If you want to play games from other retailers, you can install Windows. This will ensure that games run without any Proton compatibility concerns.
If you’re looking to play Xbox Game Pass games on your Steam Deck, you’ll need to be a member of that service. Windows 11 and 10 can be installed on the Steam Deck, although they are constrained by the Steam Deck’s specifications. ..
Steps to install Windows 11 and 10 on Steam Deck
Step 2: Open the Windows 11 installation media tool and follow the on-screen instructions. When the tool finishes, you will have a USB drive with Windows 11 installed on it.
The Windows 11 installation media tool will download and create a Windows installer on the USB drive. This can take some time depending on the speed of your Internet connection.
Step 2: Once the Windows 11 installation media tool has finished, remove the USB drive from your drive and connect it to the Steam Deck.
It is recommended that you use a USB hub for this, rather than connecting directly to the Steam Deck’s USB-C port, as you may need to connect a keyboard and mouse as well.
Step 4: Remove any screws that hold the Steam Deck in place. Step 5: Lift the Steam Deck off of the motherboard.
To turn off the Steam Deck:
- Hold down the volume down button until the Steam Deck boot screen appears.
- Press the power button to turn off the Steam Deck. ..
Step 5: Choose the USB drive from the list of devices.
Windows installation will start. You will be asked to choose your language options, then tap next.
Step 6: Choose the Install Now button.
Step 7: Activation will appear. If you have a Windows product key, enter it then select Next. Otherwise, select I don’t have a product key. ..
Windows 11 Home is the recommended Windows version for you. If you have a previous Windows 10 installation, then you should also choose Windows 10 Pro.
Step 9: Click Accept to accept the license agreement. Step 10: Select Next. ..
Windows 10 provides an option to install a new version of Windows, or to upgrade from a prior version of Windows. ..
The next step asks where you want to install Windows. The Steam Deck ships with numerous default partitions, none of which are configured to allow a Windows install. To make room, delete Drive 0 Partition 8.
Step 12: Select Drive 0 Unallocated Space, then select New. A partition size field will appear. There is no need to change the size, so select Apply. ..
You should now see Drive 0 Partition 9 available. Select it, then tap Next. ..
Windows installation will begin. This process may take some time, depending on your computer’s speed and resources. The Steam Deck will reboot as part of this process.
To install Windows 11 on your computer, you will first need to select your region. Then, tap Yes. ..
Step 17: The layout will be saved and you will now be able to use it.
Step 18: You’ll be asked to choose a second keyboard layout. Most won’t need to do this for the Steam Deck, so select Skip.
In this step, you’ll need to connect to a network. Select a wired or wireless network and then tap Next.
Windows 11 installation will automatically reboot the Steam Deck if it encounters an issue.
Once Windows 11 installation reappears, you’ll need to set up your account. This involves entering a username, password, security questions, and privacy settings. Proceed through these steps.
Windows will complete some final installation updates, which may take a few minutes, and again reboot the Deck.
The Windows desktop is still vertically oriented, so we’ll need to fix that.
That’s it! Windows is now installed on your Steam Deck. You can download programs, including Steam, and install them just as if using Windows on any other PC.
Final Words
Windows on the Steam Deck is currently in its early stages. Regular updates and new drivers will be released. Just switch off your Steam Deck, remove the SD Card, and update every file before reinstalling it. Of course, you may also install them directly from the Steam Deck.
