Steam Machine Embraces Windows.
Valve releases official Windows drivers for Steam Machine, but users must wipe SteamOS.
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Key Points
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Valve keeps device-specific Windows driver packs for Steam Machine and Steam Deck, with the Steam Machine drivers stored separately and not compatible with Steam Deck firmware, underscoring that these are distinct hardware ecosystems.
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Valve states the Windows-on-Steam Hardware resources are provided 'as-is' and they cannot offer official Windows support for the Steam Machine; if issues arise, users should follow recovery instructions to return to SteamOS, and dual-boot is not supported yet.
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Although Windows can be installed, some drivers were still being finalized at the time of release, notably the Bluetooth driver, indicating ongoing work to complete full hardware support.
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Linux-focused anti-cheat limitations persist, which has led some players to pursue Windows for better anti-cheat compatibility, underscoring why a Windows option appeals to competitive gamers despite losing SteamOS convenience.
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Valve indicates ongoing graphics-driver collaboration with AMD and hints at improvements to drivers and tooling, including the potential for a SteamOS dual-boot wizard in a future update, while noting the Steam Machine remains priced in the higher end of the range ($1,049–$1,349).
Valve has released an official Windows driver package for the Steam Machine, letting owners install Windows 10 or Windows 11 on the compact gaming PC without relying on unofficial workarounds. Trusted Reviews reported the release covers graphics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the SD card reader — the core hardware needed to run Windows properly.
There is a major catch, however. Installing Windows means wiping SteamOS entirely. Valve does not support dual-boot yet, so users who switch cannot keep both operating systems at the same time. Glitched Online noted that Valve provides recovery instructions for those who want to return to SteamOS if things go wrong.
What the Driver Package Actually Includes
Valve released four Windows drivers for the Steam Machine. According to Club 386, the package covers the GPU, Bluetooth adapter, Wi-Fi, and SD card reader. These drivers are specific to the Steam Machine and are not compatible with Steam Deck firmware — the two devices run on distinct hardware ecosystems.
Not everything is fully finished, though. Club 386 noted the Bluetooth driver was still being finalized at the time of release, signaling that Valve is still working to complete full hardware support. Users should expect further updates as that work continues.
Ethernet Required, SteamOS Gone: How Installation Works
The setup process is not plug-and-play. Valve's installation steps require a wired Ethernet connection because Wi-Fi drivers are not included during the initial Windows install. Users also need to manually navigate the boot menu to get started. Player.One confirmed the process replaces SteamOS entirely rather than sitting alongside it.
Valve is clear about the limits of its support. The company states that Windows-on-Steam Hardware resources are provided 'as-is' and that it cannot offer official Windows support for the Steam Machine. If something breaks, users are directed to follow recovery instructions to get back to SteamOS.
Why Gamers Want Windows: Anti-Cheat Is the Culprit
The biggest reason competitive gamers want Windows on the Steam Machine is anti-cheat software. Many popular online games use anti-cheat tools that do not work on Linux. This has pushed players toward Windows, where those games run without restrictions. Trusted Reviews highlighted this as a key driver of interest in the new package.
The Steam Machine is priced between $1,049 and $1,349, putting it at the higher end of gaming hardware. Paying that much and being locked out of certain games due to Linux anti-cheat limits is a real frustration for some buyers. Windows support directly addresses that problem.
Valve Hints at Dual-Boot Wizard and AMD Driver Work Ahead
Valve is not treating this as the final word on Windows support. The company is working with AMD on graphics driver improvements and plans upgrades to its driver tooling. tbreak reported that Valve also hinted at a future SteamOS dual-boot wizard that would let users run both operating systems without having to choose one permanently.
For now, the release reflects Valve's open hardware philosophy — the company wants users to have the freedom to run whatever software they choose, even if the experience is not seamless. Once a dual-boot option arrives, switching between SteamOS and Windows should become far simpler than it is today.
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