Steam Deck’s Windows 10 drivers are now available

Valve always stated that Steam Deck can run Windows. However, it needs official Windows 10 drivers. They are now readily available. They also posted links to drivers and instructions for how to return to Steam Deck OS in case players are stuck.

The Windows 10 drivers are available to allow Steam Deck users to launch the operating system from their Steam Deck. However, the options for them is limited. The Steam Deck can currently only run Windows 10 on its own. This will allow it to replace the Steam Deck OS. The new drivers should help make Windows 10 run pretty smoothly on the Deck, but there’s currently no way to run both.

Valve mentioned in its blog that Steam Deck has dual-boot OS capability. The wizard for the dual-boot isn’t ready yet, but when it arrives at a later date, players may then choose which OS they want to boot.

Windows 11 — the latest Windows OS — isn’t available on the Steam Deck either. The Windows 11 BIOS, however, will soon be available, just like dual-boot.

With Windows on Steam Deck, there are a few interesting things players are able to do: most notably, run games that aren’t available on SteamOS for one reason or another. This includes Bungie’s popular sci-fi shooter Destiny 2, which isn’t able to run via the Steam Deck OS due to issues with BattlEye anti-cheat. With Windows 10 running on the Steam Deck, players can still play Destiny 2As shown in the video, you can do it on the move.

Theoretically, players who install Windows 10 can use Xbox Game Pass PC to play on Steam Decks. All of the functionality, as well as the Steam Deck, is new and will require players to spend a couple weeks exploring the full potential of Windows Steam Decks.