1.0 Getting Started
Please use the new HTML-based guide https://baldsealion.github.io/Steam-Deck-Ultimate-Windows-Guide/
This wiki will no longer receive updates
Currently, the current recommended version of Windows 11 is 22H2
The recommended method to install Windows is to either install it onto the internal Solid State Drive(from a USB flash drive, or micro SD card), or connect an external Solid State Drive.
Using a microSD or USB Flash Drive is NOT recommended for running Windows. You can see more about that on the Home Page
Typically the recommendation will be stock Windows 11 which can be obtained from Microsoft Here
I can't recommend a custom Windows version because of two reasons:
- Custom Windows builds that you can download violate Microsoft's re-distribution terms
- They often leave out important functionality that you may need later, or can cause un-expected issues with game compatibility, making it difficult to troubleshoot the exact issue
As an optional suggestion, you can go through this tutorial here when Windows is finished installing to de-bloat your system to your liking(The video is skipped to 9 minute marker because he just rants about Microsoft up to then) Debloat Windows 11 The Easy Way
- NOTE: you will need at least 1 USB flash drive, or micro SD card(the tutorial uses 2 Flash Drives, one for G-Parted and one for Windows, but you could use 1 flash drive/micro SD and complete the G-Parted portion of the tutorial, then flash Windows after) -- and should use a mouse and keyboard connect to the SteamDeck, or you're going to have a bad time adjusting the size of the partition(you can use the slider but it's less accurate):
Easy Dual Boot SteamOS & Windows on SteamDeck
After installing Windows, please install all the latest drivers(except the wireless driver) from Valve. Follow all of their instructions, located here:
The stock wireless drivers from Valve function very poorly, lag spikes and low bandwidth. It is highly recommended that you follow the guide here to install custom unlocked drivers:
While not officially from Valve, these are official driver updates to the hardware that is in the SteamDeck and may have better performance/stability(NOTE: If you're on Windows 11 22H2, then running a Windows Update should retrieve and install the drivers listed below as well):
Proceed to next page of wiki: 1.1 UMA Buffer Size