SteamOS all the way. No way am I gonna install a data harvesting OS or kernel level anticheat.

I fled Windows to Linux 4 years ago, I got SO tired of the BS and annoyances. Have not regretted that decision one iota ever.

So if Windows ever gets installed on my Deck, you can just assume someone stole it from me.

Absolutely SteamOS, and I say that as someone who vastly prefers Windows over Linux.

But you can’t beat a system designed by the hardware manufacturer for that device. Everything from specific graphics driver patches to the ease of use of the interface.

I have not switch over my Steamdeck to Windows 11. But, I did pick up an ROG Ally b/c I apparently lack impulse control. IMO, the experience with Steam OS on Steam deck is far and above Windows 11 on a similar-ish handheld.

I don’t care for Game Pass, if I can’t play a certain game that’s fine, I have so many others that run on SteamOS.

I’m not giving up the excellent OS with game suspend and easy TDP and framerste limiting for Windows. SteamOS runs so well.

It seems like almost all the improvements are being made on the Steam OS side. The next Steam OS update (3.5) should have some wonderful new features related to shader compilation, etc. Valve can really tune the OS to the device and they’ll continue to do so.

Yes it’s true that you can’t play specific games - but there are so many games that you can play. Eventually as SteamDeck becomes more common you’ll see more and more mainstream support.

I’ll definitely stick with Steam OS.

Na thanks. I’ll never use windows ever again.

I tried it in a dual boot configuration for a month or so to try and get Gamepass stuff running locally instead of through Cloud Gaming. While it’s great that it’s an option for some people, it’s definitely not preferable.It wasn’t a great experience and Gamepass installs were just as buggy as was the last time I tried it. I ended up reverting mine completely back to SteamOS and am using Moonlight/Sunshine to connect to my windows rig as needed. It’s been a great experience to play in the house when my wife is watching something else on TV. I’ve even pushed it over the internet (with a little lag) using Tailscale.

Tried it out for a while and it’s definitely not as smooth of an experience. Went back to steamOS and I don’t see myself changing back for the foreseeable future.

Honestly, not really sure what all the talk is about Windows on Steam Deck. I’ve never felt the need to consider booting Windows on it. All the games that I tried just work on SteamOS and they work flawlessly. Maybe there’s some games out there that don’t play nice with SteamOS, but I haven’t found it yet.

I would stick with steamOS, it’s designed for the hardware. Windows will only hinder the device IMO. I plan on getting one soon and everyone I’ve known that has one sticks to the stock config in regards to the software.

Switched, no. Tried, yes.

With how much work Valve has done on SteamOS compatibility and polish the one or two games I might play that aren’t compatible are not a big loss compared to the overhead of maintaining Windows.

A friend of mine switched to windows because he plays a particular popular online fps that has windows dependent DRM, and he’s happy with that but it’s also the only game he plays.

Setting up dual boot isn’t difficult, though, you can do both if there is a particular reason you need windows. I think there is no benefit to switching to windows unless you have a specific need for it that steamos can’t accommodate (cod, destiny, etc.)

I retired from competitive shooters long ago and use steamos exclusively on my deck and have not had many issues that would be resolved by using Windows instead.

I replaced an aging laptop with mine, and I have to say, Windows is fine on the Steam Deck. It’s obviously not going to have all the same bells and whistles but performance for most games is the same and it is more flexible on compatability since it runs natively instead of via Proton.

I’ve been using dual boot for this and started since I got my Deck in early July last year, and a lot of the hate is really overblown. It’s good if you just want to use the Deck the same way as any other computer or with applications that cannot work in Steam OS and it’s a completely fine experience, and applications like Handheld Companion or Steam Deck Tools make it simpler.

I would just say that it’s up to preference and need since it does need setup and tweaking, so if all you care about is playing a few games that work fine in Steam OS, there is not much reason to dual boot for Windows and Steam OS is simpler to set up. But if you want more freedom on application choices and compatability or even just to use it for more everyday purposes like any other computer, Windows runs perfectly fine on it. It will be ultimately up to preference and use case.