Valve has added a new feature to Steam Deck, which will be especially useful for those users who have slow internet. From now on, they can copy PC games over a local network to the portable console instead of downloading them again. The update is available in the new Steam Deck beta and Steam.

Hello! We've just shipped a Beta update to Steam and Steam Deck that includes a new feature: Local Network Game Transfers.

This allows Steam users to install games directly from one PC to another over a local network, without having to download and install from the internet. pic.twitter.com/bv9xThZCoS

— Steam Deck (@OnDeck) February 17, 2023

In this way, you can not only transfer entire games, but also update them without having to download them from the Steam servers. This should save time and internet traffic for users.

At this time, the function only works in the direction of PC > PC or PC > Steam Deck. Both users must be members of the Steam Beta program. In the settings, there is an option to whom you can send games: only to yourself, only to friends or to anyone. If one of the devices disconnects from the local network during file transfer, Steam will be able to download the necessary files from the Internet. More details on how the feature works can be found at Steam support page.