How to Install Windows on Steam Deck in 2024? Comprehensive Guide

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on April 19, 2024

Are you searching for a method to install Windows 10/11 on your Steam Deck? Don't worry. tools Software offers a comprehensive guide to installing Windows on the Steam Deck using an SD card or SSD. In this article, you'll find a detailed explanation of the process, along with a step-by-step tutorial and potential troubleshooting solutions.

Here's the translation of the text and image description into English: Text: "Install Windows on Steam Deck" Image Description: A picture illustrating the process of installing Windows on a Steam Deck device, with a screenshot of a partition manager screen. The image is 250 pixels in height and 642 pixels in width, and the source file is "/images/en/screenshot/partition-manager/install-windows-on-steam-deck-picture.png".

View the Necessary Information for Installing Windows on Steam Deck:

For other solutions to install Windows without a product key, please refer to the following article:

How to Install Windows 10 Without Product Key

You can install Windows 10 without a product key by downloading the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft. This page provides a comprehensive guide on how to do it.

Can I Install Windows on Steam Deck?

Of course, Windows 11 and Windows 10 will also run on the Steam Deck with the official Valve drivers. Some users have been seeking assistance with the issue on forums:

The user simply wanted to install Windows on their Steam Deck and has accomplished this task. This instance validates that such an operation is feasible. Installing Windows on the Steam Deck enables it to function as a laptop substitute and permits dual-booting with both Windows OS and SteamOS.

If you're unsure about the process, don't worry. Follow this page to learn how to install Windows on your Steam Deck onto an internal solid-state drive (SSD) and microSD card. If you found this guide useful, please click the button below to share the article and help more people.

What Do I Need Before Installing Windows on Steam Deck?

Windows isn't flawless on the Steam Deck, and Valve's support team won't address issues arising from it. Hence, it's crucial for us to achieve a seamless installation. The process is intricate, and there are a few preparatory steps we need to undertake before commencing officially:

Here are the translations in English:
1. Windows license and a Windows PC
2. A Micro SD card with 32GB or more capacity and an SD card reader
3. Wired keyboard and mouse (optional)
4. If you have a USB-C docking station with a built-in card reader, you can also install Windows on an SSD.
5. If you wish to replace SteamOS with Windows, you'll need a separate USB drive with more than 16GB of storage.

Once you've done the above, read on to install Windows on your Steam Deck.

How to Prepare the Steam Deck SD Card for Installing Windows

In addition to the above requirements, you must format your SD card with the appropriate file system before installing Windows 10/11 on your Steam Deck. This needs to be done on a Windows machine: if you're only installing Windows on the Steam Deck, make sure to format it using the NTFS file format.

If you're unsure how to format your SD card, we recommend using Partition Master Professional. This software allows you to quickly format your SD card into NTFS from any other file system. Even if you're new to computing, you can easily grasp the formatting function.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition on your external hard drive/USB/SD card which you want to format and choose the "Format" option.

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, and then click "OK".

Step 3. In the Warning window, click "Yes" to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, then click "Apply" to start formatting your external hard drive/USB/SD card.

How to Install Windows on Steam Deck - 3 Efficient Methods

There are three ways to install Windows on a Steam Deck:

Here are the translations for the given languages into English: 1. Install Windows on Steam Deck on the microSD card and dual boot the system: this scenario does not affect SteamOS installation. - Install Windows on the Steam Deck's microSD card and have the system dual-boot. This method won't impact the SteamOS installation. 2. Install Windows on the Steam Deck's Internal SSD: In this way, you will erase the old SSD in the Steam Deck and install Windows only.  We do not recommend this. - Install Windows on the internal SSD of the Steam Deck, which will overwrite the existing SteamOS. We advise against this option. 3. Dual Boot Windows 11 and SteamOS: If you want to install Windows OS and SteamOS on the same partition, shrink the partition of the SteamOS SSD and install Windows alongside SteamOS. This option will be more complicated. - Dual-boot Windows 11 and SteamOS by resizing the SteamOS SSD partition and installing both operating systems on it. This choice is more complex.

Regardless of your choice, we'll provide you with the most extensive guidance possible. We recommend opting for the first method, which involves dual-booting Windows 11 and SteamOS by installing Windows externally on the microSD card.

Method 1: Install Windows on Steam Deck using an SD Card

Installing Windows on the SD card may result in poor performance. However, this is a good approach to test Windows on the Steam Deck before committing to installing it on your primary system. The process consists of five stages in total:

Stage 1. Download the Windows ISO File This is the first stage in the process, where you need to download the Windows ISO file. An ISO file is an image of an optical disc, in this case, the Windows installation media. You can obtain the ISO file from the official Microsoft website. Follow these steps: 1. Visit the [Microsoft Software Download](https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10) page. 2. Choose the version of Windows you want to install (e.g., Windows 10 or Windows 11). 3. Click on "Download tool now" to download the Media Creation Tool. 4. Run the Media Creation Tool and agree to the terms. 5. Select "Create installation media for another PC" and follow the on-screen instructions. 6. Choose the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for the Windows ISO. 7. Opt to save the ISO file instead of creating a USB drive. 8. Specify a location to save the ISO file and wait for the download to complete. Once the ISO file is downloaded, you can proceed to the next stages of the installation process.

On Microsoft's Windows installation media creation tool page, choose the Windows system you need and download the ISO file. The installation process is identical whether you opt for Windows 11 or 10.

Download link:

Here are the translations for the provided text:
1. For Windows 11: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. For Windows 10: https://www.microsoft.com/en-hk/software-download/windows10
These are actually URLs and not phrases to be translated, but they are in English already. The first one is for downloading Windows 11, and the second one is for downloading Windows 10 in Hong Kong (as indicated by the "en-hk" region code).

Step 1. Next to the option to Create Windows 11 Installation Media, click the "Download Now" button.

Download ISO file

Step 2. Download the media creation tool and accept the license terms.

Step 3. Choose the "ISO File" option and select where to save it.

< strong >Stage 2. Install Windows on the SD Card< /strong >

After downloading the ISO file, you'll need a specialized tool to assist with installing Windows. The tool Rufus can aid in creating a bootable USB flash or SD card drive.

Download link: https://rufus.ie/

Step 1. Download the Rufus executable and run it.

Step 2. With Rufus open, select the microSD card and then choose Disk or ISO Image under the Boot Selection button. Select and open the Windows ISO file.

Step 3. In the Image Options, select the Windows To Go option.

Step 4. In the new dialog window, select the version of Windows you want to install.

Step 5. Launch all the options. You can leave the second box unchecked to use a Microsoft account.

Use Rufus to Install Windows

Step 6. Click OK to start the installation process.

Stage 3. Download the Steam Deck Drivers on Windows

Since Windows doesn't have built-in drivers for Wi-Fi, audio, and other essential components of the Steam Deck, you'll need to install the Steam Deck drivers on Windows:

Step 1. Go to the Valve website and download all the drivers.

Download the Steam Deck driver

Step 2. Extract all the downloaded drivers.

Step 3. Create a new folder on your desktop called "Steam Deck Drivers" and save all the extracted drivers in this folder.

Prepare Steam Deck Driver

Step 4. Paste the Steam Deck Drivers folder into the microSD card you created earlier.

Stage 4. Install Windows on Steam Deck This stage involves installing the Windows operating system on your Steam Deck. Please note that installing Windows may affect the performance and compatibility of some games and software, as SteamOS is specifically optimized for the device. Here's a general outline of the process: 1. **Backup your data**: Before proceeding, make sure to backup any important files or settings on your Steam Deck, as the installation will erase the current operating system. 2. **Download Windows ISO**: Visit the official Microsoft website to download the Windows 10 or Windows 11 ISO file. You'll need a valid product key to activate Windows. 3. **Create a bootable USB drive**: You'll need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. Use software like Rufus (for PC) or balenaEtcher (cross-platform) to create a bootable USB drive from the downloaded ISO. 4. **Boot into BIOS**: Power on your Steam Deck and immediately press the `Esc` key to enter the BIOS. Navigate to the Boot menu and change the Boot Order to prioritize USB devices. 5. **Insert USB drive**: Connect the bootable USB drive to your Steam Deck using an USB-C to USB-A adapter. 6. **Boot from USB**: Reboot your Steam Deck and it should start from the USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows. 7. **Partitioning**: During the installation process, you'll be asked to partition the disk. It's recommended to use the entire disk for Windows to avoid potential issues. 8. **Drivers and optimizations**: After installing Windows, you'll need to install appropriate drivers for the Steam Deck hardware. Visit the manufacturer's websites for graphics, Wi-Fi, and other components. Additionally, you might want to optimize Windows for better performance on the Steam Deck, such as disabling unnecessary services and enabling power-saving modes. 9. **Steam client**: Download and install the Steam client from the official website. You might need to adjust display settings within Steam to ensure proper compatibility with the Steam Deck's screen. 10. **Game compatibility**: Not all games may run well on Windows due to the different hardware and driver support. Test your favorite games to check their compatibility and performance. 11. **Keep updated**: Regularly update both Windows and your drivers to ensure the best performance and security. Remember that installing Windows on the Steam Deck is an advanced user operation and may void your warranty. Make sure you're comfortable with the process before proceeding.

After completing all the previous preparations, you can successfully install Windows on your Steam Deck. First, please boot from the SD card on the Steam Deck:

Step 1. Connect the SD card to the Steam Deck correctly.

Related Reading: SD Card Not Appearing on Steam Deck

Step 2. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons on the Steam Deck, then release both buttons when you hear a sound.

Step 3. Go to the Steam Deck Boot Manager and select the microSD card you created from the list of boot options.

Here's the translation for the text and image you provided: Text: "Boot Manager for Steam Deck" Image: A screenshot of the Steam Deck Boot Manager, showing options for managing boot partitions and selecting operating systems. The image is 368 pixels in height and 686 pixels in width, with a source URL of "/images/en/screenshot/partition-manager/steam-deck-boot-manager.png".

Step 4. Reboot the Steam Deck from the microSD card, and you should hold the Steam Deck vertically.

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.

Step 6. Once the installation starts, choose your preferred options. It's not recommended to use a Wi-Fi connection because of its slow speed until the official drivers are installed. In the "Connect You to a Network" dialog box, click the "I don't have internet" button.

Step 7. Click the Continue Limited Installation button and start Windows for the first time.

Step 8. On the desktop, rotate the screen to landscape: Do this in Display Settings > Scale and Layout > Display Orientation.

Stage 5. Install the Required Drivers

Upon entering the Windows desktop, proceed to install the necessary Windows drivers to allow it to function successfully.

Step 1. Double-click the inserted microSD card and navigate to the Steam Deck Drivers folder.

Step 2. Open a different folder to install the drivers:

• Select the first folder, "Aerith Windows Driver," to install the APU driver.
• Select "BayHub_SD_STOR_install" to install the driver for SD card storage.

To install both drivers, locate the "Setup" executable files (EXE) and double-click on them.

• Right-click on the "cs35I41" file and select "Install" to install the first audio driver.
• Right-click on the "NAU88L21" file and choose "Install" to install the second audio driver.

Installing the audio drivers will help you resolve the common issue of no sound on TVs when using Steam Decks with Windows.

• Click on the RTBlueR_FilterDriver file to install the Bluetooth driver: run the installdriver.cmd file.
• Click on RTLWlanE_WindowsDriver to install the Wi-Fi driver: run the installer.bat file.

These steps will help you successfully run Windows on the Steam Deck's microSD card!

Method 2: Install Windows on the Steam Deck's Internal SSD

If you intend to install Windows on the Deck's internal SSD, be aware that this process will erase all data on the Steam Deck's internal storage. Therefore, it's crucial to back up any important data beforehand. The installation process will largely resemble the SD card method; however, there are some variations in the Rufus configuration.

**Stage 1. Download Windows Installation Media**

Refer to Method 1 for Stage 1.

**Stage 2. Create Bootable Installation Media**

The quickest way to create a bootable Windows installation media is to burn the Windows ISO files to a USB drive using a professional tool. tools Partition Master, as a professional and user-friendly ISO Burner, enables you to burn Windows 11/10 to USB/CD and install Windows from it.

Download the tool for free and follow the straightforward instructions below to create bootable installation media. The tool features a user-friendly interface, ensuring an easy operation process.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and go to the Bootable Media section. Click "Burn ISO" and click "Next".

Step 2. Choose the ISO file you downloaded on your computer and click "Open".

Step 3. Click "Next" and choose the target USB as the destination, then click "Burn" to perform the task.

The Create Bootable Installation Media feature offered by tools like Partition Master can assist in installing Windows in various scenarios:

Stage 3: Boot Steam Deck from a USB Drive and Install Windows

Now, follow the previous steps to access the Steam Deck Boot Manager and install Windows:

Step 1. Select the USB drive you created from the list of boot options.

Step 2. Choose Install Now, and enter your Windows product key and the version of Windows that you have a license for.

Step 3. Agree to the terms and select Install Windows only.

Step 4. Delete all partitions and create a new one.

Step 5. Follow the on-screen steps to install Windows and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Complete Guide: Install Windows 10 from USB

**Stage 4. Install the Steam Deck Driver**

Refer to Stage 5.

Once you've installed these drivers, you should be all set. Your Steam Deck will now be running Windows on the internal SSD.

Method 3: Dual Boot Windows 11 and SteamOS Method 3: Dual Booting Windows 11 and SteamOS

If you wish to dual-boot two operating systems on your Steam Deck, you can partition the Steam Deck's SSD to accommodate both. It's recommended to perform this on a 256GB or 512GB model to ensure sufficient storage space. If space is inadequate, you can follow the instructions to add storage to the Steam Deck.

**Stage 1. Prepare the Necessary Tools**

Here are the translations:
• Two flash drives
• Additional tools such as G-Parted and Rufus.
• A Windows PC
• A Steam Deck dock for easy insertion of these drives.

Stage 2. Prepare the USB Drives

Step 1. Login to Rufus and select your connected USB drive under Devices.

Step 2. Select gparted-live under Startup Options.

Step 3. Wait for the drive to complete.

Stage 3: Launch Steam Deck and Go to the Boot Menu

Upon inserting the USB drive you created into the Steam Deck, press and hold the power and volume buttons to access the boot menu. You might also need to rotate the screen and utilize an external keyboard and mouse for this process.

Step 1. Select the flash drive you created

Step 2. Press A four times repeatedly.

Step 3. Choose Internal Drive from the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner.

Step 4. Select the ext4 home partition and resize it.

Step 5. If the space is unallocated, click on it and choose "New Simple Volume."

Step 6. Create a new partition and set it to not NTFS format.

Step 7. Save and exit.

Stage 4. Download the Windows ISO File

Refer to Method 1 of Stage 1.

Stage 5. Create Windows Bootable Installation Media This stage involves creating a bootable installation media for Windows, which can be a USB drive or a DVD. This media will be used to install Windows on your computer. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. **Download the Windows ISO File**: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows ISO file for the version you intend to install (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11). You'll need a valid product key if prompted. 2. **Get a USB Drive or DVD**: Ensure you have an empty USB drive with at least 8GB of space or a blank DVD. Keep in mind that data on the selected drive will be erased during the process. 3. **Use the Media Creation Tool**: For Windows 10/11, download and run the Microsoft Media Creation Tool. Follow these steps: - Launch the tool and accept the terms. - Choose "Create installation media for another PC" and click "Next." - Select the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) you want, then click "Next." - Choose the USB drive or DVD as the media type and select the drive accordingly. Click "Next." - The tool will now download the necessary files and create the bootable media. This may take some time. 4. **Boot from the Media**: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Delete, depending on your system). Set the boot order to prioritize USB or DVD drive, then save and exit. 5. **Install Windows**: Your computer should now boot from the installation media. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on your system. Enter your product key when prompted, choose your preferences, and complete the setup process. Remember to backup any important data before proceeding, as the process will erase your existing operating system or partition if you're performing a clean install.

For this step, please refer to Stage 3 of Option 2 to create bootable installation media. Tools Partition Master provides the Burn ISO feature to burn ISO to USB, which is faster and safer to help you successfully burn the ISO file.

If you're accustomed to using Rufus, follow these steps.

Step 1. Open Rufus and select your USB drive as the target device.

Step 2. Click on the "Startup Selection" button and choose "Disk or ISO Image." Load the Windows ISO file.

Step 3. Select "Standard Windows Installation," then rename the USB flash drive and click START.

Step 4. Select the Windows version and enable the check box.

Step 5. Select the Local Account checkbox and remove the requirement for an online Microsoft account.

Step 6. Wait for the process to complete.

Use Rufus to create a System to Go USB drive. Insert the USB drive you want to use and select it in the Rufus window (make sure you have chosen the right one, as all data on the drive will be erased). Click the SELECT button next to the Partition scheme and file system field, and choose the GPT partition scheme for UEFI computers and the FAT32 file system. Click the SELECT button next to the Boot selection field, then browse to the ISO file you downloaded previously and open it. Leave the other settings as they are, then click the START button to begin creating the USB drive. Wait for Rufus to finish.

Also read: Unable to Burn ISO to USB on Windows?

Stage 6. Boot the Steam Deck from the USB and install Windows.

Refer to Method 2, Stage 3

Stage 7. Download and install the Steam Deck drivers

Please refer to Method 1, Stage 3, and Stage 5.

Bonus Tip: Troubleshooting Installing Windows on Steam Deck

When you install or use Windows on Steam Deck, you might encounter issues or receive an error message. Here's a common scenario:

We've briefly summarized some possible solutions. Here they are:

1️⃣ You might encounter difficulties installing Windows if your partition is formatted in the Steam Deck format, as it is not compatible with Windows. To proceed, utilize a tool like Partition Master to format your USB drive to NTFS. Follow this link: Format USB to NTFS.

Forum users have noted that having the wrong partition format on the USB flash drive can also prevent Windows installation on the Steam Deck. This issue might be fixed by formatting it as Master Boot Record (MBR) rather than using the GUID Partition Table (GPT).

3️⃣. Failing to create bootable installation media can also lead to installation issues. If you're not familiar with Rufus, you can use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool or alternatives like Partition Master to install the Windows ISO file onto a USB drive.

Furthermore, considering some users have reported performance issues with gaming while using Windows, you might want to switch to a portable SSD instead of a microSD card. Don't forget to share this article if you find it helpful!

Conclusion

With the guidance outlined in this article, you can successfully install Windows on your Steam Deck! Your Steam Deck can function as a portable Windows PC, and you have the option to install Windows either on an SD card or format the internal SSD to NTFS to prevent compatibility issues. You can also utilize this tool to create bootable installation media for the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Windows on Steam Deck

This section also compiles additional queries regarding installing Windows on the Steam Deck. If you have similar concerns, please continue reading:

**1. Can I dual-boot Windows on Steam Deck?**

Of course, you can dual-boot Windows on the Steam Deck. Steam Deck fully supports dual-booting.

First, you'll need to install two operating systems on the Steam Deck. In addition to the pre-installed SteamOS, you can follow the solution in this article to burn Windows using tools like Partition Master and install a second operating system on the Steam Deck.

< strong >2. Can I install Windows on Steam Deck without using a USB drive?

Of course, you can install Windows without a USB, but you'll always need a drive to burn the Windows image and perform the installation. If you don't have a USB available, you can install Windows on an SD card. The Steam Deck offers a dedicated microSD card slot for this purpose.

< strong >3. How to install Windows on Steam Deck using an SD card?

You can refer to the solution outlined in this article to dual-boot Windows 11 and SteamOS on the Steam Deck using a microSD card. Here's a brief summary of the solution:

Step 1. Download the corresponding ISO file for Windows and use a burning utility to write it to the SD card.

Step 2. Download the Steam Deck driver on Windows.

Step 3. Install the SD card in the Steam Deck and reboot.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.