If youre installing Windows 11,TPM needs to be enabled in the BIOS.

If you want access to windows on the go, then an SD card is the most convenient option.

Connect the bootable USB drive to your Steam Deck, or insert the bootable SD card.

Inserting an SD card into a Steam Deck.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

verify the Steam Deck is turned off.

Holdvolume downand press thepowerbutton.

Select theUSB driveorSD card.

The volume and power buttons on a Steam Deck.

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The Steam Deck will boot into Windows.

The display will be sideways at this time.

When the Windows desktop appears, navigate toStart>options>System>Display.

EFI SD/MMC Card highlighted in the Steam Deck boot menu.

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SelectDisplay Orientation>Landscape, then accept the change when prompted.

Open Edge, and navigate to theSteam Deck Windows Resourcespage.

Download theAPU driver,Wi-Fi driver,Bluetooth driver,SD card reader driver, and bothaudio drivers.

A Steam Deck preparing to boot Windows.

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drop in the drivers, and youll be ready to use Windows on your Steam Deck.

Your Steam Deck will boot into SteamOS each time it is turned off and back on.

Here is how to install Windows directly on your Steam Deck:

Create a Windows installation drive.

Yes highlighted on a Steam Deck during Windows installation.

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Turn your Steam Deck off.

Connect your installation drive to the Steam Deck via USB.

it’s possible for you to use an adapter if necessary.

Start menu, Settings, and Display highlighted in Windows system settings on a Steam Deck.

Holdvolume downand press thepowerbutton, then release both.

The Steam Deck will boot up with the Windows installer active.

Verify the language and tapNext.

Display Orientation and Landscape highlighted in Display Settings on a Steam Deck.

The display will appear sideways at this time.

Choose a Windows version, and tapNext.

TapCustom: Install Windows only.

Steam Deck Windows drivers in Edge on a Steam Deck.

TapDrive 0 Partition 8, then tapDelete.

you’ve got the option to then selectDrive 0 Unallocated Spaceand tapNext.

If you change your mind, you’ll need to restore your Steam Deck using a SteamOS recovery image.

Windows Drivers on a Steam Deck.

When installation is complete, the Steam Deck will reset.

When the Windows desktop loads, navigate toStart>prefs>System>Display.

SelectDisplay Orientation>Landscape.

Connecting a USB flash drive to a Steam Deck.

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Why Install Windows On a Steam Deck?

SteamOS is great at running games.

Heck, its capable of playing a lot of games that are only playable on Windows.

EFI USB Drive highlighted in the Steam Deck bootloader.

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If you have a lot of games on those platforms, then youll benefit from installing Windows.

Aside from games, installing Windows on a Steam Deck also turns your handheld into a portable Windows PC.

Why Cant You Dual Boot Windows and SteamOS?

Next highlighted in the Windows installer on a Steam Deck.

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There are ways around these issues, but they arent worth the trouble for the average user.

Installing Windows to a microSD card is a much easier option.

FAQ

Press thePowerbutton and selectSwitch To Desktop, then open theDiscover Software Center.

Install Now highlighted in the Windows installer on a Steam Deck.

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Discord will appear in your games library under Non-Steam Games.

Yes.Install EmuDeckto play retro games on your Steam Deck with avideo game emulator.

Download the program from the Software Center and install it as a non-Steam game.

Next highlighted in the Windows installer.

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Next highlighted in the Windows Installer.

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Next highlighted in the Windows installer on Steam Deck.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

Custom: Install windows only highlighted in the Windows installer on a Steam Deck.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

Delete highlighted in installation selection on a Steam Deck.

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