Windows drivers released for Steam Deck (but there's no audio yet)

Microsoft releases official Windows drivers for Valve's handheld-PC hybrid Steam Deck, but certain Xbox games aren't playable.

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Senior Gaming Editor
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Valve has released drivers to get Windows 10 up and running on the Steam Deck...but it's not perfect.

Windows drivers released for Steam Deck (but there's no audio yet) 44

Steam Deck owners can now install Windows on the handheld thanks to the latest driver package issued out by Valve. The necessary Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPU drivers have been released and users can not only get Windows 10 running but Game Pass as well...with some stability caveats (plus not every game is supported).

It's also worth mentioning that there's no dual OS boot option so you will have to completely reformat and wipe the Steam Deck's storage to get Windows running. Plus audio drivers are not available yet so neither the Steam Deck's headphone jack nor built-in speakers will work while gaming on Windows. Fortunately you can hook up a headset via Bluetooth.

Windows takes up 30GB+ of Steam Deck storage space, reports indicate.

Windows Drivers

A few quick notes about these resources.

  • For now you can only perform a full Windows install. While Steam Deck is fully capable of dual-boot, the SteamOS installer that provides a dual-boot wizard isn't ready yet.
  • Also for now, you can only install Windows 10. Windows 11 requires a new BIOS that is currently in the pipe (which provides fTPM support) and will be shipping soon.
  • Drivers are provided for GPU, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Audio drivers are still in the works with AMD and other parties - but you'll still be able to use Bluetooth or USB-C audio with Windows on Deck.

Here's a list of supported Xbox first-party games currently supported on the Steam Deck, courtesy of The Verge:

Verified:

  • Deathloop
  • Psychonauts 2
  • Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
  • The Evil Within
  • Fallout Shelter
  • Prey
  • Battletoads
  • Max: The Curse of Brotherhood

Playable:

  • Sea of Thieves
  • Fallout 4
  • Forza Horizon 5
  • Forza Horizon 4
  • Quantum Break
  • State of Decay: YOSE

Unsupported:

  • Gears 5
  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection
  • Halo Infinite
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator X
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Senior Gaming Editor

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Derek joined the TweakTown team in 2015 and has since reviewed and played 1000s of hours of new games. Derek is absorbed with the intersection of technology and gaming, and is always looking forward to new advancements. With over six years in games journalism under his belt, Derek aims to further engage the gaming sector while taking a peek under the tech that powers it. He hopes to one day explore the stars in No Man's Sky with the magic of VR.

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