Yes, some users have successfully dual booted SteamOS. It depends on your hardware and setup.
Yes, some users have successfully dual booted SteamOS. It depends on your hardware and setup.
You'd need to set up SteamOS first because Windows doesn't understand Linux, which is unusual. Have you done it?
No, it wouldn't work. Installing SteamOS before Windows on a separate SSD won't connect properly.
Here’s a revised version of your text:
I haven’t used an eight-boot setup, but I’ve tried quad and penta booting on single HDDs. It’s hard to say exactly what to do since I don’t have much real experience with SteamOS and can’t really anticipate how it will behave. What I’ve read suggests SteamOS aims to control the entire HDD. As a Linux enthusiast, I’d likely add Linux myself and use Grub to pick the booting system. My initial idea would be: put one HDD in, install SteamOS on that one, then take it out and insert another. After that, set up Windows on the same machine but leave space for a Linux installation. Once Windows is running, connect both drives and boot into the Linux installer. Then, install Linux on the second HDD alongside Windows. Mint or Ubuntu will automatically add Grub as a bootloader, which should recognize both SteamOS and Windows. I’m more confident about that than with SteamOS itself. From there, you’ll have a triple-boot configuration. You can then customize Grub using Grub Customizer—adjust the order of the OSes, change default settings, or control what boots first. Of course, you could simplify things and opt for a non-official SteamOS install. The official SteamOS version seems to work well. (Reference: Howtogeek article)
Apart from the Linux setup, everything functions properly. The only challenge is adjusting the boot sequence in BIOS when switching operating systems. Streaming works well. My primary machine connects to the router through powerline, while the HTPC is directly linked via Ethernet. I tested Half Life 2, CS:GO, and Rome 2—performance was smooth with no obvious lag, which was unexpected. Audio quality fluctuates occasionally but remains usable. If you're curious about the PC specs: Celeron G530, Asrock H61m VG3, 2GB RAM, Nvidia GT 610, 750GB HDD (Windows/Plex), plus an additional 500GB HDD for Steam OS.
On Steam OS, you can configure partitions yourself by installing Windows first, then making an empty area and performing a custom installation.