Steam Deck adds Windows 11 support and BIOS fixes with beta update
Valve began shipping the Steam Deck console earlier this year, combining a vaguely Nintendo Switch-like design with the open hardware and software of a PC. Valve has been focusing mostly on its own SteamOS platform for Steam decks, but the company allows other operating systems to be installed, and now beta testing includes official support for Windows 11 in a BIOS update.
Steam Deck has supported installing third-party operating systems since day one, and Valve released official Windows drivers last month for a more functional experience. However, you could just install Windows 10, as the TPM module was not yet enabled (which Windows 11 requires for a normal install). Valve has now addressed this with a new BIOS update, which is available for testing in the beta channel, before it rolls out to everyone.
Steam Deck OS Beta Patch Changelog
- Message added when charger that doesn’t meet minimum bar is plugged in
- Uncapped framerate setting added to Quick Access Menu > Display
- Added FTPM Support, Enabling Windows 11 Installations
- Added Button Combo: Hold “…” + “Volume Down” to reset PD contract in cases where incompatible Type-C device causes Steam deck to become stuck
- Updated Power LED to dim seconds after power supply connection events for a better experience in dark environments
- Improved compatibility for multiple Type-C docks and PSUs
- Improved battery life in idle or very low usage scenarios
- better stability
- Fixed a problem with the touchscreen not working after a few boots
- Certain compatibility with some SD cards especially when used as a boot device.
- Fixed acpi error spo in kernel
“You can select this by going to Settings > System on your Steam deck and selecting Beta from the OS Update channel,” Valve wrote in an announcement. Again, this OS and BIOS are still in beta and being tested. So just opt-in if you want to try it out and give feedback.”
In addition to enabling the TPM module for Windows 11, it’s great to see expanded support for USB docks and power supplies. Here’s hoping there are no serious bugs and it might be available to everyone soon.
Source: valve
