Have you heard people talking about SteamOS lately and wondered what all the hype is about? How is it different from Windows? What does it run on? Does it work with every game?
First things first, SteamOS is Valve’s gaming-focused operating system. Think of it as the software that powers devices like the Steam Deck. Unlike Windows, which is designed to do a little bit of everything, SteamOS is built primarily for one thing: gaming. It’s based on Linux and is designed to launch directly into Steam’s controller-friendly gaming interface.
So why does that matter? Because SteamOS cuts out many of the distractions and background processes you typically find in a traditional desktop operating system. Instead of dealing with multiple programs, pop-ups, and updates, you’re greeted with a streamlined interface that gets you into your games quickly. It’s a bit like the difference between using a gaming console and a full desktop PC.
Since SteamOS is based on Linux, how does it play all those Windows games? The answer is a technology called Proton. Proton is a compatibility layer, allowing many games designed for Windows to run on SteamOS without developers needing to create separate Linux versions. Thanks to Proton, thousands of popular games are playable on SteamOS. Proton is a fork of Wine which is software that allows x64 code to run on a Linux OS, in this case, a customized snapshot of Arch Linux. Proton was built by CodeWeavers for Valve.
Another big advantage is the gaming experience itself. SteamOS supports features like quick suspend and resume, controller-first navigation, cloud saves, and automatic system updates. That means you can pause your game, put your device to sleep, and jump right back in later without missing a beat.
But SteamOS isn’t perfect. While many games work great, not every game is compatible. Some multiplayer titles with certain anti-cheat systems may not run properly, so it’s always a good idea to check compatibility before making the switch. If you’re heavily invested in services like PC Game Pass or rely on Windows-specific software, Windows may still be the better choice.
SteamOS isn’t limited to the Steam Deck anymore. Valve has been expanding support to additional devices like the new Steam Machine, giving gamers more options for enjoying a console-like experience on powerful gaming hardware.
So, is SteamOS right for you? If you want a streamlined gaming experience with easy access to your Steam library, SteamOS is a great option. But if you need maximum game compatibility and Windows-specific apps, Windows may still be the better fit.
0:00 Intro
0:23 What is SteamOS?
0:44 Why use SteamOS and not Windows?
1:08 How can Linux play Windows games?
1:30 SteamOS special features
1:64 Game compatibility limitations
2:08 Compatible devices
2:23 Is SteamOS for you?
2:40 Outro
