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Install Windows on Steam Deck: How to do it and Why?
You can dual-boot or just run Windows
5 min. read
Updated onJune 27, 2024
updated onJune 27, 2024
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While Steam Deck allows you to install Windows, the process is not that simple. So, while installing it, we thought why not document the process and share it with the gaming community that prefers Windows over the Linux-based SteamOS?
The former offers a better UI, one we are used to, and that’s the primary reason you may consider installing Windows over SteamOS. Secondly, it offers the ability to use Steam Deck as a PC. Just plug in the keyboard and mouse, and you are good to go!
However, you may see a diminished performance since Steam Deck is meant to work with SteamOS. Besides, the absence of TPM (Trusted Platform Module) support may leave your device vulnerable to threats, and it may not receive Windows updates. If you are still interested, keep reading!
How can I install Windows on Steam Deck?
1. Run Windows via an SD card (dual boot Windows and SteamOS)
For the faint-hearted,dual-booting Windows and Steam OS(refer to the guide for the entire process) is the best approach, and the steps are quite simple, given you have previously installed Windows on a PC. Even if not, there’s always a first time!
Besides, since this doesn’t remove the pre-installed SteamOS, you shouldn’t face any problems if the Windows installation fails. And that’s the reason we recommend it becausereinstalling the SteamOSis a herculean task.
2. Install Windows on the Steam Deck’s SSD (removes SteamOS)
2.1 Prerequisites
2.2 Creating the installation media
2.3 Download the Steam Deck drivers
2.4 Installing Windows on Steam
2.5 Getting things ready
That’s all you need to do to install Windows 11 on Steam Deck and run it as the stand-alone OS. At this point, you can connect the keyboard and mouse and start using them!
Remember, Steam is still working on some of the drivers, and they aren’t polished yet. So you might face trivial issues from time to time, but it won’t significantly affect the experience!
Also, if you plan to keep both operating systems, tryusing your phone as a keyboard on the Steam Deck.
If you choose to install Windows, we also have a great guide on how todownload the Windows 11 Bluetooth driver for Steam Deck, so don’t miss it.
For any queries or to share your experience of running Windows on Steam Deck, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:install Windows 11,Steam Deck
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
