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SteamOS isn’t quite the same as other Linux distributions—but it does use a modified version of Arch Linux at its core. Is it possible to dual boot Windows 10 and SteamOS?
Can You Dual Boot Windows and SteamOS?
You can boot SteamOS alongside Windows 10 and 11—in fact, you can even install it alongside other Linux distributions. Depending on whether you’re running Windows and SteamOS on a Steam Deck or your PC, however, you may need to take a slightly different approach.
Installing Windows on your Steam Deckinvolves creating a new partition on your Steam Deck’s SSD so that the two operating systems can work side-by-side. It’s considerably easier to install SteamOS on a PC. You just need to create a bootable SteamOS installer and go through the basic configuration prompts.
How to Dual Boot Windows and SteamOS on PC
If you want to dual boot Windows 10 and SteamOS on your PC, you’ll need to download SteamOS, create a bootable drive, and run the SteamOS installer. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Verify That Your Device Meets SteamOS Hardware Requirements
Before you download anything, you should verify that your PC meets the SteamOS hardware requirements. SteamOS 2.0 is the ideal version to install on PC.
Alchemist (SteamOS 1.0) andBrewmaster(SteamOS 3.x) may be worth considering if you wish to run an unmodified version of SteamOS. Download the ISO or ZIP for your preferred version of SteamOS. Unfortunately, SteamOS won’t work with every computer—but you can usean alternative like ChimeraOSif necessary.
2. Use the Installer to Create a Bootable USB Drive
It’s fairly easy toCreate a bootable USB drive with the ISO. Verify that your USB drive has at least 4 GB of space and that you’ve backed up any files you wish to keep. Next, install a program that can create bootable USB drives—in this case, you may useRufus.
Open Rufus, then select your USB drive from theDevicedrop-down menu. Next, click theSELECTbutton on the right of theBoot selectiondrop-down and choose your SteamOS ISO using the file manager window that appears. Finally, clickStartand wait for Rufus to finish writing the bootable USB drive.
3. Restart Your Computer and Run the SteamOS Installer
Once you’ve created your bootable USB drive, you’re ready to install SteamOS. If you haven’t already, verify that your USB drive is connected.
Next, you’ll need to restart your computer. Once the manufacturer logo appears, repeatedlypress the BIOS keyuntil the boot process stops and the BIOS loads. The BIOS key is likely to be F2 or F12, but you can search for “BIOS key [computer model]” to determine this.
Then, navigate through your BIOS until you find the Boot Order menu. Where this menu is located—and what it’s titled—will depend on your specific BIOS. Adjust the boot order so that your USB drive boots before your operating system.
Finally, save the changes and exit the BIOS. Allow your computer to reboot and wait for the SteamOS installer to appear.
4. Select Expert Install and Configure Your Partitions
After your computer has powered on, the SteamOS installation menu should appear. SelectExpert Installfrom the list of options that appears.
Don’t selectAutomated installunder any circumstances! This will erase your primary operating system and any other data on the disk to make space for SteamOS.
Select your language, country, and keymap as you proceed through the installer. The installer will briefly load, then a menu listing your partitions will appear.
Double-clickUndo changes to partitionsto reverse the SteamOS presets, then select the partition you intend to use and clickContinue.
Create a new partition for SteamOS by selectingYes(to create a new partition table), then select theFREE SPACEunderneath the partition and clickContinueagain. SelectCreate a new partitionand set the partition to be at least 10 GB. Verify that the partition is set to“Mount point: /”and“Use as: Ext4 journaling file system”.
Name the partition SteamOS. You’ll need to create a new swap file partition from the FREE SPACE partition. Repeat the previous process and create a partition of around 10 GB—lower is okay, but 10 GB is recommended if you have very little RAM. Set the partition to“Use as: swap area”.
It’s also important to create a recovery partition. Use the FREE SPACE partition to create a new partition between 3 GB and 10 GB in size. Verify that the partition is set to“Use as: Ext4”and“Mount point: /boot/recovery”. Finally, use the remaining FREE SPACE to create a games partition. Set it to“Use as: Ext4”and“Mount point: /home”.
Alternatively, you’re able to create all four SteamOS partitions by creating a FREE SPACE at least 40 GB in size and selectingPartition disks > Guided partitioning > Guided - use the largest continuous free space. If it modifies the partitions in an unexpected way, you can double-clickUndo changes to partitionsto reverse it.
5. Finalize the Installation of SteamOS
Now that you’ve created the required partitions, you’re almost done installing SteamOS. Confirm the changes by selectingFinish partitioning and write changes to disk. When the installer prompts you, confirm that you would like to install the GRUB bootloader. This bootloader will allow you to choose between Windows and SteamOS when you turn your computer on.
You’ll need to log in using the default account when you first boot into SteamOS. Use the password “steam”for the user accountsteamos. Open the Terminal withCtrl + T,enter “steam”, and allow Steam to set up on your system. Finally, log out of steamos and log intodesktopwith the password “desktop”. This will be your account, which you may now configure in any way you like.
Open the Terminal again and enter “~/post_logon.sh” to run a script that sets up SteamOS. During this process, your computer will reboot, but there’s no need to be alarmed. Allow SteamOS to create the recovery partition, reboot into SteamOS, and enjoy playing your favorite games on this spectacular operating system.
Is SteamOS Worth Using?
SteamOS is worth using, but you’ll need to tweak it a bit for the best user experience. You’ll need to adjust the resolution for your device, and you may even need to install a few drivers to maximize your device’s performance. It’s worthwhile, however, if you want to use your desktop as an entertainment device, since SteamOS works seamlessly with game controllers and offers a user experience that combines the best aspects of conventional game consoles and PCs.
If you’re not planning on using your PC as a dedicated gaming system, however, it may be worth considering installing something else. Steam’s Big Picture Mode on Windows or Chimera OS both offer a similar experience while being considerably more versatile. In the end, SteamOS is an efficient and visually appealing operating system that offers impressive benchmarks—but it’s only worth using if you need a dedicated “console” gaming OS.
