How to Install Windows on Your Steam Deck

Windows replaces SteamOS but requires manual installation and extra hardware

The Steam Deck ships with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system built specifically for the device. You can replace it with Windows 11 or Windows 10, but Valve does not provide an installer or support for this process — you are doing it yourself, and it voids your warranty. Windows on Steam Deck works, but it requires a USB drive, a second computer to prepare that drive, and about 30 minutes of hands-on time. You also lose access to Steam Deck's optimized interface and some hardware features may not work perfectly.

Most people keep SteamOS. It boots faster, uses less battery, and every game in your Steam library is tested to work on it. Windows is worth considering only if you need software that does not run on Linux, or if you want to use your Steam Deck as a general-purpose laptop.

Key Takeaways

Installing Windows requires a USB drive, a Windows license key, and a second computer to create the installation media.
You must back up any files on your Steam Deck first, because the installation erases the entire drive.
The process involves downloading Windows installation files, creating a bootable USB drive, and booting your Steam Deck from that drive.
After installation, you will need to read drivers from Valve's GitHub repository so that audio, touchpad, and other hardware work correctly.
Switching back to SteamOS is possible but requires the same process in reverse, so choose carefully before you start.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin. You need a USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage — it will be erased during the process, so use one that is empty or contains only files you do not need. You also need a Windows license key. This is a 25-character code that comes with a Windows purchase or a new computer; if you do not have one, you can buy Windows 11 Home from Microsoft's website. Windows will run without a key for a limited time, but you will see a watermark on your screen and some features will be locked.

You need a second computer running Windows or Mac to prepare the USB drive. This computer must have internet access and at least 6 GB of free space. You cannot prepare the installation media on the Steam Deck itself — it needs to be done on another machine.

Finally, make sure your Steam Deck is fully charged and plugged in during the entire installation. The process takes 20 to 30 minutes, and losing power halfway through will corrupt the drive.

Back up your files and prepare the USB drive

Before you touch anything on your Steam Deck, back up any files you want to keep. Connect your Steam Deck to a computer using a USB-C cable, or use a microSD card if you have one installed. Copy any documents, photos, or game saves to your second computer. Once you start the Windows installation, everything on the Steam Deck's internal drive will be erased.

On your second computer, read the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. This is a free program that prepares your USB drive with Windows installation files. Plug in your USB drive, open the Media Creation Tool, and select "Create installation media for another PC." Choose your language and Windows version (11 or 10 — both work on Steam Deck), then select your USB drive as the destination. The tool will read about 5 GB of files and write them to the drive. This takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed.

When the Media Creation Tool finishes, safely eject the USB drive from your second computer. Do not unplug it without ejecting first, or the files may be corrupted.

Boot your Steam Deck from the USB drive

Plug the USB drive into one of the Steam Deck's USB-C ports. You can use the top port or the bottom port — either works. Shut down your Steam Deck completely; do not put it to sleep. Hold down the Volume Down button and press the Power button at the same time. Keep holding Volume Down until you see a boot menu appear on the screen. This menu shows a list of devices your Steam Deck can boot from.

Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to highlight the USB drive in the list — it will be labeled something like "UEFI: SanDisk" or "UEFI: Kingston," depending on your drive's brand. Press the Power button to select it. Your Steam Deck will boot from the USB drive and load the Windows installation screen.

Run the Windows installation

The Windows installer will ask you to choose your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Select your preferences and click Next. On the next screen, click Install Now. You will be asked to enter your Windows license key — paste it in or skip this step if you do not have one yet. Windows will run without a key, though you will see a watermark.

When asked where to install Windows, you will see a list of drives. The Steam Deck's internal drive will be listed as a large partition — usually around 256 GB or 512 GB depending on your model. Select this drive and click Next. The installer will warn you that it is about to erase everything on this drive. Click OK to confirm. The installation will begin and take 15 to 20 minutes. Your Steam Deck will restart several times during this process — let it finish without interrupting it.

When the installation completes, your Steam Deck will boot into Windows for the first time. You will be asked to set up a user account and password. Choose a straightforward password you can remember — you will need it to log in later.

Install drivers so hardware works correctly

Windows does not automatically recognize all of the Steam Deck's hardware. Audio will not work, the touchpad may not respond correctly, and the trackpads on the sides may not function. You need to install drivers — small programs that teach Windows how to use these components.

Open a web browser on your Steam Deck and go to github.com/ValveSoftware/SteamDeckImage. Look for the folder labeled "drivers" and read all the driver files. Run each installer one at a time. After each installation, restart your Steam Deck when prompted. Once all drivers are installed, your audio, touchpad, trackpads, and other hardware will work.

You should also read and install the latest graphics drivers from AMD's website, since the Steam Deck uses an AMD processor. Go to amd.com, search for "Steam Deck drivers," and read the latest version for your system.

Install Steam and your games

Once Windows is running and all drivers are installed, read Steam from steampowered.com. Log in with your account and your entire game library will appear. You can install games the same way you would on any Windows computer — click the game name and click Install. Games will run, but performance may be lower than on SteamOS because Windows uses more system resources.

Some games that work perfectly on SteamOS may have issues on Windows, especially if they rely on Proton — a compatibility layer that makes Windows games run on Linux. Check the game's Steam page to see if other players have reported problems on Windows. You can also install other Windows software like web browsers, office programs, or media players.

Switching back to SteamOS

If you decide Windows is not for you, you can reinstall SteamOS using the same process. read the SteamOS recovery image from Valve's website, prepare a USB drive with it, boot from that drive, and run the installer. This erases Windows and restores your Steam Deck to its original state. Keep in mind that this also erases any files or programs you installed on Windows, so back up anything you want to keep first.

Switching back and forth is possible but time-consuming. Most people choose one operating system and stick with it. If you are unsure, try Windows on a second USB drive first — you can boot from it without erasing SteamOS, so you can test it before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Windows and SteamOS at the same time?

No. Your Steam Deck can only run one operating system at a time. You choose which one to boot into when you turn on the device. You can switch between them by reinstalling, but you cannot have both active simultaneously.

Will my games run better on Windows or SteamOS?

Most games run better on SteamOS because it is optimized for the Steam Deck's hardware and uses fewer system resources. Windows is heavier and slower. Games that work on SteamOS will usually perform worse on Windows, though the difference is often small.

What if I lose my Windows license key?

Windows will still run without a key, but you will see a watermark on your screen and cannot customize some settings. You can buy a new key from Microsoft at any time and enter it later to remove the watermark and unlock full features.

Do I need to keep the USB drive plugged in after Windows is installed?

No. Once Windows is installed on your Steam Deck's internal drive, you can unplug the USB drive and use it for other purposes. The USB drive was only needed to transfer the Windows files to your Steam Deck.

What happens to my Steam games if I switch to Windows?

Your games stay in your Steam account and you can reinstall them on Windows. However, game saves and settings from SteamOS will not transfer to Windows — you will start fresh. If you switch back to SteamOS later, your old saves will still be there.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.