Windows 11 can now be installed on the Steam Deck, thanks to a new beta update for the compact gaming PC. A smaller update is also rolling out as an official release that adds useful advanced settings for Deck controls.
As spotted by Tom's Hardware, the beta update (obtained by testers via the beta channel) contains this important change for those who want to try Microsoft's latest desktop operating system with their Steam. ".
fTPM support means that the TPM firmware (on the AMD processor powering the Steam Deck) has been enabled. TPM is among the crucial security requirements for Windows 11 to be installed on a PC (although there are ways around it, but an official supported installation of Windows 11 requires TPM).
The beta update also claims to offer better battery life in "idle or very light usage scenarios," and better longevity away from a power outlet is always helpful.
As for the official update, the patch notes highlight a few big changes, including an advanced calibration and settings panel that allows users to adjust the deadzones for the two deck joysticks (to adjust and help protect against issues like joystick drift). This panel also allows you to adjust the haptic strength of the trackpads.
There's another nifty addition in the form of dual touchpad input support so you can use both touchpads to type with the on-screen keyboard.
Analysis: Windows 11 will bring important benefits like DirectStorage (eventually)
Anyone could, and should, get the official update with those handy tweaks for joysticks and trackpads, but the beta software that adds support for Windows 11 is, as always with updates still in testing, something you'll use very much at your own risk. .
If you intend to try Windows 11 right away, you'll need to update to the beta channel, which is done via Settings > System, where you can choose the "Beta" option under the system update channel. Note that general Windows support is still difficult at this early stage in Steam Deck's life, with bugs still present in drivers, for example.
Either way, if you're considering switching from SteamOS to Microsoft's platform on the Steam Deck, the ability to install Windows 11 that appears in the beta is a good sign that full support for Windows 10's successor will be rolling out soon. And that will come with the added performance benefits of Windows 11 for gaming over Windows 10 (like DirectStorage technology, which could help some games not only load faster, but run better too).
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