You can now install Windows on the Steam Machine, for reasons only you comprehend.

      Official Windows drivers have finally arrived, although SteamOS is still seen as offering superior gaming performance.

      For years, one of the primary demands from Steam Machine users has been official support for Windows. Valve has now met this demand by releasing a complete set of Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing the installation of Windows 11 without needing unofficial workarounds or lacking hardware support. This update provides drivers for the device’s graphics, audio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, SD card reader, and other essential components, making Windows a more viable alternative than it previously was.

      Windows on a Steam Machine is now officially supported.

      Valve states that this new driver package is specifically created for those wishing to swap SteamOS for Windows. Once installed, the Steam Machine operates like a compact Windows PC that can run Steam, Epic Games Store, Game Pass, and other PC gaming platforms without the compatibility issues that arose with unofficial drivers.

      For many users, this is actually beneficial. While Valve has made significant strides in integrating Linux-compatible anti-cheat systems into SteamOS and Proton, some major multiplayer titles still depend on anti-cheat software that doesn’t support Linux. Games protected by Riot’s Vanguard, like VALORANT, and titles such as Call of Duty remain effectively exclusive to Windows. Installing Windows also transforms the Steam Machine into a capable desktop for productivity tasks, media streaming, and general computing.

      Nevertheless, SteamOS may still be the superior gaming operating system.

      Interestingly, just because the Steam Machine is capable of running Windows doesn’t mean it necessarily should. Independent comparisons over the past couple of years among handheld gaming PCs have consistently demonstrated that SteamOS outperforms Windows in many gaming scenarios. Valve’s operating system is lighter, better optimized for handheld devices, and typically delivers smoother battery life and gaming performance compared to Microsoft’s desktop-focused OS.

      This makes the announcement a bit ironic. If the goal is to achieve the best gaming experience with the Steam Machine, SteamOS is still likely the more intelligent option. The only situation where Windows really makes sense is if the Steam Machine is being used as a compact PC as well. Even then, it remains a niche scenario. The market is saturated with affordable mini PCs that run Windows right out of the box, often featuring more powerful hardware and fewer trade-offs.

      Nonetheless, more options are generally a positive development. At the very least, Valve is providing owners with exactly what they’ve been seeking: the freedom to choose how their Steam Machine functions, whether as a console, a handheld device, or a standard Windows PC.

      Varun is an experienced technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer tech media. His work spans...

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