Valve Authorizes SteamOS Installation on Standard Desktop PCs

Valve has now cleared users to install its custom operating system on ordinary desktop computers. The announcement came from company developer Pierre-Loup Griffais in an interview with The Verge.

SteamOS now supports Intel and AMD configurations. According to Griffais, the adaptation work for Intel and AMD hardware has progressed far enough that the firm is comfortable recommending the installation. Those running a 100 percent AMD setup can try the software immediately and create a living-room console at no extra cost.

The shift largely stems from the 3.8 update, which brought major gains in compatibility with non-Valve equipment. The move revives the idea behind the discontinued Steam Machine project without forcing buyers to purchase Valve-branded hardware.

Nvidia graphics cards remain unsupported for now. Griffais noted that Nvidia compatibility is still incomplete and is unlikely to be finished this year. The main obstacle involves Gamescope, the display manager used for console-style output in SteamOS, which reportedly conflicts with Nvidia drivers.

Other Linux-based gaming platforms such as Bazzite already support Nvidia cards without difficulty. Valve must wait for progress from both Nvidia and open-source contributors before the drivers can be integrated.

Additional limitations persist in the current implementation. The developer cautioned that several features are still absent. Among them is HDMI-CEC support, which would let one remote control multiple devices.

The present installation process also lacks proper dual-boot capability. Keeping Windows alongside SteamOS and selecting the desired system at startup remains complicated. Valve indicated it is addressing the matter but said users should expect delays.

Official Steam Machine offers a complete alternative. Anyone avoiding experimental setups can purchase the pre-built Steam Machine, priced at €1,039, which provides the full experience without manual configuration.