After the official announcement for Windows support from Valve, many Steam Deck users are now racing to install Windows 10 on their devices to experience games from other platforms like Epic Games. To Install Windows on Steam Deck, you will need to create a bootable windows drive on a USB and plug it with your Steam Deck.
Step by Step Instructions to Install Windows on Steam Deck
- First of all, download a . ISO version of Windows 10 from the official Microsoft Website. Then download and use something like Rufus to make a bootable USB drive.
- Turn off your Steam Deck and connect your bootable USB drive to your device.
- Hold the Volume Down button and Power button to turn on the boot menu.
- Use the D-Pad to navigate and select the EFI(USB Device) option from the boot manager using the A button.
- The device will boot up using the USB drive and lead to the Windows installation setup.
- Use the touch screen and complete the installation like any other software.
Installation Procedure
- Once the installer window opens, press Yes and continue.
- Choose English or any language of your choice for installing and press Install now.
- If you have any Windows Key, type in and activate or choose the "I don't have" option.
- Select Windows 10 in the next tab and make sure to agree to all the terms & conditions.
- Choose a custom window installation procedure. Create space by deleting all the existing partitions and selecting Drive 0 as your installation directory, as all deleted partitions will go to Drive 0 by default.
- Wait until the installation finishes.
After installing, go to the display settings and change the display orientation to Landscape for a better user experience. Voila, you now have Windows 10 running on your Steam Deck.
Remember, as of now, you will not be able to hear any audio through the default speakers on Windows 10. Still, you can get audio over Bluetooth or USB Type-C Jack.
For more on Steam, check out Best Steam Deck Expandable Storage or Best Steam Deck Accessories on Pro Game Guides.
Vignesh Raja started playing video games at age five and immediately fell in love with them. Though his adventure begins with story-based games like Total Overdose and Prince of Persia, he soon gravitated toward competitive FPS and simulation games. That passion led him to play multiple Esports titles like FIFA, Paladins, and Apex Legends on a semi-professional level since high school. Nowadays, he shares his competitive knowledge by coaching upcoming BR teams and writing guides for Valorant, BitLife, and Roblox.