Windows Drivers for Steam Deck Now Available
Steam Deck can now install Windows 10. Valve has released the official drivers for Microsoft's system, unfortunately they have a few limitations.
- Steam Deck with Windows? Yes, it's now possible - Valve has just released the relevant drivers;
- For now, you can only install Windows 10, without dual-boot.
The portable PC from Valve, Steam Deck, is now available to gamers. The device is selling like hotcakes, so those willing to wait in line now will have to wait a little longer. Those lucky enough to already have a Steam Deck in their hands have just received an option promised by Valve, but not available at launch - the ability to install Windows.
Installing Windows on Steam Deck
Steam Deck is basically a portable PC, so the ability to install Windows in place of Steam OS seems obvious.
- To do this, you need drivers for your Steam Deck components. This is what was missing to be able to install Windows - Valve has just released driver pack.
- For now, you can only install Windows 10. Microsoft's newer system requires a BIOS update for the device (fTPM support), which Valve is currently working on.
- For now, you can not install both systems in dual-boot mode. The Steam OS installer does not yet support dual-booting (Valve promises to add this feature in the third version of the system).
- Audio is available for now via Bluetooth or USB-C. Work on the appropriate drivers continues.
- In the event that something goes wrong during Windows installation a recovery guide is available along with the Steam OS image - you can find it here.
Installing Windows 10 may come in handy for people who would like to expand the use of Steam Deck. The device can then be used differently, such as more as a travel PC than a portable gaming system. Although navigating Windows with console controllers may not be very comfortable.
How do you play the Steam Deck? Here are our first impressions:
