Can you install Windows on a Steam Deck?

Steam Deck Source: Valve

Best answer: At its heart the Steam Deck is simply a handheld PC and while it runs a Linux-based OS out of the box you will be able to replace that with Windows if you wish.

Steam Deck is but a PC and it can run Windows

Valve Steam Deck Library Source: Valve

Linux PCs run on the same hardware equally Windows PCs and then in essence, the Steam Deck is but a PC. A very pocket-sized, gaming-optimized PC, but still a PC withal. And that ways a certain liberty to tinker with the software, and yes, install Windows x or Windows 11 if you wish.

Valve recommends not wiping SteamOS for Windows — naturally — but designer Lawrence Yang told IGN that it was possible.

"We don't think people should be locked into a certain direction or a certain set up of software that they can install. If you purchase a Steam Deck, information technology'south a PC. You lot tin install whatever you desire on information technology, yous can attach whatsoever peripherals you want to it. Peradventure a better way to recall well-nigh it is that it'south a small PC with a controller attached as opposed to a gaming console."

What yous would lose by installing Windows is all of the UI optimizations that Valve has designed with SteamOS to make it a adept experience on a handheld. But you lot're going to be free to do equally you lot wish with information technology. With 16GB of RAM onboard and a custom quad-cadre AMD APU, it'll certainly have enough horsepower for Windows.

Yous don't need Windows on Steam Deck to play your games

Steam Deck software Source: Valve

Hearing "Linux" and "gaming" in the same sentence might crusade some concern that they won't be able to play their favorite games. Indeed, while there are a lot of great titles natively available on Linux, such every bit Valheim, Windows is still the preferred platform. But information technology's a full myth that Linux means no uniform games.

The Steam Deck runs SteamOS and uses a tool called Proton. This is a compatibility layer that translates Windows games into something Linux can sympathise when you lot consider information technology at its most basic level. Our full explainer will give you more detail merely needless to say, you lot shouldn't worry. Valve has been developing Proton for years now and it's very proficient. It'south not perfect, but information technology has the biggest cheese in PC gaming behind it.

You lot should also — to some degree of success — be able to play games from sources similar Ballsy Games, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and Origin. There are already tools on Linux to integrate these platforms and there'southward no existent reason they shouldn't too work on the Steam Deck.

What won't piece of work is anti-cheat, the Linux gamers arch-nemesis. So Apex Legends, PUBG, Destiny 2, and the similar are right out, at least for now. Maybe the Steam Deck can help Valve requite the developers of these pieces of software a little nudge.

Bluetooth controllers, keyboard, and mouse

Xbox Serververse Space Jam Controller Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

As information technology's a PC in that location will also be a good selection of accessories that will work with the Steam Deck. Bluetooth input devices such every bit controllers, keyboards, and mice will work, and Valve is planning to sell a dock every bit well that volition assist you hooked upward wired accessories.

Connected to an external display with a controller hooked up the Steam Deck becomes a full games panel, akin to the Nintendo Switch when its docked.

An ultimate PC handheld

Steam Deck Front

Steam Deck

Bring your Steam library on the go

The Steam Deck is a powerful little machine that'south set to deliver your PC library almost anywhere you are. By natively running games on the system, you don't have to worry nigh cloud streaming limitations.

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