How to Easily Install Windows on the Steam Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Easily Install Windows on the Steam Deck:A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Windows on a Steam Deck can be an exciting way to expand the capabilities of your handheld gaming device. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

What You Need to Know Before Starting

Before you begin, it’s important to note that while Valve supports Windows on the Steam Deck, it’s not covered by their support team if you run into issues. It’s a complex process, and it’s recommended only for enthusiasts or those with experience installing Windows on PCs.

Method 1: Dual Boot with a microSD Card

This is the easiest method and doesn’t affect your main SteamOS install.

1. Prepare a microSD Card: You’ll need a microSD card, preferably 32GB or larger, to accommodate Windows and some games.

2. Create a Windows Installation Media: Use a Windows PC to download and run Rufus to create a bootable Windows installation on the microSD card.

3. Install Windows: Insert the microSD card into your Steam Deck and boot from it to start the Windows installation process.

4. Install Necessary Drivers: Valve provides the required drivers for Windows on the Steam Deck, which you’ll need to download and install.

Method 2: Dual Boot on Steam Deck’s SSD

This method involves partitioning your Steam Deck’s SSD.

1. Shrink SteamOS Partition: Use the SteamOS partition manager to shrink the existing partition to make room for Windows.

2. Install Windows on the New Partition: Follow the standard Windows installation process, selecting the new partition as the destination.

3. Set Up Dual Boot: Configure the boot manager to allow you to choose between SteamOS and Windows at startup.

Method 3: Replace SteamOS with Windows

If you want to solely run Windows on your Steam Deck, you can replace SteamOS entirely.

1. Create a Windows USB Drive: You’ll need a separate USB drive (16GB or larger) to create a bootable Windows installer.

2. Install Windows: Connect the USB drive to your Steam Deck and boot from it to install Windows on the internal SSD.

3. Install Drivers: As with the other methods, you’ll need to install the Steam Deck Windows drivers provided by Valve1.

Additional Tips

• Purchase a Windows License: You’ll need to buy a Windows license to activate your installation.

• Performance Considerations: Installing Windows on an SD card may result in poorer performance and reduced SD card lifespan.

• Backup Your Data: Always back up your data before making changes to your system.

Remember, this process can be risky, and it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your Steam Deck.