Valve Comes Out with Windows Support for Steam Deck 

Valve has announced that they are expanding their Steam Deck operating system options.  

The much popular handheld PC console is now more accessible with their new Windows support. The new alternative to transition from the SteamOS offers users flexibility and opens the door to new features.  

When initially released, the console only supported Windows 10.  But their new update comes with the required firmware TPM support, so you can opt for Windows 11 as well.  

The most significant advantage is that you are not restricted to the Steam launcher. Users now have an array of options like Epic Games, Rockstar Games, and more. 

However, Valve has been very transparent about its flaws. We know that Windows was not made for a small screen, and it can be seen in all the changes Valve has made so far. Users noted a drop in frame rate while playing certain games. The controls also froze while launching programs. 

Several Reddit users advised against going for the switch, pointing out significant performance differences in Windows compared to the Linux-based OS.  

The basic UI can be confusing at first. For example, the left and right click alternate, corresponding to the right and left trigger. This might be confusing for users who are used to the default settings.  

The audio was also not up to the mark initially. Specific problems had surfaced which could only be fixed at the factory level. However, Valve has recently released audio drivers designed for the Windows setup, which would enable audio output from the 3.5 mm jack or the built-in speakers.  

You have seen the SteamOS in its glory, and despite all the bugs, the Windows OS might be worth a chance. You could wait a bit longer, just until the mess gets fixed! 

About Valve Software

Valve Corporation, also known as Valve Software, is an American video game developer, publisher, and digital distribution company based in Bellevue, Washington. Valve is best known for the software distribution platform Steam, along with gaming franchises such as Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Portal, Day of Defeat, Team Fortress, Left 4 Dead, and Dota.