SteamOS

Installing Minecraft on Steam Deck
SteamOS in desktop mode. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)

SteamOS is a fork (modified version) of a Linux distribution (distro) built by Valve for its Steam Deck handheld, previously based on Debian but switching to Arch Linux when the portable device launched in 2022. Its UI is practically identical to Steam's "Big Picture" mode, designed initially to simplify PC gaming on large-screen televisions, but it can switch to a traditional desktop UI based on KDE Plasma.

However, it's now optimized for various screen sizes and focuses on supporting controller inputs rather than a traditional mouse and keyboard. While SteamOS is still primarily built for AMD hardware, starting with the Steam Deck and recently expanding to the Lenovo Legion Go S, it can be compatible with NVIDIA and Intel Arc graphics with mixed success.

Latest about SteamOS

Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) and Legion Go 2 (Windows) facing forward.

Here's how the SteamOS version of Legion Go 2 compares with the Windows handheld

By Rebecca Spear published

Handhelds Starting in 2026, the Legion Go 2 can ship with either SteamOS or Windows 11, but which one should you buy?

Handhelds
Steam Deck and Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) facing forward.

I've compared Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) vs Steam Deck — One is better than the other

By Rebecca Spear published

Handhelds Lenovo Legion Go 2 is the latest handheld gaming PC to get an official SteamOS version. But how does it stack up to the Steam Deck?

Handhelds
The front of the Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) floating over a colorful background.

Legion Go 2 just got even more appealing with features Xbox Ally X doesn't have

By Rebecca Spear published

Handhelds The new SteamOS Legion Go 2 offers a very different playing experience from the Xbox Ally X, but which one should you actually buy? Here's how they compare.

Handhelds
Windows Central Senior Editor Ben Wilson in a Christmas-themed hat holding an ASUS laptop with Bazzite and Windows logos appearing its screen

I dual-booted Windows and Linux in 2025 — Microsoft is in no danger

By Ben Wilson published

Windows Is Microsoft's AI push driving users away? Linux can handle gaming and daily work, but the deep-rooted familiarity of Windows still prevents any permanent switch.

Windows
Manor Lords running on Steam Deck.

These are the 7 things you need to do first after getting your Steam Deck

By Rebecca Spear published

Handhelds To get the best experience on your Steam Deck, you're going to want to make some settings changes before playing any games. Here are the things you should do first after getting your Steam Deck.

Handhelds
Screenshot from the Bazzite sizzler video by Brandon Lester and the Oreon Project

Windows frustrations are pushing gamers toward Bazzite

By Adam Hales published

PC Gaming Bazzite’s recent growth highlights how far Linux gaming is coming, even as anti-cheat limitations continue to hold it back.

PC Gaming
Steam icon

Devs reject SteamOS support over cheating concerns

By Adam Hales published

News Many people love SteamOS, but anti-cheat is its biggest remaining hurdle.

News
G-Man character from Half-Life holds a Steam Machine box PC

Valve already gambled on Steam Machine mini PCs a decade ago

By Ben Wilson published

PC Gaming The Steam Machine concept isn't new, and OEMs already tried Valve's vision in 2014. Could it be different this time around?

PC Gaming
Steam Deck OLED.

Will SteamOS ever have better anti-cheat support?

By Richard Devine published

PC Gaming Playing some of the most popular multiplayer games on SteamOS isn't possible thanks to the anti-cheat software. But will it ever get better with the Steam Machine on the way?

PC Gaming
Steam Machine for 2026

The cube is back: Valve officially unveils the Steam Machine for 2026

By Jez Corden published

PC Gaming Steam Machine is back! Valve has brought its console-like PC back from the dead, and this time, it's a lot more promising. Here's what we know so far.

PC Gaming
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