How to install Windows on Steam Deck: Step by Step Guide

The Steam Deck, a powerful handheld gaming device by Valve, has taken the gaming world by storm. While it runs on a custom version of Linux called SteamOS, users can also install Windows to access a broader range of games and applications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Windows on your Steam Deck, step by step.

Requirements: Before starting the installation process, make sure you have the following:

• An 8GB or larger USB drive
• An ISO file of Windows 10 or Windows 11
• A USB-C hub featuring an Ethernet port (recommended, but optional)
• A stable internet connection
• A keyboard and mouse (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Create a Windows Installation USB Drive

1. Insert your USB drive into your computer.
2. Obtain the ISO file for Windows 10 or Windows 11 from the official Microsoft website.
3. Use a tool like Rufus or Windows USB/DVD Download Tool to create a bootable USB drive with the ISO file.

Step 2: Boot Your Steam Deck into Desktop Mode

1. Power on your Steam Deck and navigate to the Settings menu.
2. Select “Power” and then choose “Switch to Desktop.”
3. Your Steam Deck will reboot into the KDE Plasma desktop environment.

Also Read: How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows [Step-by-Step]

Step 3: Disable Secure Boot

1. In Desktop Mode, click on the Application Launcher (the Steam Deck icon) in the bottom-left corner.
2. Select “System Settings” and then choose “Firmware.”
3. Click on “Security” and then toggle off the “Secure Boot” option.
4. Confirm your action by clicking “Yes.”

Step 4: Access the BIOS

1. Restart your Steam Deck and continuously press the “Volume Down” button during boot to access the BIOS.
2. Navigate to the “Boot” tab using the arrow keys for easy access.
3. Select your USB drive as the first boot option.
4. Save your changes and exit the BIOS.

Step 5: Install Windows

1. Your Steam Deck will now boot from the USB drive, and the Windows installation process will begin.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout.
3. Select “Install Now” and then choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
4. Choose the storage drive for the Windows installation and click “Next.”
5. The installation process will start, and your Steam Deck will reboot several times during this process.

Step 6: Install Drivers

1. After the installation is complete, your Steam Deck will boot into Windows.
2. Connect to the internet using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet adapter through a USB-C hub.
3. Access the Steam Deck Recovery website in your web browser.
4. Download and install the necessary drivers for Windows, including AMD graphics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio drivers.

Step 7: Configure Windows Settings

1. Open the Settings app in Windows and navigate to “System” and then “Display.”
2. Adjust the scaling and resolution settings to your preference.
3. Go to “Gaming” in the Settings app and enable “Game Mode” for optimal performance.
4. Install your preferred antivirus software and perform any necessary updates.

Also Read: How to Record Screen on Windows 10 or 11: A Beginner’s Tutorial

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the installation or usage of Windows on your Steam Deck, here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Ensure your USB drive is properly formatted and the Windows ISO is correctly written to it.
2. Verify your BIOS settings to confirm that the USB drive is the primary boot device.
3. If you experience performance issues, try adjusting the graphics settings or closing background applications.
4. Make sure you have installed all the necessary drivers for your Steam Deck’s hardware.
5. If you encounter any compatibility issues with specific games or applications, try searching for community-provided solutions or workarounds.

Conclusion:

By following this step-by-step guide, you can now enjoy the vast library of Windows games and applications on your Steam Deck. Keep in mind that not all games may be optimized for the Steam Deck’s hardware, so performance may vary. Nonetheless, installing Windows on your Steam Deck opens up a world of possibilities for your handheld gaming experience.

FAQs:

Q: Can I dual-boot SteamOS and Windows on my Steam Deck?

Answer: Yes, you can create separate partitions for SteamOS and Windows, allowing you to switch between the two operating systems.

Q: Will I lose access to Steam games after installing Windows?

Answer: No, you can still access your Steam library on Windows by installing the Steam client and logging into your account.

Q: Can I use an external keyboard and mouse with my Steam Deck running Windows?

Answer: Yes, you can connect an external keyboard and mouse to your Steam Deck when running Windows. This can greatly improve the usability and productivity of your device, especially when performing tasks that are better suited for a traditional desktop interface.

Q: Will my Steam Deck’s battery life be affected when running Windows?

Answer: Yes, running Windows on the Steam Deck may result in a shorter battery life compared to using the native SteamOS. This is because Windows is generally more resource-intensive and may not be as optimized for the Steam Deck’s hardware. However, you can still expect several hours of gameplay or usage on a single charge.

Q: Can I revert to SteamOS if I’m not satisfied with Windows?

Answer: Absolutely. The process of installing Windows is non-destructive, meaning you can easily switch back to SteamOS if you prefer the native Linux-based operating system. Simply follow the steps to enter the BIOS and select the SteamOS boot option.