Install Windows 11 on Steam Deck from microSD: Complete Guide

The Steam Deck is, first and foremost, a PC in the form of a console., and that opens the door to running Windows without having to modify the hardware. You can use emulators, launch games from multiple stores, and connect peripherals just like a laptop. The key is to do it right: safe, reversible, and without ruining SteamOS..

In this guide we explain how to prepare a microSD or a SSD external to install Windows 11, how to boot it on the Deck, partitioning recommendations for dual boot, Valve's official drivers and a package of essential settings: VRAM on BIOS, time correction, disable hibernation, limit the display to 40 Hz with CRU, Playnite in console mode, virtual controllers with GloSC/GlosSI, and tools like Steam Deck Tools or Handheld Companion. Everything is step-by-step, with important warnings where appropriate.

What you should be clear about before installing Windows on your Steam Deck

The best Deck experience is 100% optimized for SteamOS. Battery, controls, software improvements, and quality of life enhancements have been designed for that system. Windows works, but it's not the environment for which every detail of the machine is squeezed..

SteamOS is based on Linux, and that doesn't limit you: you'll be able to install apps, use free alternatives, and even run stores like Epic or GOG. If you're coming from Windows, don't panic: Linux on the Deck is friendlier than it looks..

Installing Windows on the internal SSD alongside SteamOS is not officially supported.. This can be done by creating partitions and using a partition manager. Boot, But System updates could break dual bootIt is a permitted process, yes, but not official.

The easiest and safest recommendation is to install Windows on a quality microSD. You will gain reversibility (remove the card and go back to SteamOS) and avoid any problems after updates. If you're interested in dual booting on the SSD, we also cover that below..

Requirements and preparations: microSD/SSD and utilities

You'll need a fast microSD dedicated to Windows and your games. At least 256 GB; ideally 512 GB or more if you're going to install heavy titles. Example: Warzone is over 150 GB, so consider reserving a lot of space so as not to fall short.

Alternative: an external SSD connected by USB-C (via a compatible hub or dock). Performs better than many microSD cards and allows you to keep SteamOS intact on the storage procedure.

Download the official Windows 11 ISO. Use the Microsoft download tool and choose the option to get Windows 11 in ISO file to prepare the unit from your PC. Save it in an easy-to-find location.

Rufus will be your tool to dump the ISO on the microSD or external SSD with Windows To Go. It's free and reliable, perfect for creating a plug and play boot drive for the Deck.

Create the microSD/SSD with Windows 11 using Rufus (Windows To Go)

Install and open Rufus on your PC. Connect the microSD using a reader or the external SSD and make sure you select the correct unit not to forma tear another disk by mistake.

Key Options in Rufus: Under Device, choose your microSD/SSD; under Disk or ISO image, point to the Windows 11 ISO; under Image options, select "Windows To Go" so that it is a portable Windows that boots on the Deck.

Partition scheme and destination: uses MBR as a partition scheme and BIOS (or UEFI-CSM) as the target system. In advanced options, check "Use RUFUS MBR with BIOS ID".

Format and label: file system NTFS; default cluster size; volume label without spaces (for example, WINDOWS). Activate "Quick Format" and "Create an extended label and icon file".

Click "Start" and wait for it to finish.. It may take a while depending on the speed of the drive. When finished, the microSD/SSD will be ready to boot Windows on the Steam Deck..

Boot Windows 11 on the Steam Deck from a microSD/SSD

Insert the microSD or connect the external SSD to the Deck. With the console off, hold Volume - and press On to enter the Boot Manager BIOS.

Select the drive with Windows and confirm with A. The screen will appear vertically during installation, It is normalComplete the Windows wizard as you would on a PC.

Rotate the screen to landscape once in Windows: Start > Settings > System > Display, and change the horizontal orientation. This is how you will work and play correctly..

If SteamOS boots after a reboot, don't panic.. Turn off, re-enter Boot Manager with Volume – + Power and choose the microSD/SSD againYou'll need to do this every time you log into Windows from a card or external drive.

Unofficial Dual Boot: SteamOS and Windows on the Same SSD

If you prefer to have both systems on the internal SSD, you can create one partition for Windows and leave another for SteamOS. It is not an official method and point updates could break the bootloader. If this happens, it's time to reinstall/recover and ready.

First create a SteamOS recovery USB and boot it into the Deck using a USB-C hub. Turn it on with Volume – + Power, choose the USB and Be patient: It may take a long time to load the recovery environment.

Open KDE Partition Manager on the recovery mode desktop. Identify the internal SSD (usually the brand/capacity) and resize the primary partition to free up space that you will dedicate to Windows (recommendation: 100–200GB or more if you install large games).

Create the new partition in NTFS and apply the changes. In the pending operations bar, press Apply and wait for it to finish. When it's ready, reboot.

Install Windows from a USB with the ISO (mounted with Microsoft's tool or Rufus). Reboot with Volume Up + Power, select the USB, and start the installation. Select custom installation, identify the partition you created for Windows and continue. The process will also be vertical.

To choose the system comfortably when turning on, install a bootloader like rEFInd using the script from DeckWizard. From SteamOS in desktop mode, set user password, download the ZIP of https://github.com/DeckWizard/steamdeck_dualboot, mark "SteamDeck_refind_install.sh" as executable and run it. Enter your password when prompted. Upon power on, you will see a menu to choose SteamOS or Windows.

Official drivers for Windows on Steam Deck

Installing the drivers is essential for drivers, WiFi, Bluetooth, audio, microSD and the GPU to work. Valve publishes drivers on its official support, it is advisable to check them in case there are more recent versions.

GPU/APU (graphics): download the package and run setup.exe within Windows on the Deck. This also affects the audio after installing the sound INFs.

WiFi: install from install.bat from the ZIP. This way you will have a working wireless network. to update and download games.

Bluetooth: executes installdriver.cmd. Essential for controllers and headphones without cables.

microSD slot controller: executes setup.exe for Windows correctly recognizes the card and perform as it should.

Audio: Install INF files with right click > Install: first cs35l41.inf and then NAU88L21.inf. In Windows 11 you may need to right click and «Show more options» to see “Install”. Remember to upgrade the APU for the audio to work..

Always check the Valve page for updated drivers: help.steampowered.com. You'll avoid headaches due to old versions.

Important initial settings in Windows 11

Update Windows completely and restart as many times as required. If you're on microSD, Be patient: the first updates consume resources and they can go slower.

Uninstall bloatware and apps you don't use from Control Panel/Settings. You will free up space and avoid background processes that affect battery and performance.

Increase VRAM (UMA Frame Buffer) to 4 GB from BIOS

The Deck's APU uses RAM as graphics memoryBy default, SteamOS reserves 1 GB; on Windows it often helps to increase it to 4 GB to improve stability and performance.

How to change it: turn on by holding Volume + and press Power to enter the BIOS. Enter Setup Utility > Advanced > UMA Frame buffer Size and choose 4G. If you notice any deterioration in any game, return to 1G.

Correct time between SteamOS and Windows

If you see the wrong time in Windows When switching to SteamOS, it's because of how each system handles the clock in BIOS. The cleanest solution is to tell Windows to use universal time..

Opens Symbol of the system as administrator and runs:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation" /v RealTimeIsUniversal /d 1 /t REG_DWORD /f
Restart Windows and it should be fixed..

Disable hibernation to improve sleep

Hibernation may interfere with suspend/resume on the Deck, especially with games that close processes. turn it off for a more reliable experience.

In Command Prompt as admin, run:
powercfg.exe /hibernate off
With this, sleeping/resume usually goes more smoothly..

Limit the display to 40 Hz with CRU to save battery life

SteamOS brings a fine-grained FPS/Hz limiter that isn't available on Windows by default.. You can replicate something similar setting 40 Hz with CRU, which reduces consumption and maintains a pleasant fluidity.

Download CRU and a Steam Deck profile for CRU. Run the .exe and use Import to load the profile. Restart Windows to apply.

Switch to 1280×800 at 40 Hz: Desktop > Right click > Display settings > Advanced display settings > Adapter properties > List all modes and choose 1280 × 800 40 Hz. Ready, games at 40 FPS and more autonomy.

Touch Keyboard: Icon on the Windows 10 keyboard and taskbar

Activate the touch keyboard icon from right click on the taskbar > Taskbar settings > Touch keyboard. This way you'll always have it at hand..

To use the Windows 10 keyboard (more practical), opens Regedit and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\TabletTip\1.7. Create a DWORD called DisableNewKeyboardExperience with value 1. Reboot and you will see the classic keyboard.

Console-like interface with Playnite

Install your store launchers first (Steam, Epic, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, EA App/Game Pass, etc.). The more you integrate, the more centralized everything is on the Deck..

Download Playnite from its official website and install it on Windows. During the wizard, link your stores and leave the full screen mode for console-type navigation.

Useful extension: Resolution Changer. In Playnite > Add-Ons, search for it and install it. Allows you to set resolution and Hz per game to replicate the fine control of SteamOS.

Controls: GloSC/GlosSI and virtual pad for Windows

For Windows to correctly detect the Deck controls, install GloSC/GlosSI. During the process, agree to install the virtual controller driver; is what allows you to map the controller.

Add GloSC to Steam as an external program and run it from there. Create a profile: name Playnite, active enable overlay y Enable virtual controllers, and in "Launch Game" he points to Playnite.FullscreenApp.exe. Save and press "Add all to Steam".

Restart Steam and launch Playnite from the library. Thus, the system will recognize the controls in the full-screen interface and in games you launch from it.

Tips for installing and managing games

To install games, use Playnite in desktop mode. (normal window), which is less confusing for upgrading/downgrading, plugins and advanced settings. Then you can enjoy them in full screen mode..

If you're short on space, install games on the microSD and leave the SSD (internal or external) for the most demanding. Windows handles them well if you keep the drivers up to date..

Automatically start Playnite when Windows starts

Create a Playnite shortcut from Steam to the desktop. Then press Win + R, writes shell: startup and hit Enter. Move the shortcut there. When you turn on Windows, You will enter directly to the consolidated interface.

Login without password (optional)

If you want to avoid entering the password when starting Windows, you can use one autologon utility. Set it up by entering your account and password so that Windows between direct in your profile when you turn on the Deck.

Steam Deck Tools: Profiles, TDP, Fan, and More

Steam Deck Tools integrates several utilities designed for the Deck on Windows: TDP control, performance profiles, brightness, ventilation, shortcuts and console-style overlay. Download it from GitHub (Assets section, setup.exe file): github.com/ayufan/steam-deck-tools.

If you had SWICD, GlosSI or HidHide, uninstall or disable them to avoid conflicts with virtual controllers and services.

After installing, open RivaTuner and configure it to boot with Windows. Minimize it. Then open shortcuts which creates Steam Deck Tools (usually four utilities) and mark that they start with Windows from your system tray.

In titles with anticheat, avoid fiddling with deep parameters (TDP/intrusive overlays) during the game. Many anticheats monitor interaction with the kernel and they might crash the game. Stick to brightness/volume.

If you don't play online, you can be more aggressive with fan and TDP profiles. Enter the overlay by holding the "three dots" button from the Deck; navigate with the pad and adjust on the fly.

All-in-one alternative: Handheld Companion

Handheld Companion offers a comprehensive approach for FPS/Hz, TDP, controls, keyboard shortcuts and more. It is very convenient if you want to simplify your settings on Windows.

Download it from GitHub (latest .exe version): github.com/Valkirie/HandheldCompanion. Configure profiles and shortcuts per game to achieve an experience close to SteamOS but within Windows.

With all of the above you can have a fully functional Windows 11 on the Steam Deck, either from external microSD/SSD or in dual boot, with up-to-date drivers, Key performance settings (VRAM, 40Hz, TDP), controls detected and a console-like interface thanks to Playnite. If at any time you want to return to the starting point, Remove the microSD or recover SteamOS with your USB and the Deck will be clean and ready to continue playing.