How to Install Windows on Steam Deck (Step-by-Step Guide)
The Steam Deck ships with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system. Windows is not installed by default, but you can install it. The process takes about an hour and involves some trade-offs worth knowing before you start.
Why Install Windows on the Steam Deck
SteamOS handles the vast majority of Steam games through Proton compatibility. But some use cases genuinely benefit from Windows: games with aggressive anti-cheat that blocks Linux, Xbox Game Pass native app, certain productivity software, or games that simply do not run through Proton.
If you want to use the Deck as a Windows PC rather than a gaming handheld specifically, Windows makes more sense.
Trade-offs Before You Start
Windows on the Deck has real downsides. Battery life drops significantly, roughly 30 to 40 percent worse than SteamOS under similar workloads. Windows does not have the Deck’s optimized power management that SteamOS provides. The gaming mode interface disappears, so navigating Windows with a controller is less polished. Audio drivers from Valve are required separately. Suspend and resume does not work as reliably as on SteamOS.
If these trade-offs are acceptable for your use case, proceed. If not, SteamOS handles most games well and is the better default experience.
What You Need
- A USB-C hub or dock with a USB-A port
- A USB drive (16GB+)
- A Windows 11 installation ISO (from Microsoft’s website, free)
- Rufus (Windows tool for flashing the ISO) or Balena Etcher
- Valve’s Steam Deck Windows drivers (download from the Steam support page before starting)
Step 1: Create a Windows Install USB
On a Windows PC, download the Windows 11 ISO from microsoft.com. Open Rufus, select your USB drive, select the ISO, and flash it. This takes 10 to 15 minutes. On a Mac, use Balena Etcher with the same ISO.
Step 2: Boot from USB on the Deck
Power off the Deck. Hold Volume Down and press the Power button. The boot manager appears. Select your USB drive. Windows Setup launches.
Step 3: Install Windows
Follow the Windows 11 installer. When it asks where to install, you will see the Deck’s internal storage. If you want to dual-boot SteamOS and Windows, you need to partition the drive first. If you want Windows only, you can install to the full drive.
For dual-boot: Use SteamOS’s desktop mode to run GParted and shrink the main partition before starting. Leave unallocated space for Windows.
Windows installation takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Install Valve’s Drivers
After Windows installs, audio will not work and some hardware will behave incorrectly until you install Valve’s Steam Deck drivers. Copy the drivers to a second USB drive before starting, then install them after Windows is running. The driver package covers audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the APU.
Step 5: Install Steam and Your Games
Download Steam for Windows, log in, and install your games. Everything that runs on Windows will work here. Anti-cheat games that blocked on SteamOS will now function normally.
Is It Worth It
For most Steam Deck users, no. SteamOS with Proton handles over 90 percent of the Steam library and gives better battery life and a better handheld experience. Windows is worth installing only if you have specific software that does not work on SteamOS.
Also see: How to Use Steam Deck Desktop Mode for getting more from SteamOS without switching OS.