Valve has released Windows drivers for its new Steam Deck. LinusTechTips, a popular YouTube channel, has uploaded a new video discussing that. Windows 10 performed far lower in gaming tests particularly in comparison to SteamOS on the Steam Deck, according to Linus. That’s not commonly discussed in Windows vs. Linux comparisons.
It’s important to note before we begin benchmarking, as the Windows drivers for the Steam Deck aren’t yet finalized and include bugs including a non-functioning sleep mode which requires a hard shutdown. Steam Deck’s compatibility with Windows 10 is also hampered by the absence of different necessary drivers.
In its video, LinusTechTips conducted three benchmarks: Elden Ring, Hitman 3, and Doom Eternal. In all three games, SteamOS outperformed Windows 10 handily, with Hitman 3 standing out as the most striking. Using Windows 10, it averaged 19 fps, whereas using SteamOS, the fps number averaged 34. SteamOS delivered 60 frame rates on average in Doom Eternal, whilst Windows 10 only managed to deliver 47 fps. Even though Elden Ring’s SteamOS average was 37 fps, Windows 10 achieved 30 frames per second.
As far as the Steam Deck goes, I’d say Valve made it for SteamOS and Windows is an afterthought. Because SteamOS is the Steam Deck’s OS, I can’t imagine how much work Valve will put into the Windows side. Because the Steam Deck lacks fTPM compatibility, it is currently only compatible with Windows 10. It will eventually change when Valve implements fTPM support on its Steam Deck backed by Windows 11 as well.
A big problem with Windows is that there are no audio drivers for the Steam Deck so the speakers and 3.5mm audio jack are not working right now. The good news is Bluetooth and USB audio work, so you have a few options.
Other issues are charging problems and major difficulty using the Steam Deck controllers to navigate the UI. Navigating the UI on the Steam Deck can be hard and frustrating because Windows sees the controllers as Windows pointers. The joysticks and other control surfaces are not working in this “mode”.
