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Installing Windows on an external storage rig is easier than you might think.
All you need is one of thebest SD cards for Steam Deckand some patience.
Windows and Steam Deck is a match made in heaven.
Which version of Windows should I install on my Steam Deck?
Windows 11 is the preferred option for the Steam Deck since Valve routinely updates itslist of drivers.
For this guide, I’ll be using Windows 11 Home (64-bit.)
Samsung’s EVO Select is still one of the best SD cards for the Steam Deck.
If you toggle an upcoming option, it won’t affect the default SteamOS installation either.
Important: It’s critical that you follow this step carefully and choose ‘Windows To Go.’
This is extremely risky if you choose the wrong drive.
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Drives on this advanced list are not intended to be used with Rufus.
Important: The second-most vital option to check is ‘Prevent Windows To Go from accessing internal disks.’
The larger the card, the more space you’ll have for games.
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
- This part can take a long time, depending on your rig.
Be patient, and don’t interrupt the process or close Rufus while it’s working.
- We’ll need these drivers when Windows completes its initial installation.
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Be sure to downloadbothaudio drivers and consider saving the Windows Resources page to your bookmarks.
You have better drivers on your SD card, so don’t worry about skipping this.
If you prefer to add a password, it’s possible for you to.
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Still, a secure password is recommended if you’re storing sensitive files in Windows.
Congratulations, now you’ve got the option to boot into Windows on your Steam Deck!
Either way, proceed with caution since this is still considered experimental territory.
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
It’s relatively easy to go back to Steam OS though, if you want to.
Valve has a guide on how to recover Steam OS on the Steam Deckhere.
Out of the box, the Steam Deck will be missing drivers for running its hardware properly.
Below is some details on what you should probably bring over with your boot unit.
You candownload the latest version from GitHuband see a complete list of applications and conditions for running the tools.
Once you’ve run Steam Deck tools, some will have red icons initially.
Holding the volume down button allows you access to the secret Steam Deck boot manager.
That’s because you also need to download a RTSS dependency.
Consider donating to ayufanfor his work on this project.
Alternatively, the officialUWPHook Reddit communityis a good place for troubleshooting.
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Download the latest version from theofficial UWPHook GitHub pageand check out the latest bug fixes.
Over time, we’ll list some important tricks here you better know as you get stuck in.
Thankfully, they’re easy to change and configure.
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to fix.
At the top, it should say either “Properties, public connection, 5 GHz.”
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Time to install absolutely anything I want.
Jez loves playing Dragon Quest XI via Game Pass on Windows.
