Will SteamOS replace windows for gaming?
I think it might!
But let’s rewind to November 10th, 2015, when Valve first launched the Steam Machine, a compact, console-like custom gaming PC running SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system built for gaming. It was a bold attempt to disrupt the Windows-dominated PC gaming scene.
Back then, the idea was ahead of its time. Steam Machines struggled with limited game compatibility, lack of driver support, and underwhelming performance. The dream of a Windows-free gaming experience fizzled out, temporarily.
The Steam Deck: A Game-Changer for SteamOS
Fast forward to 2022. Valve released the Steam Deck, a handheld Linux-based gaming system running an updated version of SteamOS. This time, it clicked.
With the help of Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer, the Steam Deck could run thousands of Windows games on Linux with surprising ease. It proved that SteamOS wasn’t just viable, it was legitimately competitive.
This success breathed new life into the idea of building custom gaming PCs running SteamOS instead of Windows.
Why SteamOS Is Gaining Ground in the Gaming PC World
Here are a few reasons why more gamers—and builders—are considering SteamOS-powered gaming desktops today:
1. No Windows License Cost
One of the biggest savings when building a custom gaming PC with SteamOS is the free operating system. That £100 you’d normally spend on a Windows license? You can put it toward a better graphics card or more RAM.
2. Performance and Efficiency
SteamOS is lightweight, streamlined, and purpose-built for gaming. Unlike Windows, it doesn’t run dozens of background processes, telemetry services, or update nags. That translates into smoother frame rates and quicker boot times, especially on AMD-based builds.
3. Open-Source, Gamer-Focused
Valve’s commitment to open-source software means SteamOS is constantly improving. The OS now supports a wide array of modern GPUs, peripherals, and gaming monitors. For tech-savvy users who love tweaking and optimizing, it's a dream platform.
4. Security and Privacy
SteamOS comes with fewer baked-in tracking systems, less bloatware, and a cleaner interface. For many gamers, that peace of mind is reason enough to make the switch.
The Catch: It’s Not All Perfect Yet
Let’s be honest, Windows isn’t going anywhere just yet.
Some popular competitive titles, like Valorant or Fortnite, still don’t work reliably with Linux due to anti-cheat systems. And while Proton is amazing, it’s not 100% flawless. Some new games require a bit of extra configuration to get running.
For those who want a 100% plug-and-play experience with the widest game compatibility, Windows still holds the edge, for now.
Will SteamOS change the landscape of gaming?
It just might, and that’s what makes this moment so exciting.
SteamOS is part of a much bigger shift: away from locked-down, corporate-controlled ecosystems and toward open platforms that give gamers more choice, more control, and better value. If it continues to evolve at the pace we’ve seen with the Steam Deck, it could become the default OS for DIY gamers, especially those building their own custom gaming PCs.
There’s still a long road ahead, compatibility hurdles, anti-cheat issues, and developer adoption all need to improve. But the groundwork is being laid. Valve is investing, the Linux gaming community is thriving, and even mainstream developers are starting to take notice.
Whether SteamOS becomes the new standard or simply a viable alternative, one thing’s clear: Windows is no longer the only game in town.
We’re watching, and testing, closely. Because the future of gaming might just be open source.
Final Thoughts
SteamOS probably won’t replace Windows for every gamer overnight—but it’s no longer just a niche experiment. It’s a fast, open, and increasingly powerful alternative that deserves serious attention.
And as more games and developers embrace Linux-friendly tools like Vulkan, the future looks bright for SteamOS and Linux gaming.
At Gamertech.org, we’ve started testing and optimizing SteamOS-based gaming PCs to offer our customers more choice, better performance, and long-term value.
Tarl @ Gamertech