Valve releases Windows resources for Steam Machine, but do not update unless you do not need Dual-Boot
Valve has published Windows resources for Steam Machine, giving users the driver files needed to install Microsoft’s operating system on the new SteamOS desktop system.
The support page now includes a dedicated Steam Machine section with downloads for the graphics driver, Wi-Fi driver, Bluetooth driver and SD card reader driver. These files are separate from the Steam Deck LCD and Steam Deck OLED Windows drivers already available on the same page.
Valve says Steam Deck and Steam Machine are PCs, so other operating systems and applications can be installed. Also, the reason the system is not subsidized – users can install any system they want and whichever storefront they want. The company also says these Windows resources are provided as-is and that it cannot offer “Windows on Steam Hardware” support.
Source: Valve
Available for download are graphics, WiFi, Bluetooth and SD Card reader drivers. I’m not sure if there’s any other driver required, but this seems to be the most important stuff.
No dual-boot support yet
The main limitation is dual-boot support. Valve says installing Windows requires wiping Steam hardware, and dual-boot with SteamOS is not currently available.
This does not mean the hardware cannot dual-boot. Valve says Steam Deck and Steam Machine are fully capable of dual-boot, but the SteamOS installer with a dual-boot wizard is not ready yet. The company says this will ship alongside SteamOS once complete.
Valve also posted Steam Machine-specific installation notes. Users can enter the boot menu by powering down the system and tapping Escape while booting. Valve says an Ethernet connection is required during Windows installation, since Wi-Fi drivers are not available at that point.
Source: Valve
