What you need to know
- Valve's handheld device, the Steam Deck, runs a version of Linux.
- Valve also allows users to run Windows on their Steam Decks.
- Valve shared some new audio drivers for anyone running Windows 10 or Windows 11 on Steam Deck.
Valve is adding extra support for anyone looking to tinker with their Steam Deck and run an alternate operating system.
Valve shared on Friday that audio drivers for Windows 10 and Windows 11 are now available on Steam Deck. While Valve's Steam Deck doesn't run Windows out of the box, any user who wants to add Windows 10 or Windows 11 can, as it can be used just like a regular PC.
These drivers are meant to provide a better experience, though there's few other notes. Valve also shared that these drivers are being released "as is" and as such, the company can't offer any further support beyond the existence of the drivers. Do be aware that if you intend to go down this route of tinkering, dual-boot isn't supported right now, though Valve says this feature will arrive with SteamOS 3.
Buying a Steam Deck still isn't super easy, as units are in fairly short supply, though hopefully that'll be changing as time goes on. Back in April 2022, Valve shared that Steam Deck shipments were "ramping up," with more and more units expected to ship in the coming months. In our Steam Deck review, we wrote that "Valve's bold venture into the portable gaming space has made a stellar first impression."
A portable PC?
Wanted more places to play your Steam library? Now you'll be able to with the Steam Deck. More shipments are being sent out, so keep a close eye on your email.
