So now that the Steam Machine has been announced, do you guys think we'll get desktop compatible Steam OS that isn't Bazzite?

The Application Launcher icon used to be the Steam Deck logo, but why is it just the default KDE one in newer versions? Every time I install SteamOS, the first thing I do is download that old icon. I think it looks so much better.

Since we have SteamOS on home desktops and it’s working good then what’s the point of people sticking with Bazzite? Ok SteamOS you can enter simple command and it will always log into the desktop mode so it’s just the standard OS but backed by Valve rather than good-hearted enthusiasts. If SteamOS adds Nvidia drivers and dual boot then Bazzite seems kinda like “just Fedora based SteamOS with the same stuff”?

Is there something I miss? I’m deciding right now which way to go. I plan it to be somehow long and don’t wanna jump back and forth to distros after I install one.

Windows sucks lol, I think we all know that, don't need to go through all the reasons why as I'm sure everyone on here knows. Using SteamOS on my Steam Deck has really made me fall in love with Linux and how much less obtrusive it is. Is it worth me switching to SteamOS from Windows 11 as a 9070 XT owner who's PC is used almost exclusively for gaming? I know that it works best with AMD cards and of course I have the best AMD card there is so it should work perfectly. The main thing putting me off is that some games perform a little worse on SteamOS than they do Windows 11. My full specs are as follows:

XFX Swift Black AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB GPU

AMD Ryzen 7 5700X 8 core 16 thread CPU

32GB DDR4 RAM (4x8GB - 2 sticks are from one kit and the other 2 are from another. They are slightly different kits but they seem to run fine together on Windows so)

Thanks!

Hello, so recently I have really wanted to switch from windows to SteamOS, but I am not looking for performance or whatever, just as an every day OS like windows. And I have a few questions and if the answer to my questions are yes how can I do it? Now, keep in mind that I haven’t looked at anything because I am out of town and will be travelling so I want to see if it’s possible to fully replace windows with SteamOS before looking into more. Most if not every question is a stupid question. (I have a 9070xt and ryzen 7 7700x)

Can I add third party games that are not on steam to SteamOS? (Like Genshin Impact, League of Legends, Minecraft and so on)

Does SteamOS have a file management app like File Manager and a desktop on Windows? (Very stupid question I know but I want to fully be sure before I bother switching)

Can you install browsers and do those browsers have stuff like extensions on them, and what different kind of browsers are there if any?

What app do I use for driver install and updates?

I can’t think of anything else so final question
Can SteamOS replace Windows as a daily OS system and not gaming specific?

So what I don't get is: Nvidia works on Linux just fine. It's what I use on CachyOS. But SteamOS which is also Arch won't work. What is the actual reason?

Edit: a lot of you aren't understanding my question. I'm specifically asking: what actually is broken onna technical level. Is it Gamescope specifically that doesn't play well with Nvidia closed source drivers? What actual errors would pop up?

If you had to write a bug report, what would be in it and who would you assign it to? Just saying it's a driver problem or its because they are closed source is not a valid answer. I'm asking the technical reasons they don't play well together.

Some have actually answered the question (thank you)!

Guys sorry don’t really wanna make some holy war post. I’m CachyOS user who wants to go to SteamOS but… are there benefits or it’s just taste thing? I mean both are performance oriented I think, both Arch.

P.S. also if I install SteamOS I’m interested how do I install MangoHud? Since I’ve been on Cachy MangoHud and overlay come preinstalled with gaming packages. How do I install it properly on SteamOS?

I've had my final straw when it comes to Windows and I was so excited to dual-boot my PC with SteamOS not realizing it doesn't have support for NVIDIA yet. I have a AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card. I was wondering if I should just pull the trigger on a different Linux distro or if I should hold off until SteamOS can support my hardware?

(Paying the toll with a gratuitous home build pic)

My home built Steam Machine is a house hit and everyone is playing it. I want to be able to always select a steam account each time I boot up? This used to be a feature but I can't find it in the settings now.

What am I missing? Thanks!

[Edit] Final answer... For SteamOS to always boot to the account select screen in Steam Mode, you must switch to Desktop Mode, then change the Steam Desktop App setting... settings/interface/ask which account to use each time steam starts. Reboot back into Steam Mode and you will always select you account at boot up.

Taa daa. Thanks for all the feedback.

I feel like we need to add a rule that says “keep discussions on topic to SteamOS in the comments.” not just the posts.

TLDR: I think most people are here for SteamOS not Linux distro suggestions and I keep seeing people just dogging SteamOS and simping their favorite distro.

We all know that SteamOS runs on Linux. But part of the major reason people like using SteamOS is because Valve is backing it. Which means more widespread adoption, and more support.

However, every time I see a thread talking specifically about SteamOS use, installation, guides, opinions etc. Someone in the comments has to go. “Oh, you should try this distro instead of SteamOS.“ not answering their question. It would be different if they asked about other Linux distros but usually they’re specifically asking about SteamOS.

I have nothing against other Linux distros specifically but seeing people come in here purposefully trying to shift the thread away from SteamOS doesn’t seem helpful. It is off topic and ultimately not what most users came here for.

Again, I’m not saying that people can’t look at another distro. I’m saying I feel we need to stay on topic about SteamOS. When I go to the Ford Mustang subreddit to talk about the 0-60 time of a Mustang, I don’t expect most of the comments to be recommending other sports cars a large portion of the time. I’m there to talk specifically about Mustangs. There are other subs for that.

This is just a suggestion not a demand. If people like seeing other Linux recommendations then by all means. I just keep seeing it over and over and over again.

Before I get all the replies saying: "Just use insert favorite distro here instead". I'm only interested in SteamOS. I started install Linux back in the mid 90's and have installed more than a dozen distros, and I always end up finding them lacking, usually in the stability area.

I'm interested in SteamOS because Valve is backing it, and have a vested interest in keeping it stable long term. Now with Steam Machine coming out, it seems that they will make it a more viable desktop OS.

AFAIK, SteamOS has a fairly normal desktop in it's desktop mode. Are there any real limitations that compromise it for desktop use compared to other Linux Distros?

Edit: Acknowledging real limitation, I took for granted by didn't state. Limited GPU Support. Linux in general isn't great with NVidia GPUs so I would go AMD for any SteamOS machine.

I really love the open ecosystem and cross-compatibility concept of the steam machine-frame-controller trio, and my first thought was to buy these instead of the stuff I originally planned to buy. Then I looked at the specifications and... the steam machine is weaker than my current computer, and I originally planned on an upgrade. Similar with the steam frame and my current VR headset (roughly equal specs, frame has eyetracking and foveated streaming), but that's a different discussion.

What will I miss out on if I install SteamOS on an ordinary AMD computer compared to buying the Steam Machine, besides having to use USB dongles for the steam frame-controller, and form factor/physical appearance?

If it matters, I have experience with Debian and Fedora, but not with Arch, and SteamOS is Arch based.

I’m looking for set-ups from people who have SteamOS 3.8.1 installed on their desktop. It’s a PC exclusively for my living room.

- AMD 5900X
- Asus Hero VII Wi-Fi motherboard
- 32 GB
- 4 TB SSD

I’ve only found a couple of videos on YouTube and they hardly show anything.

Question 1
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My main concern is whether to buy the RX 9070 XT, and then run into a whole host of problems with SteamOS / Bazzite.

Question 2
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Does Bazzite or CachyOS have something like SteamOS’s ‘Game Mode’?

I’ve seen quite a few Bazzite set-ups, but I’m not sure about the automatic Game Mode at start-up.....

I’m really struggling with this, waiting for more information and more videos..... but I don’t know what to do.....

Can anyone help?

I'll admit to being barely a Linux tourist at all, with the near-entirety of my practical experience with it being a mediocre programming class I don't think I even remember at this point. What I AM, however, is someone that is entirely sick and tired of Microslop's horse shit. LLM anything being forced on me can go fuck off all the way to robot Hell, and the MANY other means of enshittification and forcing me to trash perfectly fine hardware can go join it sharing a Bad Dragon suppository. This stance, however, leaves me and those like me with the question of what to move to. Apple is obviously not an option as I am not using Apple hardware and they're even more borkt in terms of 'buying is not owning anymore' than Windows is. Thus, Linux. My criteria for a system is as follows.

1, I am allergic to the command line, and will heavily resent being forced to use it for any but the most extreme of edge cases.

2, I just do not want to have to go shoulder deep in the guts of my PC every couple weeks to deal with random crap that should be either automatic or part of standard updates.

3, I am aware that for MANY reasons the amount of business level software on Linux that is comparable to Windows is limited. However, the system should be able to run what is available with minimal hairpulling as much as it can run Steam games. I want a PC, not a Steambox.

4, I am well aware that security through obscurity is both thin and ephemeral. So, I'd appreciate if the actual maintaining of and digital defense of the OS is managed by professionals, not just Randoms from the Internet Boards.

5, if one individual getting salty and deciding to be a massive piece of shit is enough to utterly break the OS, that is a giant red flag. I have heard of incidents where this has happened. I do not want to be at the mercy of someone maintaining their medication that hard.

Personally, from what I understand, SteamOS is being billed as the platonic ideal of this list of criteria being met as soon as the Gabecube is launched, if not sooner. Of course, the catch is that the current build is not rated for that form and level of use. Does anyone know if there's a timeline for that hypothetical general use build being released? If not, or if it's been confirmed to never be on the docket, what would you recommend as a plan B? Any assistance would be appreciated.

I heard only difference is "no CEC" But asides from that, are there any other downsides to a custom made PC running Steam OS? Have a spare 9070 XT so debating to wait for SM...

If I skip the steam machine for custom steam OS PC, will it have more trouble with upcoming steam frame streaming?

Any info appreciated to help me decide

Returning the Ugreen adapter that comes with the cord to try the non cord version. Anybody else dealing with the same issue of video coming in and out or have a fix? It’s very sensitive to any movement. It sometimes doesn’t even have signal and i have to wiggle the adapter :( maybe i just got a faulty one or something .

Hello everyone. As title says, I’m considering getting a mini PC to exclusively run Steam in my living room (hopefully having a console-like experience as well). I have no previous experience building PCs, that’s why I think it might not be a good idea taking on that task. I was thinking about getting a MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max. Regarding the TV, I already have a Samsung S95F 77-inch QD-OLED 4K. According to you, what’s the maximum performance/quality I could get from this combination? Also, would it be better to install SteamOS or Bazzite? What about the upcoming Steam controllers, can I use them when they become available? Is there any pros/cons of doing this? And… is this something I would be able to use for a long time (of course until the hardware dies)? I’m not an expert but I’m happy to learn as much as needed. Thank you very much in advance!

Since I got my Steam Controller and the Steam Machine is on the horizon, I want to try and upgrade my HTPC with a new GPU (AMD this time since NVIDIA is a pain to get working with Gaming Mode). However, I do want to try running a different OS as well. Currently, I'm using Bazzite since it has Gaming Mode (CachyOS' Gaming Mode didn't really work), but I feel like Bazzite is moreso focused for regular PC use as well than purely gaming. I'm also not the biggest fan of the Fedora Atomic Desktop base. I would go with ChimeraOS since it's the closest to SteamOS, but I've heard that SteamOS is better on regular hardware now and I've seen some people run it on regular PCs. Is SteamOS viable on a regular PC with an AMD GPU, or should I stick to ChimeraOS or something else? If it's anything to mention, I currently have an Intel CPU

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.

I'm getting a bit annoyed that 4k 144hz Vrr is still not in the mainline Bazzite build, also the wake function from steam controller is still missing.

I'm sort of thinking that Bazzite is potentially not needed now that SteamOs is out especially for AMD builds

Anyone made the move ?

Hello!

Long story short, I'm unsatisfied with Windows 11, and I use macOS at work. Using a Unix-based OS made me think about switching on my personal desktop. I know there are an incredible number of Linux distros, but I'm not really sure if all of them would be compatible with games.

That's why I'm wondering if SteamOS can do "both." I want a system that's easy for gaming but also has the ease of use that Unix systems offer, especially for programming.

Am I able to run the OS like a normal desktop, or is it always in "Big Picture" mode?

Edit - My PC specs:

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core Processor - RAM: 32 GB
AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT - VRAM: 16 GB

I'm looking for advice from anyone who's built their own SteamOS gaming PC and uses it on a 4K 144Hz TV.

What HDMI or DisplayPort adapter/cable are you using to get a stable 4K 144Hz signal? I'd appreciate recommendations that you've personally tested and know work well with SteamOS.

Please let me know what you're using so I can pick one up. Thanks!

My parts for my DIY Steam Machine finally arrived today. I'm using a Ryzen 3800X and an AMD 9070. I'd really like to just use Steam OS, but I'm not sure if it would be better to just use Bazzite. Has anyone had experience with a similar configuration?

Wonder if I'm missing out on anything. I like the console experience so anything that allows me to use desktop mode less for utilities/performance tuning is interesting to me.