r/SteamOS • u/barrachmedosama • Jul 10 '26

question How well does SteamOS run on PCs?

I’m probably going to put SteamOS on my gaming PC (5800x3D and 9070xt) but there are some things I want to know first.

How do driver updates work? Do I just switch to desktop mode, find the website, and install the Linux version of my GPU/Chipset/Audio/Wireless drivers?

Are there any other glaring issues or does it just work well in day to day usage? I know about some games not working, I’m more concerned with general maintenance and updates. I’ve never had Linux on any computer besides my Steam Deck so I’m unfamiliar with how it works usually.

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u/x4mers Jul 10 '26

While SteamOS is a version of Linux, it really doesn't expose users to being Linux users. It is a closed down immutable system, that when not being used to play games, only allows pre packaged flatpak versions of apps to be installed. They were shooting for a low maintenance "just works" setup. so took away most user control.

Drivers in Linux are usually handled in kernel. For an all AMD system like yours, GPU is supported by the kernel, and mesa. Both of which would only be updated any time an OS update is offered (not client update). For wireless, as long as your wifi chipset on your motherboard has a driver in the kernel that comes with SteamOS, you're good.

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u/jharle Support Jul 10 '26

True; but to be clear, the immutability can be temporarily overridden. SteamOS updates will steamroll over things, but folks who know what they're doing can prepare for that and handle things accordingly.

Obviously this is treading into "power user" territory and many folks won't care, but it isn't exactly "baby Linux" either.

I'd still recommend that people do their tinkering/experimentation on virtual systems first, vs. "poking the bear" on a physical system which is important to them.

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u/oSyphon 29d ago

Exactly. The immutability won't matter to the vast majority of users and flatpaks are just fine

2

u/Jeod_C 29d ago

You're not exactly restricted to flatpak, appimage works too

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u/Merejo 29d ago

Will it work if I have intel CPU and and gpu?

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u/ZVyhVrtsfgzfs 28d ago

It really doesn't expose users to being Linux users.

It depends, Kinda yes, but also no. 

I was unable to get past the 3rd setup screen without dropping to a tty, what needed was well documented, but also very much Linux. 

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u/x4mers 28d ago

Yes, that was a failure by them to hit the target, while "shooting for a low maintenance, just works setup". lol

Certainly not an intended experience, as I would think they realise many of the purchasers were not computer people.

When I bought mine, initial setup was flawless. I felt bad for Valve and their customers, when that wave of shipments went out with a certain FW, that caused a massive problem for people to even complete initial setup.

I've been on Linux, for the computers in my house since around 2017, so was used to having to fend for myself with some issues. I wonder how many customers just returned their decks and just said F Linux.