Steam Deck uses SteamOS which is based on Linux. Some games that use anti-cheat do not run well on Linux devices. So you might be interested in installing and running Windows on the Steam Deck. In this guide, we are going to go over how you can install and run Windows on a Steam Deck.
Installing Windows on the device can have other advantages such as access to Xbox Game Pass, PSN, Epic Games Store and even easier live streaming. Not to mention that you will have a portable computer.
Installing Windows On Steam Deck
Steam has posted drivers to enable Windows 10 on the Steam Deck if that is what you are interested in doing. Most of the drivers are there but there are no audio out drivers which means that you will not get audio from the speakers or the headphone jack when using Windows 10. You can however use Bluetooth headphones.
It is also worth mentioning that you cannot switch between Windows 10 and SteamOS on the Deck. So you will need to uninstall Windows 10 and set up SteamOS again if you want to use it again.
Once you have the drivers proceed to install Windows on the Deck by following the steps mentioned below:
- Create a Windows installer on a USB drive.
- Make sure Steam Deck is off.
- Plug in USB drive to the Steam Deck via USB Type-C port.
- Pressing volume down and power buttons at the same time.
- Select EFU USB Device and begin activating Windows.
- Agree to Windows terms and conditions.
- Select custom install.
- Delete the largest Partition from the Steam Deck.
- Select Drive 0 Unallocated Space.
Note that during the installation process, the buttons and joysticks of the device are not going to work and you will need to use the touchscreen for navigation.
Once you have completed these steps, Windows will start installing on the device and after some time you will be able to use Windows 10 on the device just like any other Windows PC. This is how you can install Windows on the Steam Deck.