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Valve releases Windows 10 drivers on Steam Deck

On March 10, 2022, Valve released drivers for Windows 10 to the public on Steam Deck, including software for the video card, WiFi and Bluetooth.

Audio drivers for Windows 10 are still in the works. Current audio limitations in Windows 10: speakers and 3.5mm audio port will not work without additional drivers that are still in development. Audio can be connected via USB-C and Bluetooth.

For now, only Windows 10 can be installed on the console. Windows 11 requires a new BIOS version with fTPM support, which Valve will release soon.

Valve has warned that Steam Deck can only perform a full installation of Windows 10 at this time. Multi-system boot from SteamOS is not yet available, but is being finalized and will appear in SteamOS 3. The Windows 10 installation process will erase all previously recorded user data.

Explanation of the Windows 10 installation process for enthusiasts:

to bring up the boot menu, turn off the device. Then, while holding down the volume button -, press the power button;

the installation process will take place on the Steam Deck screen vertically (across), it will be possible to switch to horizontal mode only after the full installation of Windows 10;

In order to enter the Windows 10 activation key during installation, you need an Internet connection through a USB-C hub with an Ethernet port, as Wi-Fi drivers are installed separately if they are not integrated into the OS distribution.

In addition, Valve has published instructions for restoring Steam Deck using a USB flash drive. For example, to return to SteamOS installed on the Steam Deck by default.

On July 15, 2021, Valve introduced the compact Steam Deck game console with an AMD bbabo.netU based on Zen 2 (4c/8t) and RDNA 2 (8 RDNA with two compute units) microarchitectures. The console runs on a specially adapted version of SteamOS 3.0, which is based on Arch Linux with a KDE Plasma desktop. The console is also specifically designed to display all of the games in the Steam library at 800p at 30 frames per second. Three versions of the Steam Deck with 64GB/256GB/512GB storage will be priced at $399/$529/$649 respectively. All versions of the Steam Deck console have an M.2 2230 SSD slot, but Valve advises against upgrading.

Steam Deck dimensions (width, height, thickness) - 298x117x49 mm, weight about 669 grams, it has a 7" capacitive multi-touch screen with a resolution of 1280x800 (16:10 aspect ratio) and a built-in 40 Wh battery (up to 2 hours in 3D games offline or up to 8 hours when running 2D games or browsing in the browser).

Steam Deck is available for booking in select countries. The company promised to expand the list of countries for delivery.

In early September, Valve opened the call for applications for Steam Deck devkits and said that it had created the Steam Deck bbabo.netI for developers to quickly optimize games.

On October 6, Valve published a Steam Deck breakdown. There you can change the control keys (sticks) and the internal drive.

In November, Valve warned of a delay in the release process of its Steam Deck gaming console to the market by at least another two months. The manufacturer cited problems with the supply of device components due to a shortage of the necessary materials and semiconductors as reasons. Valve also spoke about the AMD chip in Steam Deck and the speed of the console on different drives.

In early December, Valve showed the packaging of Steam Deck: it says that the console can be played in the subway, in the country, on a tree and in the toilet.

On December 11, Valve unveiled the look of an exclusive cover for the top version of the Steam Deck with 512 GB NVMe internal storage. In versions with 64 GB eMMC and 256 GB NVMe, the case is the same in terms of functionality, but simpler and without additional bonuses inside.

On January 14, 2022, Valve showed a photo of the testing process of the newly assembled Steam Deck.

On January 22, a tester showed that 10 peripheral devices can be connected to the Steam Deck devkit: six Bluetooth controllers, a Bluetooth speaker, a wired gamepad, a wired keyboard and mouse via a USB hub.

The first tests of Steam Deck showed its good performance and average battery life.

On February 12, Valve released CAD files of the topological surface of the Steam Deck case to the public. Now crafters, modifiers and accessory makers can 3D print the Steam Deck and evaluate it in their hands.

On February 15, Valve announced a partnership with iFixit to sell parts and accessories for the Steam Deck and Valve Index. As part of this event, iFixit did a full Steam Deck teardown and showed how well this compact gaming console is built and arranged. iFixit says it's an impressive repairability device.

On February 18, Valve revealed 117 Steam Deck prototype fragments, some with detachable handles similar to the Nintendo Switch.

On February 25, Valve began the first Steam Deck sales. Valve CEO Gabe Newell became a courier to deliver Steam Deck to customers in the United States near the company's headquarters.On February 26, Valve first showed the appearance of a branded docking station for Steam Deck.

In early March, some early owners of the compact Steam Deck game console began to complain about the drift of the right stick. The problem is not widespread yet, since Valve has just started sending out the first batch of consoles. Previously, this problem often occurred with the sticks of the Nintendo Switch console.

Valve releases Windows 10 drivers on Steam Deck