Windows 11 Arrives Finally with Steam Deck Update

Finally, Windows 11 arrives for Steam Deck, and it comes with the ability to install Microsoft OS being wrapped up in a fresh update for Valve’s handheld gaming PC.

Windows 11 Arrives Finally with Steam Deck Update

Before, Windows 11 support has only been available in testing, and therefore the operating system could only get installed by those that are running the beta version of SteamOS.

Windows 11 Arrives Finally with Steam Deck Update

However, in Steam’s latest update, the valve has made things official by introducing support for fTPM – (enabling Firmware TPM on the Deck’s AMD CPU, which is a requirement for windows 11) – and what this means for steam deck owners is that they can now install Microsoft operating system on their handheld, not those running the beta.

Another interesting improvement that has progressed from beta to the full release is bolstering battery life in “idle or very low usage scenarios”, so that’s great to see. There is another tweak when it comes to battery longevity, too, which is an experimental Half-Rate shading option that forces 2×2 Variable Rate shading right into existing games for saving power”.

This link has all the changes. Valve made it look more like a welcome introduction in form of a lock screen for the steam Deck, as well as for other clients’ tweaks.

Those came with a much-improved design for the Achievements page, and support for switching between active windows right after tapping the Steam button.

Windows 11 on Steam Deck

What this means is that Windows 11 support is fully ironed out now for the Steam Deck – but of course, with time we would find out. Hopefully, it is a good sign that it did not take long for support to move from the beta channel to the full release of the SteamOS.

Based on what we have seen so far, those that are willing to install the windows 11 have had some positive comments to make when it comes to the experience. Clearly, you are going to run into fewer compatibility issues with games that have, say, anti-cheat systems, which happens to be a thorn in Valve’s side, and reports have given detail of the good sides such as a better touchscreen experience.

Of course, there are pitfalls too, Most obviously that you’ll doubtless still face driver issues even though windows 11 support has moved it from the beta to official; so it may well be a case of swapping one set of problems for another.

Furthermore, you are still losing the simplicity of the streamlined SteamOS experience also, and if you happen to play games from your Steam library, there’s a lot to say concerning how well Valve has things working even at this relatively early stage.

Changing OS on Steam Deck

Also, we are to have it at the back of your mind that changing OS on the Deck would not be for the faint-hearted – it is not a trivial endeavor for the less tech-savvy – and besides that, Some big benefits of the windows 11 for gamers, like DirectStorage tech, won’t be realized for some time at the moment.

At this point in time, it’s probably still worth playing a waiting game rather than taking the plunge with Windows 11, unless you are in possession of some really compelling specific reasons.

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