If you play games on a PC you are likely using Windows or even possibly a distro of Linux but you likely will end up defaulting back to Windows due to how well it works what if there was another operating system that could change this? SteamOS on the Steam Deck has become a true contender to beating Windows for gaming and I have found that most, if not all, games I run on my Steam Deck run the same as it does on Windows (excluding FPS etc – that’s hardware related) and it just install and play. While the idea of SteamOS is amazing and could, in theory, replace what many use Windows for at home let’s look into the problems it has.
SteamOS has the Foundation to Succeed
SteamOS already does what it is designed to do very well and that is gaming which comes down to its Linux-based architecture but more importantly, Proton which allows it to play an impressive amount of Windows games funny enough while writing this rant I tried Arch Linux and Proton on my main gaming PC and I found I often had a noticeable improvement in FPS although that could also be down to just a fresh install of an operating system. But regardless of how well it plays games that won’t be enough to kill Windows. Windows is currently a majorly used operating system not being it is good (and let’s be honest Windows 11 has a lot of bloats, endless updates and much more crap) but rather because it is versatile. People use their computers for email, web browsing, streaming, video editing, office packages etc and so much more and for their primary device and for people that don’t use a PC that likely already has a game console and a mobile phone for everything.
Valve’s Missed Opportunity: Desktop Mode as Default
This is going to be a bit of a mixed bag but should SteamOS focus purely on the gaming mode as its default experience it isn’t going to go well. It is understandable for the Steam Deck to focus on gaming as it is marketed as a hand-held game console but the default desktop mode just feels limited and out of place. SteamOS will need to ensure that the desktop mode can be set as default without having to mess around with any config settings and it uses a UI people will be able to understand like Windows and their choice of using KDE Plasma works.
You might be wondering why any of this matters. Many people do not use their PC just to play games unlike something like a Steam Deck where they would but rather people will be browsing websites, using office packages, syncing files and much more and if SteamOS doesn’t have a good desktop by default and even more so if setting the desktop to the default isn’t an option it simply means Valve will not appeal to the masses.
What Valve should consider
I am well aware that a Valve developer said SteamOS isn’t being designed to overtake Windows and while I get that, they should do the following to help appeal to the gaming market – more so those that don’t just use their PC for gaming.
- Improving Software Compatibility – Proton and Wine is great and runs many applications well but they will need to look at enhancing software such as Photoshop or AutoCAD. Many Linux users, myself included, know the pain of trying to get software to work or find alternatives that don’t exist on Linux. I am aware most people using these types of software are likely using it for work so this one may not be as vital.
- Seamless Desktop Integration – SteamOS will need to embrace traditional computing. While the controller interface is amazing that isn’t something that has to be considered with SteamOS for PC. People can use the Steam client to load up games but the desktop itself needs to be easy for typical tasks like photo editing, word processing, media consumption and much more. The average person should be able to load up SteamOS and see a working desktop – not just a shell for gaming.
- Hardware Support – This one isn’t to do with graphic cards and such, but rather insuring hardware such as webcams, printers, and those peculiar questionable off-brand keyboards you get on sale work without any problems. SteamOS must reach this level of compatibility otherwise Windows will keep dominating the market. Thankfully hardware such as printers are starting to go wireless or have more universal drivers so this isn’t much of an issue in the years to come.
Why SteamOS matters
It might sound stupid but I do believe the gaming community needs an alternative to Windows and macOS, isn’t it. Apple locks you into their ecosystem and the hardware is absurdly pricy for what it is while SteamOS is based on Linux to the average user Linux is still intimidating and this is where SteamOS could be that perfect middle ground of being accessible, free and flexible more so as SteamOS is rooted in open-source principles. The only major thing SteamOS will require is a second launcher so people can play games that aren’t on Steam without having to make a Steam account to use the launcher.
The Bottom Line
SteamOS has all the potential in the world, but it’s holding itself back by focusing too narrowly on gaming. Valve must recognize that the desktop experience matters just as much as gaming performance. If SteamOS can become a well-rounded operating system that caters to everyday users, it could pose a real threat to Windows. It’s time for Valve to step up and deliver what the world desperately needs: a genuine alternative to the Windows monopoly.
Besides it would be pretty cool to have a Linux-based operating system that could play games as well as SteamOS can outside of the box although a quick Google shows some distros are being developed for that purpose but Steam has the brand awareness to make this happen.
Join the Discussion
Have you ever wondered if there could be a true alternative to Windows for gaming and everyday use—one that's free, open-source, and powerful enough to rival Microsoft's dominance? With SteamOS making waves in the gaming world, is it finally time for Valve to step up and create an operating system that doesn’t just excel at gaming but also redefines what Linux can do for the average user? Let me know your thoughts.