How to change the Proton version on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck

You've heard a lot about Proton and all the different versions, but how do you actually change the version of Proton used for games? Here's all you need to know.

Why might you need to change the Proton version? Certain versions may just work better. Like Proton Experimental, which pulls in fixes much quicker than the stable numbered versions of Proton, which at times may be needed. Valve usually set the specific version of Proton that's best but not always.

Steam Deck / SteamOS

For SteamOS you can do it directly in Gaming Mode.

Simply pick the game you wish to change in your Steam Library and go along to the little cog icon and into the Properties.

From there you want to select the Compatibility menu, and then pop a tick in the box that says "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool". This will then make a drop-down box appear and you can select whatever version of Proton you wish to use.

Desktop Linux

For Desktop Linux just right click on a game in your Steam Library, go to Properties, Compatibility, tick the box that says "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool" and select a version of Proton from the drop-down box that appears.

Here's a video on Desktop Linux too:

That's all you need to do! Happy gaming!

Don't forget to also check out these guides:

• Why are there so many different Proton versions?
• How to install GE-Proton on Steam Deck, SteamOS, Linux
• How to check game compatibility for Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck
• And more in the growing full guides section