How to Dual Boot Steam Deck to Windows and SteamOS

How to Dual Boot Steam Deck to Windows and SteamOS: With its strong hardware and huge library of games, the Steam Deck changes the way people play games. Dual-booting both Windows and SteamOS on the device is a choice for people who want even more gaming options. Dual-booting makes it easy for users to switch between operating systems. This means that they can play a wide range of Windows games while also having the best gaming experience of SteamOS.

This guide makes it easier by giving you clear, step-by-step steps on how to set up dual-booting on your Steam Deck. Whether you’re a Windows fan eager to play your favourite PC games or a staunch SteamOS user looking for new ways to play, dual-booting gives you access to a wider range of games on your Steam Deck.

Our easy-to-follow guide will make switching between Windows and SteamOS a breeze, so you can get the most out of your game adventures on this cutting-edge handheld console. Enjoy the freedom and versatility of dual-booting on your Steam Deck, and you’ll have access to a world of game options. Here are the simple steps how to Dual Boot Steam Deck to Windows and SteamOS.

What is dual booting

Having two different operating systems on the same computer is called dual booting. With this set up, users can pick which system to use every time they turn on their computer. When people do this, they can use both methods and switch between them as needed. Usually, each operating system has its own space on the hard drive so that they don’t mess with each other.

Some people choose to dual boot because they need to use software that only works with one OS but still wants to use the other OS’s features. Setting up a dual boot, on the other hand, needs some careful planning to go easily. It can be hard to keep the systems up to date and running smoothly if it’s not done correctly. Files can also get mixed up.

How to Dual Boot Steam Deck to Windows and SteamOS

On Windows

1. Prepare Steam Deck to Ensure enough empty room for Windows installation.
2. Backup important data on Steam Deck.
3. Download Windows software files.
4. Access Steam Deck’s BIOS: Turn off, then hold Volume Up while turning on.
5. Navigate to Boot menu in BIOS.
6. Insert microSD card or USB drive with Windows files.
7. Select microSD card or USB drive as startup device.
8. Follow on-screen instructions for Windows installation.
9. Partition Steam Deck for Windows.
10. Install Windows from provided disk.
11. Complete Windows setup.
12. Restart Steam Deck, access BIOS.
13. Prioritize SteamOS boot option.
14. Save changes, exit BIOS.
15. Verify SteamOS functionality.
16. Dual-boot Steam Deck with Windows for expanded gaming options.

On SteamOS

1. Get your Steam Deck ready to dual boot.
2. Download the picture of SteamOS from the Steam website.
3. Make a USB drive that can start up with the SteamOS image on it.
4. Go to the BIOS options on the Steam Deck.
5. Make it possible to boot from external USB drives.
6. Put the USB drive that can start up into the Steam Deck.
7. Boot from the USB drive to start the process of installing SteamOS.
8. Then, follow the on-screen directions to add SteamOS on top of the current OS.
9. Set up the dual boot system the way you like it.
10. “Reboot” the Steam Deck to get to the boot screen, where you can pick between SteamOS and the original OS.
11. Make sure both operating systems work properly in the dual boot setup by testing them.

Benefits of Dual Booting Windows and SteamOS

1. Access to Windows Games: You can play Windows games because Windows is the most popular gaming device and has the most games. By installing Windows on top of SteamOS or Linux, players can play a lot of games that might not work with those systems.
2. It works well with Steam: SteamOS is designed to run games from Valve’s digital distribution tool for games, Steam. Users can easily access their Steam files when they switch between SteamOS and Windows thanks to dual booting.
3. Performance Optimization: Some games may run faster on Windows because it has better driver support, is more optimized, and works with more gaming hardware. The ability to dual boot lets users pick the operating system that works best with certain games or program.
4. Customization and Flexibility: Dual booting gives users the freedom to set up each operating system the way they want, meeting their specific needs and tastes. On each working system, users can improve their gaming experience by adding different software, drivers, and settings.
5. Multiplayer Compatibility: When it comes to multiplayer games, Windows has more players, which makes it easy to find matches and play with friends. Dual booting with Windows makes sure that games work with other computers and lets users join their friends no matter what operating system they’re using.

Conclusion

To sum up, setting up your Steam Deck to run both Windows and SteamOS gives you access to a lot of games and the best features of both. You can play a huge number of games from Steam and games that are only available on Windows with this setup, giving you a full gaming experience. It is easy to switch between SteamOS and Windows. SteamOS has an interface that is similar to platforms and is easy to use. Windows, on the other hand, works with more games.

You’ve made your Steam Deck flexible for different gaming styles by following the simple steps that were given. Take the chance to try out different gaming systems, and enjoy the benefits of playing PC and console games on the same device. Using two operating systems on your Steam Deck improves its speed and lets you get the most out of its powerful hardware for gaming.

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