Valve posted a small SteamOS Beta update Despite its small size, this update introduces a significant technical change for those running Windows games on Linux, especially on Steam Deck. The new version 3.7.20 Beta incorporates the NTSYNC driver, a component designed to further align the system's behavior with how certain internal Windows functions operate.
Although on paper it is not a revolution, this movement can be translated into performance and accuracy improvements In some titles, especially those that rely heavily on thread and process synchronization, a dramatic leap in performance isn't expected across all games. However, fine-tuning will be noticeable in certain scenarios, where Steam Deck and SteamOS have been gaining ground among Linux enthusiasts.
What does the NTSYNC driver bring to SteamOS?
The most striking change in the patch is the addition of ntsync driver within SteamOS. This component originally arrived in the Linux kernel 6.14, released in March 2025, with the idea of ​​offering a more faithful implementation of the Windows NT synchronization primitivesIn practice, this means that Linux can behave more like Windows when coordinating threads and processes, which is crucial for the stability and performance of many modern games.
Until now, SteamOS and Proton already had their own solution, known as fsyncwhich served a similar function and allowed for good results in most titles. For this reason, Valve wasn't in an extreme hurry to add NTSYNC support to its system. However, the direct integration of the driver into the operating system means that some of that work no longer depends on external patches and becomes part of the standard kernel ecosystem and SteamOS itself.
Wine's original project, from which Proton takes its basis, added Official support for NT SYNC in version 10.16This has paved the way for derivative implementations, such as Proton, to adopt this technology more naturally. It is expected that a future version of Proton, likely Proton 11, will eventually use NTSYNC by default, further unifying the behavior between "classic" Wine and Valve's customized version.
Meanwhile, more curious users could already experiment with NT SYNC through GE-ProtonA very popular community variant in Europe integrated support for this driver some time ago. With the arrival of direct support in SteamOS, it will be easier for these community and official solutions to converge technically and functionally.
Potential impact on Steam Deck and Windows games
In everyday life, the presence of the NTSYNC driver translates into a better alignment between Windows and Linux In highly technical aspects, but relevant to video games, many current productions rely on complex synchronization mechanisms to coordinate physics, artificial intelligence, animations, and resource loading. If the implementation of these primitives in Linux closely approximates that of Windows, the compatibility layer (Wine, Proton, etc.) will encounter less friction when reproducing the game's original behavior.
In practice, this can mean that certain titles behave more stablyThis may reduce stuttering or even increase frame rates in specific situations. It's not a universal or guaranteed improvement for the entire catalog, and in many cases the experience will remain similar to what was already achieved with fsync. However, by eliminating specific patches and relying on standard kernel functionality, Valve and the community can focus their efforts on polishing other aspects of performance.
For users of Steam deckThis represents another step in establishing Linux gaming as a genuine alternative to Windows. While this change won't generate major headlines, it's a significant improvement that could make a real difference in some complex or poorly optimized games.
How to access SteamOS 3.7.20 Beta with NTSync
The update that introduces the NTSYNC driver is available at the SteamOS 3.7.20 Beta ChannelTo install it on a Steam Deck or other SteamOS device, you need to change the system update channel. This setting is done through the SteamOS system settings menu, without the need for external tools or advanced commands.
The general procedure involves going to the section of "Settings" > "System" > "System update channel" and select the Beta or, if applicable, Preview option. Once the change is made, the device will check for pending updates and allow you to download and install the new version. As always with these types of channels, it is recommended to exercise caution, as these versions may include changes still in testing.
For users in Europe who use the Steam Deck as their primary gaming machine, this channel might be worth exploring if they want to benefit from the technical innovations in advanceHowever, those who prioritize maximum stability may prefer to wait until these changes are integrated into a stable version of SteamOS, when Valve considers the behavior to be sufficiently polished.
Security improvements: InputPlumber and vulnerabilities fixed
Although the main focus is on NTSCyNC, the SteamOS 3.7.20 Beta update also includes a significant adjustment in securityIn the "Non-Deck" section, Valve has enabled polkit for the InputPlumber D-Bus interface and fixed a potential race condition, thus addressing two vulnerabilities identified as CVE-2025-66005 and CVE-2025-14338.
Activating polkit on the InputPlumber D-Bus interface introduces a additional layer of permission controlThis ensures that only authorized processes can interact with certain sensitive functions of the daemon. At the same time, correcting the detected race condition reduces the chances that an attacker could exploit unexpected behavior during periods of simultaneous access to shared resources.
From the perspective of European users concerned about security, these adjustments fit into a broader trend of Strengthening the attack surface of Linux systems used for games. Although most players won't notice visible changes in their daily experience, fixing these vulnerabilities contributes to a more robust environment against potential exploits.
Another step in the maturity of SteamOS for gaming
The combination of the integration And the security improvements in InputPlumber demonstrate that Valve continues to fine-tune SteamOS in both performance and system security. This isn't an update packed with visible changes, but rather a subtle yet significant adjustment, especially for those who closely follow the game's evolution on Linux.
With each step of this kind, SteamOS is establishing itself as a more mature platform, capable of offer a competitive gaming experience without relying on Windows. For Steam Deck users in Spain and other European countries, the arrival of the NTSYNC driver in Beta is an opportunity to see how compatibility with demanding titles is progressing, while the security fixes help keep the system more protected without requiring any additional action from the player.
