[Objective] To explore the characteristics of preferential flow development in soil in desert steppe with different degradation degrees. [Methods] Through field dyeing tracer test and indoor analysis, basic physical and chemical properties of soil with different degradation degrees were determined by the ring knife method and potassium dichromate external heating method, and the relevant data of section dyeing map were obtained by image processing software to study the spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of soil preferential flow in desert steppe with different degradation degrees in Ordos, Inner Mongolia. [Results] The total staining area ratio of moderately degraded area reached the highest value, which was 35.23%, and the maximum staining depth was 27.7 cm. The total staining area ratio of the extremely severe degradation area reached the lowest value, which was 19.54%, and the maximum staining depth was 19.6 cm. Under the condition of moderate degradation, CV decreased significantly, by about 70%, Cu also decreased significantly, and the value was less than 15. Under the condition of extremely severe degradation, the CV value was the highest, being more than 100%, and the Cu value increased significantly, being greater than 25. The development degree of preferential flow was not necessarily strong when CV was large; Cu could not explain the development degree of preferential flow. Combined with multi-dimensional indicators, the preferential flow of soil in moderate degradation area was the best. [Conclusion] The moderately degraded area shows relatively balanced characteristics of preferential flow development, high water use efficiency, and maintains good ecological functions. It is beneficial to improve soil organic matter content, increase vegetation coverage, optimize grazing management, and maintain soil health and ecological function. At the same time, moderate grazing disturbance can promote rational utilization of water resources and ecological restoration of desert steppe.