Bump Frame Control to 0.4.27 (#196 )

Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>
Add experimental Decky Loader manager for Steam Frame (#195 )
2026-10-25 18:01:47 +01:00 · 2026-10-25 03:24:52 +00:00 · 2026-10-25 03:14:42 +00:00
11 changed files with 452 additions and 9 deletions
@@ -290,7 +290,7 @@ Frame's software fits together, all checked against a real headset and labelled
 | [PC in the headset](docs/pc-in-headset.md) | Experimental, Windows only, off until you turn it on: a whole PC screen as a panel in the Frame. Tested in a Windows VM; individual windows need a WGC-enabled build |
 | [Mac in the headset](docs/mac-in-headset.md) | Mac windows and screens as panels in the Frame, with laser and keyboard input |
 | [VR mods and custom songs](docs/mods.md) | UEVR for Unreal games from Frame Control (install, play in VR, remove), the per-game table, Beat Saber blockers |
-| [Frame Control extensions](docs/extensions.md) | Local extension API, folder format and example |
+| [Decky Loader on Frame](docs/decky-frame.md) · [Frame Control extensions](docs/extensions.md) | Experimental Decky support, removal, and the local extension API |
 | [SSH](docs/ssh.md) · [Streaming](docs/streaming.md) · [Files](docs/file-transfer.md) · [Panels](docs/panels.md) · [Tailscale](docs/tailscale.md) | Topic notes |
 | [Frame Control for iPhone](docs/iphone.md) | The iPhone and iPad app, how it runs the server on the Frame, pairing |
 | [Recovery and OS images](docs/recovery-and-images.md) | Where to download the Frame's OS, what's inside, testing without the headset |
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 {
  "name": "frame-control",
-  "version": "0.4.26",
+  "version": "0.4.27",
  "lockfileVersion": 3,
  "requires": true,
  "packages": {
    "": {
      "name": "frame-control",
-      "version": "0.4.26",
+      "version": "0.4.27",
      "license": "MIT",
      "devDependencies": {
        "electron": "^44.4.5",
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
  "name": "frame-control",
  "productName": "Frame Control",
-  "version": "0.4.26",
+  "version": "0.4.27",
  "description": "Desktop app for managing a Valve Steam Frame over SSH",
  "private": true,
  "main": "main.js",
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # What we have tested

-Current for Frame Control **v0.4.26**, 25 October 2026. “Real Frame + physical PC” means an actual headset and a non-virtual computer. “VM only” means a Windows virtual machine, sometimes connected to the real Frame. A CI test or a simulated device is **not** a physical hardware test. The date/version column is the last relevant check, not a promise that every new release was retested on that platform. See each link for the exact procedure and limits.
+Current for Frame Control **v0.4.27**, 25 October 2026. “Real Frame + physical PC” means an actual headset and a non-virtual computer. “VM only” means a Windows virtual machine, sometimes connected to the real Frame. A CI test or a simulated device is **not** a physical hardware test. The date/version column is the last relevant check, not a promise that every new release was retested on that platform. See each link for the exact procedure and limits.

 | Feature | Real Frame + physical PC tested | VM only | Untested or limited | Last check and proof |
 |---|---|---|---|---|
@@ -18,5 +18,7 @@ Current for Frame Control **v0.4.26**, 25 October 2026. “Real Frame + physical
 | Backup and restore after reset | Same-headset backup, no-op save restore and Return to Game Mode checks | No | Restore **after a factory reset**, replacement restore and Android data restore have not been tested on a headset. No headset reset was done | 24 Oct, v0.4.17: [backup guide](backup-and-recovery.md), [Return to Game Mode log](evidence/return-game-mode-packaged-2026-10-24.json) |
 | Passthrough in recordings | No active-passthrough mirror check | No | Standby frame was uniform; whether visible room pixels enter `/dev/video99` is **unknown**. Raw cameras are never captured by Frame Control | 25 Oct, v0.4.21: [headset log](evidence/round3-headset-2026-10-25.md), [recording guide](recording.md#does-record-include-passthrough) |
 | Open at login | No Frame needed; Linux autostart file toggled on a physical Linux host with an isolated config directory | No | A full login session and physical Windows/macOS host login have not been checked; OS API calls were unit tested | 25 Oct, v0.4.26: [PR #189](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/pull/189) |
+| Local Frame Control extensions | Example panel displayed live Frame status in a browser preview; no packaged physical-PC extension check recorded | No | Third-party extensions and Windows/macOS extension folders were not tested on physical hosts | 25 Oct, v0.4.27: [PR #194](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/pull/194), [extension guide](extensions.md) |
+| Experimental Decky Loader manager | Real Frame OS 0.5.6 ARM64 user-service install, status, update and remove completed | No | A usable Decky menu in the VR shell and individual plugin compatibility remain unverified | 25 Oct, v0.4.27: [PR #195](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/pull/195), [headset findings](decky-frame.md) |

 Release notes must preserve these limits until a newer recorded check changes them. When a feature is retested, add its date, exact app/Frame version, host type and proof here. The older [v0.3.1 matrix](support-matrix.html) is a historical snapshot and does not describe current coverage.
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+# Decky Loader on Steam Frame
+
+**Status, 2026-10-25:** Decky Loader 3.3.0's ARM64 backend starts on Frame OS
+0.5.6 and injects into Steam's shared CEF context. Its Decky tab registers in
+JavaScript. A usable plugin menu in the Frame's VR shell has **not** been
+verified. Frame Control therefore labels its user-service manager experimental.
+No individual Decky plugin has been tested on the headset.
+
+## What was checked on the real headset
+
+The headset was SteamOS `0.5.6`, `VARIANT_ID=vr`, build `20261022.6153909`,
+`aarch64` (SteamOS 3.9.x family). SSH reached it through the existing `frame`
+alias. `/` was mounted read-write as Btrfs; no root filesystem change was
+needed. `systemctl --user` was running. The Steam client launched with
+`-cef-enable-debugging`, `-vrgamepadui`, and `-steamdeck`; its web helper served
+CEF remote debugging on `127.0.0.1:8080`. The usual
+`.cef-enable-remote-debugging` marker was absent, yet debugging was active.
+
+CEF listed a `SharedJSContext` target at `steamloopback.host/routes/library/home`
+and a separate `SteamVR` target for the VR overlay. The Decky 3.3.0 ARM64
+binary started from `/tmp` as the normal user: port `127.0.0.1:1337` answered
+HTTP 200, the log reported `Loading Decky frontend!`, and CEF showed
+`window.deckyHasLoaded === true` and one registered Decky tab in
+`SharedJSContext`. The `SteamVR` target had neither that global nor a Decky tab;
+its current body text did not contain Decky. The Steam web helper had
+`--disable-quick-menu`. This is evidence of backend and shared-context
+injection, not proof of an accessible Decky plugin menu inside VR. A QAM
+interaction in the headset and a plugin UI test remain necessary.
+
+Frame Control's per-user manager was then exercised on the real Frame:
+**install → status → update → status → remove → status**. The service became
+active, the binary matched Decky's published SHA-256, and removal left no
+service, binary or listening port 1337. Decky's already injected JavaScript
+remained in Steam's running web helper until that helper was restarted. After a
+web helper restart, both `deckyHasLoaded` and the tab hook were absent. All
+temporary trial files and the test's empty managed data folder were removed.
+
+## Why the official Decky installer is not used
+
+The current [Decky installer](https://github.com/SteamDeckHomebrew/decky-installer/blob/e42a3c828de90673959b4de26cf5c5d2c7830554/cli/install_release.sh)
+selects `PluginLoader-arm64` on `aarch64`, creates `~/homebrew/plugins`, writes
+the CEF marker, installs `/etc/systemd/system/plugin_loader.service`, and uses
+`sudo systemctl` to enable a **root** service. Its
+[uninstaller](https://github.com/SteamDeckHomebrew/decky-installer/blob/e42a3c828de90673959b4de26cf5c5d2c7830554/cli/uninstall.sh)
+also uses sudo. These scripts do not call `steamos-readonly`, but they do write
+under `/etc`; their root service has broad control over the headset. The
+current [Decky loader](https://github.com/SteamDeckHomebrew/decky-loader/blob/00cd202872b85868071b041c8f1b34e734147195/backend/decky_loader/injector.py)
+targets Steam's shared Gamepad UI CEF page, injects a frontend served on port
+1337, and patches the standard Quick Access Menu. On Frame, Steam supplies
+the CEF target, while visible VR shell integration is unresolved.
+
+Frame Control downloads only Decky's official latest ARM64 release, requires
+its published SHA-256 digest, and checks the ELF architecture. It installs a
+**user** service named `frame-control-decky.service` in
+`~/.config/systemd/user`, with the binary and plugin folder under
+`~/.local/share/frame-control/decky`. It never asks for a sudo password, edits
+`/etc`, or changes CEF flags. Decky warns that running without root is not
+officially supported. Plugins that require root, assume `~/homebrew`, or rely
+on Steam Deck hardware may fail even if the loader runs. Frame Control lists
+plugins already present in its managed folder and the upstream `~/homebrew`
+folder; it does not install plugins while their Frame UI and compatibility
+are unverified.
+
+The latest tested release was
+[Decky 3.3.0](https://github.com/SteamDeckHomebrew/decky-loader/releases/tag/v3.3.0),
+`PluginLoader-arm64` SHA-256
+`8ef5dcf36cbbbb6e97201a6baed5d79c4cc44ec27789fc9af1c5b6ae8f0b25b6`.
+This digest comes from that release's GitHub API asset metadata; it detects a
+download mismatch, but is not an independent signature.
+
+## Opt in and remove
+
+In Frame Control, open **Tools → Decky Loader on Frame**, read the experimental
+notice, check the acknowledgement box, and choose **Install**. **Update**
+downloads and verifies the latest ARM64 release again. **Remove managed
+Decky** disables and removes only Frame Control's user service and binary.
+It preserves plugin files and settings so unrelated user data is not deleted.
+Restart Steam or the headset to clear the frontend already injected into its
+current web helper process. No action wipes the headset.
+
+Manual removal if Frame Control is unavailable:
+
+```sh
+ssh frame 'systemctl --user disable --now frame-control-decky.service; rm -f ~/.config/systemd/user/frame-control-decky.service ~/.local/share/frame-control/decky/PluginLoader ~/.local/share/frame-control/decky/.frame-control/receipt.json; systemctl --user daemon-reload; systemctl --user reset-failed frame-control-decky.service'
+```
+
+That command intentionally keeps `~/.local/share/frame-control/decky/plugins`
+and `settings`. Check those folders before deleting them yourself. An upstream
+Decky installation is separate; use its own installer to remove it. Frame
+Control refuses to install alongside an upstream system service.
+
+## Next compatibility test
+
+In the headset, open Steam's VR dashboard and look for Decky's plugin tab or
+Quick Access Menu after an opt-in install. If none appears, inspect whether
+the VR shell exposes a different menu component and whether Decky's frontend
+can target it without patching Steam globally. Then test one harmless plugin's
+install, visible UI, restart persistence and removal. Until those checks pass,
+Frame Control should not describe Decky plugins as supported on the Frame.
@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+"""Decky release validation and the removable user-service transaction."""
+import sandbox  # noqa: F401
+import hashlib
+import io
+import json
+import os
+import secrets
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent / 'ui'))
+import frame_decky
+
+
+def arm_binary(fill=b'A'):
+    data = bytearray(b'\x7fELF' + fill * 2044)
+    data[18:20] = (183).to_bytes(2, 'little')
+    return bytes(data)
+
+
+class DeckyRelease(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_official_arm_release_digest_is_checked(self):
+        data = arm_binary()
+        digest = hashlib.sha256(data).hexdigest()
+        url = f'https://github.com/{frame_decky.REPO}/releases/download/v3.3.0/PluginLoader-arm64'
+        info = {'tag_name':'v3.3.0', 'assets':[{'name':'PluginLoader-arm64', 'size':len(data),
+                'digest':'sha256:'+digest, 'browser_download_url':url}]}
+        with patch.object(frame_decky.urllib.request, 'urlopen', side_effect=[io.BytesIO(json.dumps(info).encode()), io.BytesIO(data)]):
+            self.assertEqual(frame_decky.release_binary(), ('v3.3.0', digest, data))
+        info['assets'][0]['digest'] = 'sha256:' + '0'*64
+        with patch.object(frame_decky.urllib.request, 'urlopen', side_effect=[io.BytesIO(json.dumps(info).encode()), io.BytesIO(data)]):
+            with self.assertRaisesRegex(ValueError, 'digest'):
+                frame_decky.release_binary()
+
+    def test_install_rejects_incompatible_headset_before_download(self):
+        state = {'arch':'x86_64','variant':'vr','cef':True,'managed':False,'upstreamInstall':False}
+        with patch.object(frame_decky, 'release_binary') as download:
+            with self.assertRaisesRegex(ValueError, 'Steam Frame'):
+                frame_decky.change(lambda *a, **k: json.dumps(state), 'install')
+            download.assert_not_called()
+
+
+@unittest.skipIf(os.name == 'nt', 'remote service script runs on Linux')
+class DeckyServiceScript(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.addCleanup(self.tmp.cleanup)
+        home = Path(self.tmp.name)
+        fake = home / 'systemctl'
+        fake.write_text('#!/bin/sh\nif [ "$FRAME_DECKY_TEST_FAIL" = "1" ] && [ "$2" = "enable" ]; then echo blocked >&2; exit 1; fi\nexit 0\n')
+        fake.chmod(0o700)
+        self.env = {**os.environ, 'HOME': self.tmp.name, 'PATH': self.tmp.name + os.pathsep + os.environ['PATH']}
+        self.base = home / '.local/share/frame-control/decky'
+
+    def apply(self, action, data=None, version='v3.3.0', fail=False):
+        token = secrets.token_hex(12)
+        stage = Path('/tmp/frame-control-decky-' + token)
+        if data is not None:
+            stage.write_bytes(data)
+        digest = hashlib.sha256(data or b'').hexdigest()
+        env = {**self.env, 'FRAME_DECKY_TEST_FAIL': '1' if fail else '0'}
+        try:
+            return subprocess.run([sys.executable, '-', action, token, digest, version],
+                                  input=frame_decky.APPLY, capture_output=True, text=True, env=env, timeout=15)
+        finally:
+            stage.unlink(missing_ok=True)
+
+    def test_install_update_rollback_and_remove(self):
+        first = arm_binary(b'A')
+        result = self.apply('install', first)
+        self.assertEqual(result.returncode, 0, result.stderr)
+        self.assertEqual((self.base / 'PluginLoader').read_bytes(), first)
+        receipt = self.base / '.frame-control/receipt.json'
+        self.assertEqual(json.loads(receipt.read_text())['version'], 'v3.3.0')
+        self.assertTrue((Path(self.tmp.name) / '.config/systemd/user/frame-control-decky.service').is_file())
+
+        second = arm_binary(b'B')
+        result = self.apply('update', second, version='v3.3.1', fail=True)
+        self.assertNotEqual(result.returncode, 0)
+        self.assertEqual((self.base / 'PluginLoader').read_bytes(), first)
+        self.assertEqual(json.loads(receipt.read_text())['version'], 'v3.3.0')
+
+        result = self.apply('update', second, version='v3.3.1')
+        self.assertEqual(result.returncode, 0, result.stderr)
+        self.assertEqual((self.base / 'PluginLoader').read_bytes(), second)
+        result = self.apply('remove')
+        self.assertEqual(result.returncode, 0, result.stderr)
+        self.assertFalse((self.base / 'PluginLoader').exists())
+        self.assertFalse(receipt.exists())
+        self.assertTrue((self.base / 'plugins').is_dir())
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import subprocess
 import unittest

 ROOT = pathlib.Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1]
-STUBS = ['$', 'toggleLive', 'scrollToY', 'scroller', 'loadMacView', 'loadSteamPipewire', 'loadPanels', 'loadPanelSwitcher', 'loadExtensions', 'loadBackups', 'loadStorage', 'loadPower', 'loadTitles', 'showAndroidTab',
+STUBS = ['$', 'toggleLive', 'scrollToY', 'scroller', 'loadMacView', 'loadSteamPipewire', 'loadPanels', 'loadPanelSwitcher', 'loadExtensions', 'loadDecky', 'loadBackups', 'loadStorage', 'loadPower', 'loadTitles', 'showAndroidTab',
         'loadAndroid', 'loadDisplays', 'setGameSource', 'requestAnimationFrame']

 RUN = r'''
@@ -121,6 +121,11 @@ class ServerGuards(unittest.TestCase):
        finally:
            shutil.rmtree(folder)

+    def test_decky_write_requires_experimental_acknowledgement(self):
+        code, body = self.post('/api/decky', {'action': 'install'})
+        self.assertEqual(code, 400)
+        self.assertIn('experimental', body['error'])
+
    def test_foreign_host_rejected(self):
        # DNS rebinding: a hostile name pointed at 127.0.0.1.
        for path in ("/", "/api/status"):
@@ -0,0 +1,193 @@
+"""Experimental, removable per-user Decky Loader for Steam Frame (ARM64)."""
+import hashlib
+import json
+import re
+import secrets
+import urllib.request
+
+
+REPO = "SteamDeckHomebrew/decky-loader"
+API = f"https://api.github.com/repos/{REPO}/releases/latest"
+MAX_BINARY = 80 * 1024 * 1024
+TAG = re.compile(r"v[0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+(?:[-.][A-Za-z0-9.-]+)?\Z")
+
+
+PROBE = r'''
+import json, os, pathlib, platform, subprocess, urllib.request
+home = pathlib.Path.home()
+managed = home / '.local/share/frame-control/decky'
+service = home / '.config/systemd/user/frame-control-decky.service'
+release = managed / '.frame-control/receipt.json'
+legacy = managed / 'settings/release.json'
+def active(name, user=False):
+    cmd = ['systemctl'] + (['--user'] if user else []) + ['is-active', name]
+    return subprocess.run(cmd, stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL).returncode == 0
+def plugins(folder):
+    found = []
+    if folder.is_dir() and not folder.is_symlink():
+        for child in sorted(folder.iterdir()):
+            if child.is_symlink() or not child.is_dir(): continue
+            info = child / 'plugin.json'
+            if info.is_symlink() or not info.is_file() or info.stat().st_size > 16384: continue
+            try:
+                data = json.loads(info.read_text())
+                found.append({'folder': child.name, 'name': str(data.get('name', child.name))[:80],
+                              'author': str(data.get('author', ''))[:80]})
+            except (ValueError, OSError, UnicodeError): pass
+    return found
+os_release = {}
+for line in pathlib.Path('/etc/os-release').read_text().splitlines():
+    if '=' in line:
+        k,v = line.split('=',1); os_release[k] = v.strip('"')
+try:
+    with urllib.request.urlopen('http://127.0.0.1:8080/json/list', timeout=2) as reply:
+        targets = json.load(reply)
+    cef = any(x.get('title') == 'SharedJSContext' and 'steamloopback.host' in x.get('url','') for x in targets)
+except (OSError, ValueError): cef = False
+try:
+    metadata = json.loads((release if release.exists() else legacy).read_text())
+    version = metadata.get('version') if metadata.get('managedBy') == 'Frame Control' else None
+except (OSError, ValueError): version = None
+print(json.dumps({'arch':platform.machine(), 'frameOS':os_release.get('VERSION_ID'),
+    'variant':os_release.get('VARIANT_ID'), 'build':os_release.get('BUILD_ID'), 'cef':cef,
+    'managed':service.is_file() and version is not None, 'running':active('frame-control-decky.service', True),
+    'version':version, 'upstreamInstall':pathlib.Path('/etc/systemd/system/plugin_loader.service').exists(),
+    'plugins':plugins(managed/'plugins'), 'upstreamPlugins':plugins(home/'homebrew/plugins')}))
+'''
+
+
+APPLY = r'''
+import hashlib, json, os, pathlib, subprocess, sys
+action, token, digest, version = sys.argv[1:]
+home = pathlib.Path.home()
+base = home / '.local/share/frame-control/decky'
+service = home / '.config/systemd/user/frame-control-decky.service'
+binary = base / 'PluginLoader'
+receipt = base / '.frame-control/receipt.json'
+legacy = base / 'settings/release.json'
+stage = pathlib.Path('/tmp/frame-control-decky-' + token)
+def systemd(*args):
+    p = subprocess.run(['systemctl','--user',*args], capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=20)
+    if p.returncode: raise RuntimeError((p.stderr or p.stdout).strip() or 'systemd failed')
+def owned():
+    try: return json.loads((receipt if receipt.exists() else legacy).read_text()).get('managedBy') == 'Frame Control' and service.is_file()
+    except (OSError, ValueError): return False
+try:
+    if action == 'remove':
+        if not owned(): raise RuntimeError('No Frame Control managed Decky install to remove')
+        systemd('disable','--now','frame-control-decky.service')
+        service.unlink()
+        systemd('daemon-reload')
+        binary.unlink(missing_ok=True)
+        receipt.unlink(missing_ok=True)
+        if legacy.exists() and json.loads(legacy.read_text()).get('managedBy') == 'Frame Control': legacy.unlink()
+        print(json.dumps({'message':'Removed Frame Control managed Decky service and binary. Plugin files were kept. Restart Steam or the headset to clear its menu.'}))
+    else:
+        if action not in ('install','update'): raise RuntimeError('Invalid Decky action')
+        if (home/'homebrew/services/PluginLoader').exists() or pathlib.Path('/etc/systemd/system/plugin_loader.service').exists():
+            raise RuntimeError('An upstream Decky installation exists; remove it with its own installer first')
+        if action == 'update' and not owned(): raise RuntimeError('No Frame Control managed Decky install to update')
+        if action == 'install' and (service.exists() or receipt.exists() or legacy.exists() or binary.exists()):
+            raise RuntimeError('Decky files already exist at the managed path')
+        data = stage.read_bytes()
+        if len(data) > 80*1024*1024 or len(data) < 1024 or hashlib.sha256(data).hexdigest() != digest:
+            raise RuntimeError('Decky binary digest or size did not match')
+        if data[:4] != b'\x7fELF' or int.from_bytes(data[18:20], 'little') != 183:
+            raise RuntimeError('Decky release is not an ARM64 Linux binary')
+        base.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        (base/'plugins').mkdir(exist_ok=True)
+        receipt.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        service.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        old_binary = binary.read_bytes() if binary.exists() else None
+        old_receipt = receipt.read_bytes() if receipt.exists() else legacy.read_bytes() if legacy.exists() else None
+        old_service = service.read_bytes() if service.exists() else None
+        if old_service: systemd('stop','frame-control-decky.service')
+        try:
+            next_binary = base / 'PluginLoader.next'
+            next_binary.write_bytes(data)
+            os.replace(next_binary, binary)
+            binary.chmod(0o700)
+            text = ('[Unit]\nDescription=Decky Loader (Frame Control experimental user install)\n'
+              'After=default.target\n[Service]\nType=simple\nRestart=on-failure\n'
+              'RestartSec=5\nExecStart='+str(binary)+'\n'
+              'Environment=UNPRIVILEGED_PATH='+str(base)+'\n'
+              'Environment=PRIVILEGED_PATH='+str(base)+'\n'
+              'Environment=CHOWN_PLUGIN_PATH=0\nEnvironment=LIVE_RELOAD=0\n'
+              'Environment=USE_CEF_CLOSE_WORKAROUND=0\nEnvironment=KEEP_SYSTEMD_SERVICE=1\n'
+              '[Install]\nWantedBy=default.target\n')
+            service.write_text(text)
+            receipt.write_text(json.dumps({'managedBy':'Frame Control','version':version,'sha256':digest})+'\n')
+            if legacy.exists() and json.loads(legacy.read_text()).get('managedBy') == 'Frame Control': legacy.unlink()
+            systemd('daemon-reload')
+            systemd('enable','--now','frame-control-decky.service')
+            systemd('is-active','frame-control-decky.service')
+        except Exception:
+            (base/'PluginLoader.next').unlink(missing_ok=True)
+            if old_binary is None: binary.unlink(missing_ok=True)
+            else: binary.write_bytes(old_binary); binary.chmod(0o700)
+            if old_receipt is None: receipt.unlink(missing_ok=True)
+            else: receipt.write_bytes(old_receipt)
+            if old_service is None: service.unlink(missing_ok=True)
+            else: service.write_bytes(old_service)
+            subprocess.run(['systemctl','--user','daemon-reload'], stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
+            if old_service: subprocess.run(['systemctl','--user','start','frame-control-decky.service'], stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
+            raise
+        print(json.dumps({'message':'Decky Loader '+version+' is running as a user service. The VR menu is experimental.'}))
+finally:
+    stage.unlink(missing_ok=True)
+'''
+
+
+def status(ssh):
+    return json.loads(ssh('python3 -', stdin=PROBE, timeout=15))
+
+
+def release_binary():
+    request = urllib.request.Request(API, headers={'User-Agent': 'Frame-Control'})
+    with urllib.request.urlopen(request, timeout=20) as response:
+        info = json.load(response)
+    version = info.get('tag_name')
+    if not isinstance(version, str) or not TAG.fullmatch(version):
+        raise ValueError('Invalid Decky release version')
+    asset = next((a for a in info.get('assets', []) if a.get('name') == 'PluginLoader-arm64'), None)
+    expected_url = f'https://github.com/{REPO}/releases/download/{version}/PluginLoader-arm64'
+    if not asset or asset.get('browser_download_url') != expected_url or not isinstance(asset.get('size'), int) or not 1024 < asset['size'] <= MAX_BINARY:
+        raise ValueError('Decky release has no valid ARM64 asset')
+    digest = asset.get('digest', '')
+    if not isinstance(digest, str) or not re.fullmatch(r'sha256:[0-9a-f]{64}', digest):
+        raise ValueError('Decky release has no published SHA-256 digest')
+    with urllib.request.urlopen(urllib.request.Request(expected_url, headers={'User-Agent': 'Frame-Control'}), timeout=45) as response:
+        data = response.read(MAX_BINARY + 1)
+    if len(data) != asset['size'] or hashlib.sha256(data).hexdigest() != digest[7:]:
+        raise ValueError('Decky download did not match its published digest')
+    if data[:4] != b'\x7fELF' or int.from_bytes(data[18:20], 'little') != 183:
+        raise ValueError('Decky download is not an ARM64 Linux binary')
+    return version, digest[7:], data
+
+
+def change(ssh, action):
+    if action not in ('install', 'update', 'remove'):
+        raise ValueError('Invalid Decky action')
+    current = status(ssh)
+    if action == 'remove':
+        if not current['managed']:
+            raise ValueError('No Frame Control managed Decky install to remove')
+        return json.loads(ssh('python3 - remove none none none', stdin=APPLY, timeout=45))
+    if current['arch'] != 'aarch64' or current['variant'] != 'vr' or not current['cef']:
+        raise ValueError('Decky needs a Steam Frame with an active Steam CEF debug page')
+    if current['upstreamInstall']:
+        raise ValueError('An upstream Decky installation exists; use its own installer')
+    if action == 'install' and current['managed']:
+        raise ValueError('Decky is already installed; use Update')
+    if action == 'update' and not current['managed']:
+        raise ValueError('Decky is not installed by Frame Control')
+    version, digest, data = release_binary()
+    token = secrets.token_hex(12)
+    remote = '/tmp/frame-control-decky-' + token
+    try:
+        ssh('umask 077; cat > ' + remote, stdin=data, text=False, timeout=120)
+        result = ssh(f'python3 - {action} {token} {digest} {version}', stdin=APPLY, timeout=50)
+        return json.loads(result)
+    finally:
+        try: ssh('rm -f ' + remote, timeout=10)
+        except Exception: pass
@@ -1436,7 +1436,7 @@

  <div class="page" data-page="tools">
 <div class="workspace-heading"><div><a href="#tools" id="toolBack" class="workspace-link" hidden>← All tools</a><h1 id="toolTitle">Tools</h1><p id="toolSubtitle">Choose a task for your Frame.</p></div></div>
-<div id="toolDirectory"><section class="tool-group"><h2>Content & files</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#transfer"><span>Send to Frame</span><small>Add files, APKs or your own games</small></a><a href="#media"><span>Media player</span><small>Play your own videos and media</small></a><a href="#linuxApps"><span>Linux apps</span><small>Install and manage desktop apps</small></a></div></section><section class="tool-group"><h2>Play & control</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#capture"><span>Capture & Live</span><small>See and control the headset view</small></a><a href="#pad" title="Type on the headset (T)"><span>Type on the headset</span><small>Keyboard, trackpad and clipboard</small></a><a href="#panels"><span>Panel switcher</span><small>Bring an open panel into view</small></a><a href="#vrTools"><span>VR tools</span><small>Performance HUD and VR utilities</small></a><a href="#comfort"><span>Family & comfort</span><small>Session reminders and breaks</small></a><a href="#macview" id="macToolLink" hidden><span>Mac in the headset</span><small>Share Mac windows and displays</small></a><a href="#steamPipewire" id="steamPipewireLink" hidden><span>Steam desktop sharing</span><small>Linux: launch Steam or re-pick a screen</small></a><a href="#macview" id="pcToolLink" hidden><span>PC in the headset</span><small>Experimental: share this PC's screen</small></a></div></section><section class="tool-group" id="wirelessToolGroup" hidden><h2>This PC</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#wireless"><span>Wireless Adapter doctor</span><small>Read-only Windows adapter and interference checks</small></a></div></section><section class="tool-group"><h2>Your Frame</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#powerReport"><span>Power &amp; heat report</span><small>Read-only observation and offline downloads</small></a><a href="#storage"><span>Game storage</span><small>Free space and Steam install sizes</small></a><a href="#backup" id="backupToolLink"><span>Backup &amp; recovery</span><small>Save games and settings, restore after a reset</small></a></div><a class="workspace-link" href="#settings">Connection, display &amp; preferences →</a></section><section class="tool-group"><h2>Modding & extensions</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#extensions"><span>Extensions</span><small>Add local tools to Frame Control</small></a></div></section><section class="tool-group"><h2>Assistant</h2><a class="workspace-link" href="/assistant">Open assistant &amp; AI agents →</a><p class="sub">Use your own model endpoint or review a proposed MCP action.</p></section></div>
+<div id="toolDirectory"><section class="tool-group"><h2>Content & files</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#transfer"><span>Send to Frame</span><small>Add files, APKs or your own games</small></a><a href="#media"><span>Media player</span><small>Play your own videos and media</small></a><a href="#linuxApps"><span>Linux apps</span><small>Install and manage desktop apps</small></a></div></section><section class="tool-group"><h2>Play & control</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#capture"><span>Capture & Live</span><small>See and control the headset view</small></a><a href="#pad" title="Type on the headset (T)"><span>Type on the headset</span><small>Keyboard, trackpad and clipboard</small></a><a href="#panels"><span>Panel switcher</span><small>Bring an open panel into view</small></a><a href="#vrTools"><span>VR tools</span><small>Performance HUD and VR utilities</small></a><a href="#comfort"><span>Family & comfort</span><small>Session reminders and breaks</small></a><a href="#macview" id="macToolLink" hidden><span>Mac in the headset</span><small>Share Mac windows and displays</small></a><a href="#steamPipewire" id="steamPipewireLink" hidden><span>Steam desktop sharing</span><small>Linux: launch Steam or re-pick a screen</small></a><a href="#macview" id="pcToolLink" hidden><span>PC in the headset</span><small>Experimental: share this PC's screen</small></a></div></section><section class="tool-group" id="wirelessToolGroup" hidden><h2>This PC</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#wireless"><span>Wireless Adapter doctor</span><small>Read-only Windows adapter and interference checks</small></a></div></section><section class="tool-group"><h2>Your Frame</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#powerReport"><span>Power &amp; heat report</span><small>Read-only observation and offline downloads</small></a><a href="#storage"><span>Game storage</span><small>Free space and Steam install sizes</small></a><a href="#backup" id="backupToolLink"><span>Backup &amp; recovery</span><small>Save games and settings, restore after a reset</small></a></div><a class="workspace-link" href="#settings">Connection, display &amp; preferences →</a></section><section class="tool-group"><h2>Modding & extensions</h2><div class="quick-routes"><a href="#extensions"><span>Extensions</span><small>Add local tools to Frame Control</small></a><a href="#decky"><span>Decky Loader</span><small>Experimental Steam plugin loader</small></a></div></section><section class="tool-group"><h2>Assistant</h2><a class="workspace-link" href="/assistant">Open assistant &amp; AI agents →</a><p class="sub">Use your own model endpoint or review a proposed MCP action.</p></section></div>
  <div class="grid-3" id="toolWorkspace">
  <section class="panel" id="extensions">
    <div class="shelf-head"><h2>Extensions</h2><span class="spacer"></span><button class="small" id="extensionsRefresh">Refresh</button></div>
@@ -1448,6 +1448,15 @@
      <iframe id="extensionFrame" title="Frame Control extension" sandbox="allow-scripts" referrerpolicy="no-referrer" style="width:100%;height:440px;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);border-radius:4px;background:#101820"></iframe>
    </div>
  </section>
+  <section class="panel" id="decky">
+    <div class="shelf-head"><h2>Decky Loader on Frame</h2><span class="spacer"></span><button class="small" id="deckyRefresh">Refresh</button></div>
+    <p class="sub">Experimental. Decky's ARM64 backend can start on Frame OS, but its plugin menu has not been verified in the VR shell. Some Decky plugins need root and will not work with this user service.</p>
+    <div id="deckyState" class="sub">Checking…</div>
+    <div id="deckyPlugins" class="hint"></div>
+    <label class="popt"><input type="checkbox" id="deckyAck"> I understand that the VR menu and individual plugins may not work. Install only if I want to test Decky.</label>
+    <div class="row" style="margin-top:10px"><button class="small action" id="deckyInstall" disabled>Install</button><button class="small" id="deckyUpdate" disabled>Update</button><button class="small danger" id="deckyRemove" disabled>Remove managed Decky</button></div>
+    <div class="hint">Install and update download Decky's official ARM64 release and verify its published SHA-256. Frame Control uses a removable user service and does not change the root filesystem. Remove keeps plugin files.</div>
+  </section>
 <section class="panel" id="wireless" hidden>
  <h2>Wireless Adapter doctor</h2>
  <p class="sub">Read-only snapshot of this Windows PC. Works without a headset connection. Nothing on the Frame is read or changed.</p>
@@ -2157,6 +2166,34 @@ $('extensionClose').onclick = () => {
  $('extensionFrame').removeAttribute('src');
  $('extensionPanel').hidden = true;
 };
+let deckyInfo = null;
+async function loadDecky() {
+  try {
+    const d = deckyInfo = await api('/api/decky');
+    $('deckyState').textContent = `${d.frameOS || 'Unknown'} ${d.variant || ''} · ${d.arch} · CEF ${d.cef ? 'ready' : 'unavailable'} · ${d.managed ? `managed Decky ${d.version || ''} ${d.running ? 'running' : 'stopped'}` : d.upstreamInstall ? 'upstream Decky installation found' : 'Decky not installed'}`;
+    const plugins = [...d.plugins.map(x => `${x.name} (managed)`), ...d.upstreamPlugins.map(x => `${x.name} (upstream)`)];
+    $('deckyPlugins').textContent = plugins.length ? `Installed plugins: ${plugins.join(', ')}` : 'No Decky plugins found.';
+    deckyButtons();
+  } catch (error) { deckyInfo = null; $('deckyState').textContent = error.message; deckyButtons(); }
+}
+function deckyButtons() {
+  const ready = !!deckyInfo && deckyInfo.arch === 'aarch64' && deckyInfo.variant === 'vr' && deckyInfo.cef && !deckyInfo.upstreamInstall;
+  const ack = $('deckyAck').checked;
+  $('deckyInstall').disabled = !ack || !ready || deckyInfo.managed;
+  $('deckyUpdate').disabled = !ack || !ready || !deckyInfo.managed;
+  $('deckyRemove').disabled = !ack || !deckyInfo?.managed;
+}
+$('deckyAck').onchange = deckyButtons;
+$('deckyRefresh').onclick = loadDecky;
+for (const action of ['Install', 'Update', 'Remove']) {
+  $(`decky${action}`).onclick = async () => {
+    if (!$('deckyAck').checked || !deckyInfo) return;
+    const verb = action.toLowerCase();
+    if (verb === 'remove' && !confirm('Remove the Frame Control managed Decky service and binary? Plugin files will stay.')) return;
+    await runJob(`${action} Decky Loader`, 'decky', () => api('/api/decky', {action:verb, acknowledged:true}));
+    loadDecky();
+  };
+}
 window.addEventListener('message', event => {
  if (!activeExtension || event.source !== $('extensionFrame').contentWindow) return;
  const request = event.data;
@@ -6141,10 +6178,10 @@ const PAGES = ["apps", "games", "tools", "settings"];
 const SECONDARY_PAGES = ["home", "capture", "devices", "control"];
 const SECTION_PAGE = {library:"games", discover:"apps", android:"apps", view:"capture", shots:"capture", device:"home",
  steamPipewire:"tools", vrTools:"tools", comfort:"tools", assistant:"tools", pad:"tools", sideloaded:"games", getgames:"games", steamStore:"games", androidLibrary:"apps", appStore:"apps", linuxApps:"apps",
-  display:"settings", androidSettings:"settings", transfer:"tools", media:"tools", artworkSettings:"settings", autoSync:"settings", power:"settings", macview:"tools", privacy:"settings", panels:"tools", storage:"tools", wireless:"tools", powerReport:"tools", backup:"tools", extensions:"tools"};
+  display:"settings", androidSettings:"settings", transfer:"tools", media:"tools", artworkSettings:"settings", autoSync:"settings", power:"settings", macview:"tools", privacy:"settings", panels:"tools", storage:"tools", wireless:"tools", powerReport:"tools", backup:"tools", extensions:"tools", decky:"tools"};
 const TOOL_TITLES = {steamPipewire:"Steam desktop sharing", transfer:"Send to Frame", media:"Media player", artworkSettings:"Library artwork", autoSync:"Copy to this computer",
  pad:"Type on the headset", panels:"Panel switcher", vrTools:"VR tools", comfort:"Family & comfort", androidSettings:"App display & reports",
-  power:"Remote & power", macview:"Mac in the headset", privacy:"Privacy & updates", storage:"Game storage", wireless:"Wireless Adapter doctor", powerReport:"Power & heat report", backup:"Backup & recovery", extensions:"Extensions"};
+  power:"Remote & power", macview:"Mac in the headset", privacy:"Privacy & updates", storage:"Game storage", wireless:"Wireless Adapter doctor", powerReport:"Power & heat report", backup:"Backup & recovery", extensions:"Extensions", decky:"Decky Loader"};
 const workspace = {source:"all", scope:"installed", apps:"installed", scroll:new Map(), key:null, hash:null, y:0};
 let page = "apps";
 // Reuse the existing live lists and form handlers in their new destinations.
@@ -6252,6 +6289,7 @@ function showPage(e) {
  if (tool === 'macview') loadMacView();
  if (tool === 'panels') loadPanelSwitcher();
  if (tool === 'extensions') loadExtensions();
+  if (tool === 'decky') loadDecky();
  if (tool === 'backup') loadBackups();
  if (tool === 'storage') loadStorage();
  if (tool === 'powerReport') loadPower();
@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@ import frame_wireless_doctor  # noqa: E402
 import frame_wired_doctor  # noqa: E402
 import frame_compat_db  # noqa: E402
 import frame_extensions  # noqa: E402
+import frame_decky  # noqa: E402

 frame_host.trust_bundled_cas()

@@ -549,6 +550,14 @@ def status(_body):
    return s


+def decky(body):
+    action = body.get("action")
+    if action not in ("install", "update", "remove"):
+        raise Failure("Choose install, update, or remove", 400)
+    if body.get("acknowledged") is not True:
+        raise Failure("Confirm that Decky support on the Frame is experimental", 400)
+    return start_job("Decky Loader " + action, lambda: frame_decky.change(ssh, action))
+

 COMFORT_FILES = ("frame_comfort.py", "frame_status.py", "frame_steam.py")
 COMFORT_MISSING = {"comfort": "missing"}  # what COMFORT_RUN prints when the cached copy isn't complete
@@ -3322,6 +3331,7 @@ POST = {
    "/api/steam-pipewire": steam_pipewire_action,
    "/api/power": power_action,
    "/api/android/backup": android_backup, "/api/backup": backup_action,
+    "/api/decky": decky,
    "/api/vr": vr,
    "/api/comfort": comfort, "/api/media": media, "/api/agent/call": agent_call,
    "/api/agent/approval": agent_approval, "/api/assistant/chat": assistant_chat,
@@ -3522,6 +3532,8 @@ class Handler(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                                headers=[('Content-Disposition', f'attachment; filename="frame-power-{report_id}.{format}"')])
            elif path == "/api/extensions":
                self.send_json(frame_extensions.list_extensions())
+            elif path == "/api/decky":
+                self.send_json(frame_decky.status(ssh))
            elif path.startswith("/extension/"):
                parts = path.split("/")
                if len(parts) != 4: