Windows 11 and Windows 10 work on the Steam Deck now that Valve has formally launched drivers for Microsoft’s working system. It’s not so simple as hitting a obtain button, although. In this information, we’ll present you learn how to set up Windows on the Steam Deck, each to the interior solide-state drive (SSD) and from a microSD card.
Windows is not excellent on the Steam Deck, however putting in the OS (or booting from it with a microSD card) may help flip the Steam Deck right into a laptop computer substitute. We’re going to point out you to do a full set up to the SSD, in addition to learn how to boot to Windows from a microSD card. The latter will maintain the unique SteamOS set up intact.
Before diving in, needless to say Windows 11 is not technically supported on the Steam Deck. Windows 11 requires TPM, and the Steam Deck would not have that enabled. You can nonetheless set up Windows 11 with the directions under, however it’s possible you’ll not obtain Windows updates.
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Boot from a microSD card or USB driveBefore truly putting in Windows on the Steam Deck, I like to recommend you boot from a microSD card or USB drive first. This is totally reversible, so you’ll be able to check out Windows with out erasing something in your Steam Deck. Windows is not excellent on the Steam Deck, and reinstalling SteamOS is a giant process by itself.
I’m utilizing a microSD card, however any UHS-1 microSD card (test the label) or USB 3.0 drive with not less than 32GB of storage will work. The Steam Deck helps Windows 10 and Windows 11, and the method is identical no matter which OS you employ. I’m utilizing Windows 10 right here.
Step 1: Head to Microsoft’s web site and obtain the Windows 10 media creation device. If you need to use Windows 11, obtain the Windows 11 creation device (below Create Windows 11 set up media).
Step 2: Download Rufus, which is what is going to assist you to create a bootable model of Windows in your microSD card or USB drive.
Step 3: Download the Windows drivers for Steam Deck from Valve. Put all of them in a folder collectively on a spare USB drive for entry later.
Step 4: Open the Windows Media Creation Tool and choose Create set up media. On the following web page, select ISO file, and select a spot to retailer it in your PC. Wait till the method is completed, and ensure to maintain a word about the place you saved the ISO.
Step 5: Plug in your microSD card or USB drive and open Rufus. Note: Continuing right here will erase all information in your microSD card/USB drive. In Rufus, choose your microSD card or USB drive below Device. Then, select Select subsequent to the Boot choice part. Navigate to your Windows ISO that you simply created earlier.
Under Image choice, choose Windows To Go. Then, select MBR below Partition scheme. Rename the drive if you’d like, and choose Ready to start out the flashing course of.
Step 6: Once it is executed, eject the microSD card and insert it within the Steam Deck. Turn off your Steam Deck fully, after which maintain down the Volume down button as your energy it on. This will enter the boot supervisor.
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Step 7: Select your SD card as well into Windows. It will boot in portrait mode on the Steam Deck.
Windows would not truly set up right here, so proceed by means of the setup course of as regular by deciding on your language, keyboard format, and so forth. A keyboard and mouse assist rather a lot right here, however you may get by means of setup with simply the touchscreen.
Step 8: Once you are in Windows, head to Settings > System > Display and discover the Display orientation choice. Select Landscape to flip the display screen to the right orientation.
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Step 9: Finally, plug in your USB drive that you simply saved the Windows drivers on. Plug it in utilizing your USB-C hub (circuitously into the Steam Deck) and set up the drivers.
That’s it. When you reboot your Steam Deck, it would return to SteamOS, however you’ll be able to at all times boot into Windows offered you undergo the boot supervisor.
Don’t combine up this course of with twin booting. The Steam Deck would not help twin booting in the intervening time, so you will want to decide on both Windows or SteamOS if you’d like a everlasting resolution.
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How to put in Windows on the Steam Deck’s SSDIf you need Windows solely on the Steam Deck, you’ll be able to set up on to the SSD. You’ll must erase the entire information on the SSD to take action, although, together with your video games, settings, and SteamOS itself.
It’s potential to revive SteamOS on the Steam Deck, however it is a bit of a trouble. If you simply need to experiment with Windows, use the tactic above. If you are keen to dive into the complete expertise and do not thoughts deleting your information, proceed on.
Step 1: To begin, it’s worthwhile to create a Windows set up drive. We define how to try this in our information on learn how to set up Windows 11, however the course of is easy.
Download the Windows media creation device and create an installer in your USB drive. You’ll want a USB drive with not less than 16GB of storage, however the device will stroll you thru the steps in any other case.
Step 2: Power down your Steam Deck fully and join your USB drive with a USB hub. Although you’ll be able to join the drive straight, I strongly suggest connecting it with a USB-C hub to keep away from any points. A keyboard and mouse are good for set up, too, and a USB-C hub will assist you to join these peripherals.
Step 3: Power on the Steam Deck whereas holding the Volume down button to enter the boot supervisor. Select your USB drive with the Windows installer to proceed.
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Step 4: Like earlier than, Windows will boot in portrait mode. Select the Windows model you need after which select Install now. I extremely suggest connecting a keyboard and mouse right here. You can get by means of set up with the touchscreen, however the Steam Deck’s keyboard and the touchpads will not work.
You’ll be requested to activate Windows after. Enter your product key when you’ve got it, or select I haven’t got a product key to proceed.
Step 5: On the next display screen, select Custom: set up Windows solely. You’ll must delete partitions on the Steam Deck with a purpose to set up Windows.
Important: This will delete the entire information in your Steam Deck, together with your video games, settings, and any saves/media that have not been uploaded to Steam Cloud. It’s potential to revive SteamOS later, however you will must reinstall all your video games and reconfigure your settings.
Step 6: Choose a partition you need to delete and choose Delete. I like to recommend selecting the most important of how ever many partitions you will have. The 512GB mannequin, not less than, comes with eight partitions.
Step 7: Choose the partition you deleted, which ought to present up as Unallocated house, and choose Next. Windows will start putting in on the drive.
Step 8: After a little bit of time and an computerized reboot, you will load into the traditional Windows setup. Proceed as you’ll above, deciding on your keyboard format, and language, and skipping the Wi-Fi part.
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Step 9: Windows is put in at this level, so all you want is a little bit of cleanup. Head to Settings > System > Display and change Display Orientation to Landscape.
Grab one other USB drive with the Windows drivers for Steam Deck, and set up them as nicely. SteamOS is gone now, so you will want to revive it if you wish to return.
How to recuperate SteamOS on the Steam DeckIf you put in Windows on the Steam Deck’s SSD and also you need to return, you’ll be able to. Valve provides a Steam Deck restoration picture that may get SteamOS again in working order — offered you are OK with manufacturing facility resetting your Steam Deck as soon as once more.
Step 1: To begin, obtain the SteamOS restoration picture from Valve.
Step 2: Download Rufus on a separate Windows PC and insert a USB drive. Write the SteamOS restoration picture to the USB drive and eject it out of your PC.
Step 3: Power down the Steam Deck fully and join the USB drive utilizing a USB-C hub. Hold the Volume down button whereas powering on the Steam Deck to enter the boot supervisor. Select your USB drive from there (it ought to be “EFI USB Device”).
Step 4: After a while, you’ll boot into the restoration surroundings. There are just a few choices right here that may try and protect your information, however I like to recommend utilizing the Re-image Steam Deck choice.
If you are coming from Windows, you will must manufacturing facility reset the Steam Deck to get it working. Attempting the opposite choices will not maintain your video games for those who’ve already put in Windows, they usually might result in some nasty file system conflicts.
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