When we install Windows, we’re not just setting up the operating system’s core to make the PC run and execute programs—we’re also adding a large number of applications that many consider bloatware. However, these applications exist for a reason.
For this reason, many gamers choose to install the LTSC version of Windows, an edition designed for businesses that removes most of Microsoft’s preinstalled applications. However, another alternative may soon be available.
According to user SadlyItsDadley on X (Twitter), Valve may be preparing to launch SteamOS for PC. This operating system, developed by Valve, has been used in the Steam Deck since its launch and, more recently, in the Lenovo Legion GO S (though not in all countries with SteamOS preinstalled).
It’s almost here pic.twitter.com/Ln9PNSRnKD
— SadlyItsDadley (@SadlyItsBradley) March 14, 2025
With the latest version of SteamOS, Valve has added support for installing it on any handheld gaming console, which could be the first step toward an official PC release.
SteamOS, based on Arch Linux, stands out for its low resource consumption (as demonstrated by the Steam Deck’s hardware) and its simple, gaming-optimized interface. It doesn’t include bloatware, takes up little disk space, and allows for maximum utilization of hardware resources for improved gaming performance.
However, it has a major drawback: it doesn’t work well with NVIDIA graphics cards, as the Steam Deck is powered by an AMD APU. Additionally, Valve still needs to improve compatibility with the various PC components and peripherals—an area where Windows has a significant advantage.
On paper, SteamOS is an ideal choice for users who only use their PC for gaming. However, for those who also use their PC for tasks like watching movies, browsing the internet, or working with files, relying exclusively on SteamOS might be a big sacrifice. In such cases, the best solution would be a dual-boot setup with both Windows and SteamOS, a common practice among users who combine Windows with a Linux distribution.
That said, this setup requires partitioning the hard drive or using separate drives to avoid space issues. While Linux allows access to NTFS-formatted drives (used by Windows), Windows doesn’t natively support ext4, the file system used in Linux, unless third-party software is installed.
If this information turns out to be true, it would be great news for gamers who, with Windows 10 support ending soon, are looking to upgrade their systems. SteamOS could become a viable alternative for those who want to keep gaming without fully relying on Windows.
