacman-key --populate
sudo pacman -Syu
sudo pacman -S networkmanager-openvpn
sudo steamos-readonly enable

explanation:

1. passwd: you have to set a user password in order to use the "sudo" command to elevate privileges
2. sudo steamos-readonly disable: The steam OS partition is read-only by default so you have to unlock it
3. sudo pacman-key --init & sudo pacman-key --populate: When I tried just installing the OpenVPN packages it threw a certificate error, these commands fixed that.
4. sudo pacman -Syu: verifies the system/repositories are up to date
5. sudo pacman -S networkmanager-openvpn: Installs the necessary packages!
6. sudo steamos-readonly enable: Locks the main system files again so you don't break anything

I found out how to fix the cert error here but it's in a Czech form:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/2/3385030647947091478?l=czech

Bonus info:

Apparently changes made to the system partition can be overwritten in future steam system updates. If you want an easy way to re-install this in the event of that just make a simple script:

1. make a new text file called "InstallOpenVPN.sh" (the .sh part is the important bit)
2. copy the following into the text file:

#! /bin/sh
sudo steamos-readonly disable
sudo pacman-key --init
sudo pacman-key --populate
sudo pacman -Syu
sudo pacman -S networkmanager-openvpn
sudo steamos-readonly enable

3. save and done

Happy encrypted browsing

[Alban]

i also get the error "Partition /usr is mounted read only".

[PsyBlade]

Openvpn is actually pre-installed on the deck. It's just the network manager integration that's missing. If you got a config file can use it directly. "sudo openvpn file.ovpn"

[Alban]

thank you but i got an error also

[ShaGan]

doesn't work ;/

[ConvexTlc97]

Broked guide. USR read only error.

[PsyBlade]

As I said you don't actually need "networkmanager-openvpn" to use openvpn.

But if you really want it the below worked fine for me:

sudo steamos-readonly disable
sudo pacman -Sy
sudo pacman -S networkmanager-openvpn
sudo steamos-readonly enable

[Lunac96]

Hi, how are you? I already fix the problem with partition usr and TunnelDeck VPN connection, so i'm going to explain how i made it:

1. Put the version stable of Steam OS
2. If you already have tunneldeck installed, all options have to be in their default positions - IPv6 not disabled and open VPN not enabled - for the commands to work (Both Unchecked)
3. Open Konsole in desktop mode and put this commands:
sudo steamos-readonly disable
sudo pacman-key --init
sudo pacman-key --populate
sudo pacman -Syu
sudo pacman -S networkmanager-openvpn
sudo steamos-readonly enable

4. Change to gaming mode and enable the VPN in TunnelDeck and wait for the Wifi Logo to change to a World Map Logo

[cored0wn]

@Lunac96 thx disabling openvpn in TunnelDeck made the trick

[Devin]

Postat inițial de Minneyar:

Postat inițial de legit windows:

Short reminder that VPN is against the steam SSA and can get your account terminated.

This is not exactly true. The Steam subscriber agreement ( https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/ ) never explicitly mentions VPNs. It does say:

You agree that you will not use IP proxying or other methods to disguise the place of your residence, whether to circumvent geographical restrictions on game content, to order or purchase at pricing not applicable to your geography, or for any other purpose. If you do this, Valve may terminate your access to your Account.

In other words, you could be banned if you use VPN to access region-locked game content or buy games using a different region's currency. The "or for any other purpose" clause is probably meant to be a blanket statement to cover an abuses Valve didn't think of, but blanket clauses like that are also legally unenforceable in many locations (such as the EU). I've never heard of anybody getting banned because they used a VPN to connect through a more stable network or circumvent a restrictive network firewall or for using a VPN that was in their own country.

Thanks for the explanation. In short, we should be able to safely use VPN on Steam Deck as long we don't purchase games and/or use region locked game content via Steam while on VPN, right?

[benny]

Postat inițial de ?legit:

Short reminder that VPN is against the steam SSA and can get your account terminated.

Don't Care. I want to see big titties in Dead Or Alive Xtreme Venus Vacation.

[Moff]

VPN doesn't work anymore after last Steam Deck update. I see it's connected but internet isn't working. Do you have same issues or solutions?