There is a very simple way to turn our portable console into a more versatile device, with the ability to run Windows applications and games. In this post we explain How to Install Windows on a Steam Deck and thus enjoy a more complete gaming experience.
Although it is well known to players, we will remember that the Steam deck is a portable video game console developed by Valve Corporation in 2022. A device capable of combining the portability of a console like the Nintendo Switch with the power of a gaming PC. For these reasons, some consider it a "hybrid console" or a kind of portable PC.
Why is the Steam Deck so interesting?
If you are one of those players who is looking for the flexibility of play anywhere, but at the same time enjoying the graphical quality and performance offered by a gaming PC, the Steam Deck is made for you.
Below we briefly list the features and advantages that this device offers us:
- Touch screen of 7 inches With a resolution of 1280×800 pixels, a special design for an immersive gaming experience in portable format.
- ergonomic design with integrated controls: buttons, joysticks, touch panels… The device is also compatible with keyboards, mice, and external controllers.
- AMD custom processor, very similar to that of the latest generation consoles such as the PlayStation 5.
- Various memory and storage configurations available (from 64 GB to 512 GB).
- SteamOS 3.0 Operating System, which is a version of Linux adapted by Valve and optimized for gaming.
- Accessing the Steam Game Library, as well as compatibility with other games.
- Connectivity options: USB-C port and microSD support.
For all these reasons, it is the perfect solution for those who want to always have their large library of Steam games close at hand and be able to take them anywhere.
Installing Windows on Steam Deck: Requirements
In order for the Windows installation process on the Steam Deck console to be carried out, there are a number of requirements that must be met. They are as follows:
- Obviously we must have a Steam Deck with sufficient battery to deal with the installation process. The best thing to do to avoid problems is to connect it to a power source.
- A pen drive (a microSD card is also valid) with at least 8 GB of capacity.
- Keyboard and mouse.
- Un PC with Windows.
- A Internet connection, to download drivers and updates.
Windows installation process on the Steam Deck
Once all the requirements for carrying out the installation have been reviewed, we begin the process, which is divided into four simple phases:
Preparing the Windows Installation USB Drive
The first step is to download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Windows Media Creation Tool itself. Microsoft website. Obviously, we will choose the version (Windows 10 or Windows 11) with which we feel most comfortable or that is most convenient for us.
After downloading, we move on to creating the installation drive running the media creation tool on our PC and selecting the option «Create installation media». All you need to do is follow the instructions to flash the Windows image to the USB or microSD card.
Starting the Steam Deck from the USB drive
Before starting this second phase of the installation, it is necessary Verify that the Steam Deck console is completely turned off. Then, we do the following:
First We insert the USB drive, by connecting the Windows installation drive to the Steam Deck via a USB-C adapter. If you do it via a microSD, you just have to insert it directly into the corresponding slot.
Now, We start the Steam Deck in boot selection mode As follows:
- With the “Volume Down” button pressed, press the Power button until the logo appears.
- Steam. Then we stop pressing those buttons.
- Finally, we use the joystick to select the USB drive and press the “A” key to boot.
Install Windows on the Steam Deck
Now the installation process itself begins. These are the steps to follow:
- To start everything, we click on "Install Now".
- When you access the disk selection screen, We choose the partition or disk where we want to install Windows.
- Finally, we just have to follow the instructions to complete the installation.
Once Windows is installed, don't forget to install the specific drivers for the Steam Deck from its official website and run them in the recommended order.
Configuring Windows
To complete the installation and start enjoying Windows on Steam Deck, we still have a few small tasks left. One of them is update windows from the Settings menu, accessing the “Update and security” option, where the updates are located.
You will also need to configure the Steam Deck Controller to work properly with Windows games.