SteamOS vs Windows
SteamOS vs Windows
I discovered SteamOS can be downloaded and there are instructions for installing it on a PC. However, the process seems tricky—most guides recommend SteamOS.zip for USB installation, but even Rufus fails, leaving only 256KB on the drive. I also struggle with partitioning my M.2 drive, as the available space appears limited despite having a larger capacity. This makes dual-booting impractical and re-installing Windows risky. Despite these challenges, I’m curious if it’s worth trying to upgrade for a gaming PC or to replace Windows temporarily. SteamOS is primarily designed for gaming, but since it doesn’t support Xbox Game Pass, that could be a downside. If you’re open to alternatives, let me know what you prefer!
SteamOS is essentially Arch Linux adapted for the Steam Deck, which makes sense. Installing it could work well since most games are compatible with Linux. I believe SteamOS is built around Linux, as it avoids the bloat of Windows, making it lighter and more efficient—especially useful on a device with limited power. You can also partition your drive into several sections; you might need to reduce the main 450GB partition in Windows or handle it during installation using tools like Ventoy instead of Rufus.
SteamOS turns your PC into a powerful gaming station, so titles that don’t support Steam Deck won’t work on it either. It mainly runs games using Denuvo or anti-cheat systems, similar to what @MiszS mentioned. In short, it’s more like Linux with a Steam-themed interface.
The current SteamOS release available for download is outdated and no longer supported (based on Debian 8). This differs from the version used on the Steamdeck (Arch-based). If you want a similar setup to what you have with SteamOS on the Steamdeck, consider Bazzite. It’s a gaming-oriented Linux distro packed with quality-of-life features right out of the box. It can be challenging for newcomers to Linux, but it also supports installation on many handheld devices available today.
Consider trying Bazzite, the nearest alternative to SteamOS for desktop or laptop use (though it's even superior). This version is specifically designed for the Steam Deck. Feel free to ask if you need more details—I'm actually on Bazzite too.
I might attempt to set it up, but in the download area my hardware shows KDE (similar to Steam OS) so I assume it’s about an interface like SteamOS or GNOME. What is this? Is it similar to a Windows-like experience? Which one would let me use Xbox Game Pass or GOG? And which is better? Could I run just one system instead of keeping Windows? I’m mainly watching anime and playing games, not using Windows at all—10% or less. If something offers a better feel for my PC, that would be ideal. If I ever discover more about Windows options, I might try again, but right now which version is best? Also, for the 7800XT, do I need to pick Ubuntu drivers, or are they outdated and confusing compared to Windows naming? It’s my first Linux experience.
You cannot install Xbox game pass titles on Linux; only cloud streaming works. GOG and Epic games support installation via Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris, which use Wine or Proton for compatibility. Support levels depend on the title. Check winedb, protondb, or search "<game name here> linux support" for details. Most Linux distributions can run Heroic/Lutris/Steam. Bazzite is a gaming distro with preinstalled clients. GPU drivers differ from Windows; AMD/Intel drivers are included in the kernel. As long as you use the latest kernel or MESA, your GPU should work. Bazzite will automatically install any needed drivers on first login. You can format the entire drive during installation if you prefer a clean setup.
Choose KDE for a setup most alike to Windows. Game Pass isn't supported on Linux outside of XCloud. For GoG, use Heroic Games Launcher. The AMD drivers are built into the kernel, so no extra steps needed—they come with the OS and offer improved performance compared to Windows.
Xbox Ultimate allows cloud gaming for certain games. This means you can enjoy the game on your mobile device as long as it supports a web browser.
I put it in place yesterday as a dual boot setup and it performs very well, but I added just one game to test it. After Us caused stuttering issues on Windows, but it ran smoothly at 25-30fps with no graphics tweaks. It didn’t have any temperature control or adrenaline software, so no undervolting or fan adjustments. Overall, the app list is minimal, and games run much slower compared to what I expect. This one seems to be the exception, or something went wrong.