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Valve’sSteam Deckconsole is essentially a handheld PC, which means there is nothing stopping you from installing an alternative operating system (OS). However, as the major purpose of owning a Steam Deck is to be able to game on it, you might want to avoid using Linux or any other OS that has low compatibility with games.
RELATED:Everything You Need To Know About Setting Up Your Steam Deck
You might have noticed that not all games run smoothly on Steam Deck, due to the incompatibility of SteamOS with certain titles. Fret not, however, because Valve has released official drivers for Microsoft OS, meaning Windows is just one install away. Here’s how to get it up and running.
The Limitations Of Installing Windows On Steam Deck
It isnot possible to dual booton Steam Deck, and installing Windows on the internal SSD will mean that theSteamOS and all data, including your games and save files, will get wiped. If you want to revert to SteamOS afterward, you will need Valve’srecovery image.
The final thing to keep in mind is that thedrivers for the speakers and 3.5mm audio jackhaven’t been released by Valve as of the time of writing, which means you will need aBluetooth or USB-C audio device.
Pre-Requisites For Installing Windows On Steam Deck
It is possible to install Windows on aseparate microSD cardso that you don’t have to worry about losing the SteamOS and all your data. For that purpose, we recommend you use amicroSD card with at least 32GB of free space.You’ll also need a microSD card reader.
You can also install Windows on aUSB flash drive, but a microSD card is a more preferable option since there is adedicated microSD card sloton the Steam Deck.
Bear in mind that Windows is substantially harder to use on Steam Deck without additional peripherals,such as a keyboard or mouse, due to the small screen.
We recommendusing a USB-C hubso that you have multiple ports available. You’ll need at least one spare for the USB flash drive.
Download theofficial Windows 10 installation tool. After that, get hold of software that makes the drive bootable. We recommend opting forRufus, as the interface is beginner-friendly, and almost anyone can navigate effortlessly.
Now, to make a bootable drive,insert the microSD card reader into your PC and open Rufus. Select both the Windows image and the microSD card drive on its interface. UnderPartition Scheme, chooseMBRand click onStart. This process typically takes around10-15 minutes, depending on your PC.
Next, download theofficial Windows driversfrom Valve andstore them on aseparate USB drive.You’ll need this after installing Windows.
RELATED:How To Stream To A Steam Deck
Windows Installation Process On Steam Deck
Now we get to the actual meat of installing Windows on your Steam Deck. ensure tofollow these stages carefully, checking your progress as you go.
First,insert the microSD card into your Steam Deck and shut down the Steam Deck afterward.To go into the bootable menu, hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously.Once the screen lights up, click onBoot Manager, and select thebootable drivefrom there.
From here on, the installation process isidentical to what you’d find on a PC. Navigate through all the installation menus in the process, and afterward, you will have installed Windows on your Steam Deck.
Insert theUSB drive with the Windows driversfrom Valve into the USB-C hub,andconnect the hub to the Steam Deck. Install all the necessary drivers from the USB drive, thenrestart the Steam Deck.
When it reboots, you’ll note that the Steam Deck will be in Portrait Mode. You will need to set it to Landscape Mode manually. Go toSettings > System > Displayand set theDisplay OrientationtoLandscape.
Now that you have successfully installed Windows on your Steam Deck, you’re able to use it as a handheld PC.
NEXT:Things You Need To Do After Setting Up Your Steam Deck
