Is SteamOS not your cup of tea? And you want to use a similar OS or specifically Windows OS? If you wish to change your Linux-based OS to Windows, then this article will guide you through the process of how to install Windows on Steam Deck.
How To Install Windows On Steam Deck
Valve’s Steam Deck runs on a Linux-based OS. It is a specially designed OS for gaming handhelds. But it comes with its restriction of being able to play only Steam games. If you want to play other games as well, then you can try installing Windows on Steam Deck. There are two ways to install Windows on your Steam Deck. You can either install Windows on Steam Deck using the Deck’s SSD or by booting Windows from a MicroSD Card or USB Drive. Don’t confuse both of these methods as Dual Booting, as it is still not available yet.
Method 1: Install Windows On Steam Deck Via SSD
Installing Windows on your Steam Deck using an SSD, install the Windows on your Steam. If you are sure about installing Windows on Steam Deck, then only you should follow these steps, as this process is irreversible and will delete your SteamOS, and you will have to recover it if you decide to change your mind.
Create Windows Installation Drive
To start with, you’ll first need to create a Windows 10 or 11 installation drive. It is a straightforward process. Download the Windows media creation tool and install it on your USB drive. Use a USB drive having at least 16GB of storage.
Boot the Device
Step 1: Plug the bootable USB drive into your powered-off Steam Deck using a USB hub. If you have a C-type USB flash drive then you can plug it in directly.
Step 2: Power on your Steam while holding down the volume button. This will enter you in the boot manager. Now, select the USB drive to continue.
Step 3: Windows will boot up in portrait mode. Select your desired Windows version and install it. Connecting a keyboard and mouse is highly recommended here because the Deck’s keyboard and touchpads won’t work, and you’ll have to go through the installation using the touchscreen.
Step 4: You’ll be asked to enter the product key. Enter it if you have it. Otherwise, choose I don’t have a product key and click Next.
Install Windows on Steam Deck
Step 1: Now, choose install Windows only option on the screen. You will then need to delete partitions on your Steam deck to install Windows.
| Note: This step will delete all of your data on Steam Deck. This includes your games, media, and settings that aren’t backed up. |
Step 2: A model with 512GB of data has eight partitions. Choose a partition you want to delete and click Delete. Deleting the largest partition of all is recommended.
Step 3: Once you have deleted the partition, it will show as Unallocated space. Tap Next, and Windows on Steam Deck will start installing.
Step 4: After an automatic reboot, a normal Windows setup will load. Proceed with selecting the keyboard layout and language and skip the Wi-Fi section.
Step 5: Your Windows is installed. Now, you need to clean up a bit. Go to Settings > System > Display and change the Display Orientation so the screen is Landscape.
Now, install Windows drivers into your Steam Deck. The SteamOS is no longer accessible, if you want it, then you will need to restore it.
Method 2: Boot Windows From A Micro SD Card Or USB Drive
If you don’t want to install Windows directly on your Steam Deck, it is recommended to use the other method of using a microSD card or USB to boot Windows. This process is completely reversible, and this makes it absolutely risk-free. So you can try out using Windows without deleting your data on Steam.
You can use Windows on Steam Deck for both Windows 10 and 11, as it supports both. The steps that are given below are for Windows 10, but the process for installation is the same regardless of the Windows you use. You need to take a microSD card or a USB 3.0 drive that has at least 32GB of storage.
Download Windows
Step 1: Download the Windows media creation tool from Microsoft’s website. If you want to use Windows 10, download the tool for Windows 10, and to use Windows 11, download the Windows 11 tool.
Step 2: Now download Rufus, it is what allows users to create a microSD card or USB drive with a bootable Windows version. Downloading Rufus is free, but you can choose to download any of your preferred software.
Download Steam Deck Drivers
Step 1: You need to download another driver. Install the Steam Deck Windows Drivers from Valve. Install the drivers according to the Steam Deck version you have, as the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED both have different drivers. Once downloaded, store the drivers in a spare USB drive for later use.
Step 2: Go to the Windows Media Creation Tool and choose the Create Installation Media option. Move to the next page, select the ISO file, and store it in a desired place on your PC. Now, wait for the process to be completed, and make sure to note down the location of the place where you stored your file.
Step 3: Open Rufus after plugging in the microSD card or USB drive. Before proceeding further, note that all your microSD card or USB drive data will be erased when you proceed further. Under the Device, choose your microSD card or USB drive, and then press Select located next to the section of Boot Selection.
Now, move to the location of the earlier created Windows ISO. Press Windows To Go under the Image option. Then, Select MBR under the Partition scheme. The drive can also renamed if you want. If not then press the Ready button for the flashing process to start.
Boot The Windows on Steam Deck
Step 1: Once finished, remove the microSD card and insert it into your Steam. Turn off your Steam Deck completely and press down the Volume button while you power on your Steam Deck. It will enter the boot manager by doing so.
Step 2: Select the SD card you want to boot into the Windows. The Windows on Steam Deck will boot but in portrait mode.
Set up your windows as you normally do by selecting your language, keyboard settings etc, to completely install your Windows. Using a keyboard and mouse is suggested as it will be much more helpful than just using the touch screen.
Step 3: Once the Windows is open, navigate to Settings > System > Display and change the screen orientation by locating the Display orientation and choosing Landscape.
Step 4: Using a C hub adaptor, install your downloaded drivers into the Steam.
This is it. Now, when you will reboot your Steam Deck it will go back to the SteamOS, but you always have the option to boot into Windows using the boot manager.
| Note: Don’t confuse this booting process with dual booting, as Steam Deck doesn’t support dual booting as of yet. |
How To Recover SteamOS?
If you want to go back to using SteamOS after installing Windows on Steam Deck, then you can. You can get your SteamOS working in the order again by using the recovery image offered by Valve. This process also includes factory resetting your Steam Deck. Proceed further if you are okay with it.
Step 1: Install the SteamOS recovery image provided by the Valve.
Step 2: On a separate Windows PC, download Rufus and then insert a USB drive. Move the recovery image to your USB drive and remove it from your PC.
Step 3: Shut down your Steam Deck completely, and using a USB-C hub, connect the USB drive. Press the Volume Down button while you power on your Steam Deck. This will enter you in the boot manager. Click on your USB drive (named as “EFI USB Device”).
Step 4: After a wait, it will boot into the recovery mode. It is recommended that you use the Re-image Steam Deck option.
You will need to factory reset the Steam Deck for it to work if you are switching back from Windows. The other options won’t come of any use for your games if you have installed Windows on Steam Deck. Instead it will just make things more complicated and the file system to conflict.
FAQs
Q: Is Steam Deck a PC?
Yes, both the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED are powerful and portable gaming PC devices.
Q: Does installing Windows on Steam Deck void the warranty?
Installing Windows on your Steam Deck can possibly void the warranty, but the Valve does not officially state it.
Q: Can Steam Deck be used as a Laptop?
Yes, Steam Deck can be used as a laptop and can function like one as it is a PC.
Wrap Up
Now that you know how to install Windows on Steam Deck, you are in for great fun. You can use your handheld as a Windows PC, download as many anti-cheat software and games as you want, and access all the titles that were limited for your SteamOS just by installing Windows on Steam Deck
