While it is not in any way officially supported by Valve, they have now released Windows drivers for the newer Steam Deck OLED model.
Since the Steam Deck ships with SteamOS (Linux) out of the box, and all of Valve's work goes into that, you're basically on your own if you choose to put Windows on the Steam Deck OLED. As per the support page, they note very clearly:
We are providing these resources as is and are unfortunately unable to offer 'Windows on Deck' support. If you get stuck and need a way back to the default Steam Deck OS, please follow these recovery instructions.
This is the same status for the original Steam Deck LCD model.
If you do wish to do so, you'll need to first update to SteamOS 3.6.9+ (currently in Beta/Preview), which includes the latest firmware. The drivers for Windows also need a manual download for each one including: APU, Audio, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth drivers. Currently though, the audio drivers only enable audio via headphones or Bluetooth, work for the speakers is still ongoing.
Dual-booting is also still not supported either but that is being worked on still but there's no timeline for it.
If you're thinking about Windows due to other stores and launchers, perhaps first look into the likes of the Heroic Games Launcher and NonSteamLaunchers.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Some you may have missed, popular articles from the last month:
Finally. I've no interest in Windows myself (obviously), but the bait-and-switch of "you can totally install Windows... but the hardware won't work" was rough. Getting all the Deck platform stuff upstreamed so that buyers also have the option of whichever Linux distro they might choose is also something that needs to happen. As I understand it, those parts have been trickling out - hopefully this release is a sign that they've got their formalisations tidy.
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hardpenguin Aug 16
I love the tiny jab they did on Twitter:
Get it? For decades we Linux users have only been able to update BIOS through Windows. It is funny to see the situation reversed!
Quoting: OnDeckHello WinDeck fans! We’ve just shipped APU, Audio, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth drivers for Windows on Steam Deck OLED. You can find the updated drivers and notes here: https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/6121-ECCD-D643-BAA8
If you’re planning to install Windows, please make sure you have the latest BIOS from SteamOS 3.6.9 (or later) before getting started.
Get it? For decades we Linux users have only been able to update BIOS through Windows. It is funny to see the situation reversed!
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Just read some post on the Steam forums. They got drivers now but are still complaining.
It's a small difference in attitude I'm observing here.
We get native Linux support for something, we say thanks and start to give feedback on any issues we encounter.
They get Windows support for something, they're like "About time!". And when there are issues they're like "It won't work! You suck! I'm selling my device!".
I can see why Valve had this on low priority.
It's a small difference in attitude I'm observing here.
We get native Linux support for something, we say thanks and start to give feedback on any issues we encounter.
They get Windows support for something, they're like "About time!". And when there are issues they're like "It won't work! You suck! I'm selling my device!".
I can see why Valve had this on low priority.
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Quoting: tfkIt's a small difference in attitude I'm observing here.
We get native Linux support for something, we say thanks and start to give feedback on any issues we encounter.
They get Windows support for something, they're like "About time!". And when there are issues they're like "It won't work! You suck! I'm selling my device!".
There is a cultural difference that trips up game devs. When Linux users see issues, we send bug reports: most of our software is developed collaboratively, and bug reports are how software improves. When Windows users see issues, they send complaints: they are generally in the privileged position of being pandered to, and most of their software is a product they've paid money for. And so developers (who are used to Windows users) release their software for Linux and immediately get their hundreds of bug reports (as is polite in our community), but what they see is hundreds of complaints, which leads some to conclude that Linux users are really demanding and whiny, and nothing's ever good enough for us. Some do get it, though, after a while.
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QuoteIf you're thinking about Windows due to other stores and launchers, perhaps first look into the likes of the Heroic Games Launcher and NonSteamLaunchers.I don't think launchers is the biggest reason to use Windows but more like those that want to use mods that don't work well in Linux or play games with crappy anti-cheat software like Ricochet from Activision and the ones from EA would be why they go back to it. Solve and fix issues like the ones I've mentioned and Linux would be a good alternative to ditch Windows.
Last edited by ToddL on 16 August 2024 at 1:21 pm UTC
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Quoting: tfkJust read some post on the Steam forums. They got drivers now but are still complaining.
It's a small difference in attitude I'm observing here.
We get native Linux support for something, we say thanks and start to give feedback on any issues we encounter.
They get Windows support for something, they're like "About time!". And when there are issues they're like "It won't work! You suck! I'm selling my device!".
I can see why Valve had this on low priority.
You might not like hearing this, but most projects that treat Linux users as second class citizens have the exact same complaint, that Linux users are entitled and don't appreciate what they got.
People are people, Linux users are no better or worse than any other people.
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> The drivers for Windows also need a manual download for each
The emphasis makes it sound like this is anything out of the ordinary for windows, lol
The emphasis makes it sound like this is anything out of the ordinary for windows, lol
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Mountain Man Aug 16
Installing Windows on the Steam Deck is like attaching an anchor to your high powered sports car.
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ElectricPrism Aug 16
Quoting: tfkJust read some post on the Steam forums. They got drivers now but are still complaining.
It's a small difference in attitude I'm observing here.
We get native Linux support for something, we say thanks and start to give feedback on any issues we encounter.
They get Windows support for something, they're like "About time!". And when there are issues they're like "It won't work! You suck! I'm selling my device!".
I can see why Valve had this on low priority.
Right, FOSS typically has tangible constructive criticism even if albeit sometimes short, krass & kurt, or even the occasional wall of text analysis -- again honest feedback intended for a constructive purpose.
I think we've all seen ape tism win child chest thumping in win world at least once. Adult Childing Peter Pan style.
Nobody wants to appease such entitled bratting.
Also, a good lesson that the worst evangelical offenders in a community set the image of the community to outsiders. I'm not saying we need to be on each-other more. I'm just saying being balanced and closer to the middle ground, reasonable, fair, with good faith and intentions is actually a great thing.
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pleasereadthemanual Aug 17
Quoting: ElectricPrismRight, FOSS typically has tangible constructive criticism even if albeit sometimes short, krass & kurt, or even the occasional wall of text analysis -- again honest feedback intended for a constructive purpose.I think entitlement in open source from non-developers is more widespread than you say.
Though that attitude is more normalized in the world of Windows and macOS.
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