How to put Windows on Steam deck? - Mad Penguin (2024)

Getting Started with Windows on Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming console developed by Valve Corporation. It’s designed to provide an immersive gaming experience on the go, and one of the most exciting features is the ability to run Windows operating systems on it. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing Windows on your Steam Deck.

Hardware Requirements

Before we dive into the installation process, it’s essential to ensure your Steam Deck meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Windows. Here are the specs you’ll need:

Preparation

Before you start installing Windows, make sure your Steam Deck is connected to your computer via USB-C. You’ll also need to download the Steam Deck’s operating system, SteamOS, from the official website.

Installing SteamOS

SteamOS is the operating system that comes pre-installed on the Steam Deck. It’s designed to provide a seamless gaming experience, and it’s optimized for the console’s hardware. To install SteamOS, follow these steps:

• Connect your Steam Deck to your computer via USB-C.
• Open the Steam Deck’s settings menu by pressing the power button and the Steam button simultaneously.
• Select "Update" and then "Install SteamOS".
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Installing Windows

Once SteamOS is installed, you can install Windows on your Steam Deck. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Connect your Steam Deck to your computer via USB-C.
• Open the Steam Deck’s settings menu by pressing the power button and the Steam button simultaneously.
• Select "Update" and then "Install Windows".
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Installing Windows 10

To install Windows 10, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation media. Here’s how to do it:

• Download the Windows 10 installation media from the official Microsoft website.
• Create a bootable USB drive by using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.
• Insert the USB drive into your Steam Deck and restart it.
• Select "Install Windows" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Installing Windows 11

To install Windows 11, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 installation media. Here’s how to do it:

• Download the Windows 11 installation media from the official Microsoft website.
• Create a bootable USB drive by using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.
• Insert the USB drive into your Steam Deck and restart it.
• Select "Install Windows" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Installing Windows 11 Pro

To install Windows 11 Pro, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 Pro installation media. Here’s how to do it:

• Download the Windows 11 Pro installation media from the official Microsoft website.
• Create a bootable USB drive by using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.
• Insert the USB drive into your Steam Deck and restart it.
• Select "Install Windows 11 Pro" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Installing Windows 11 Home

To install Windows 11 Home, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 Home installation media. Here’s how to do it:

• Download the Windows 11 Home installation media from the official Microsoft website.
• Create a bootable USB drive by using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.
• Insert the USB drive into your Steam Deck and restart it.
• Select "Install Windows 11 Home" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Installing Windows 11 Enterprise

To install Windows 11 Enterprise, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 Enterprise installation media. Here’s how to do it:

• Download the Windows 11 Enterprise installation media from the official Microsoft website.
• Create a bootable USB drive by using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.
• Insert the USB drive into your Steam Deck and restart it.
• Select "Install Windows 11 Enterprise" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, here are some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve them:

• Installation failed: Check the USB drive for any errors or corruption. Try creating a new USB drive and installing Windows again.
• Installation stuck on progress: Check the Steam Deck’s settings menu to ensure that the "Update" and "Install Windows" options are enabled.
• Installation failed due to hardware issues: Check the Steam Deck’s hardware specifications to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements for running Windows.

Conclusion

Installing Windows on your Steam Deck is a straightforward process that requires some basic technical knowledge. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully install Windows on your Steam Deck. Remember to ensure your Steam Deck meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Windows, and to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation media before starting the installation process.