Yes, it's true. Lately we have been publishing a lot of articles related to video games, especially those that have something to do with Steam deck. What is happening is that there are things to tell, which has been combined with the fact that a server has had one of Valve's consoles since the beginning of July. The latest news has to do with the console or handheld PC, but not with Linux.
A few hours ago, the official Steam account on social networks like X published a post in which it tells us that the availability of drivers for Windows is now a reality, although with a small nuance: we can install those for the APU and the SD card, as we have done for a long time, and now also those for WiFi, perhaps the most important of those that remained, Bluetooth and audio.
No audio on Steam Deck speakers under Windows?
Hello WinDeck fans! We've just shipped APU, Audio, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth drivers for Windows on Steam Deck OLED. You can find the updated drivers and notes here: https://t.co/zjU2UbJhz8
If you're planning to install Windows, please make sure you have the latest BIOS from SteamOS… pic.twitter.com/mgrLL2QIN5
- Steam Deck (@OnDeck) August 15, 2024
The only problem with all this is that support for Windows through drivers is not complete. According to official information, there are two audio drivers, but Right now it will only be heard if headphones or Bluetooth are connected. Without having tested it yet, I cannot confirm if there will be audio through the HDMI connection found on docks and other accessories. But hey, it's a great first step.
To the question of whether it would be better to use Windows over SteamOS on the Steam Deck, my answer is no. SteamOS offers better performance in what it can execute. If this is great news it is because the option is beginning to be a reality, and Windows can be installed on an SD or SSD and play titles like Fortnite or God of War Ragnarok when it comes out this September, regardless of whether EA puts obstacles in place or not.
Incidentally, These drivers are the official ones, so it will no longer be necessary to use some created by the community.
In the next few hours we will write an article on how to install Windows on the Steam Deck and some tips to do it in the best way.