SteamOS Installation Guide - MalwareTester74/Linux-installation-guide GitHub Wiki

SteamOS Installation Guide

SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Valve, designed primarily for gaming on PC. It’s optimized for running Steam and gaming applications, making it a great choice for those who want to turn their PC into a dedicated gaming machine.

Requirements:

  • A computer with a 64-bit processor
  • At least 4GB of RAM (8GB or more recommended)
  • At least 200GB of free disk space (SSD recommended for faster load times)
  • A USB drive (minimum 8GB) or a DVD to create a bootable installation media

Step 1: Download SteamOS

  1. Visit the official SteamOS page: https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/
  2. Scroll down to the SteamOS Installer section and click the Download button.
  3. SteamOS is available as an ISO file. Make sure to select the appropriate version (usually the latest stable release).

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or DVD

  1. Use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Linux/macOS) to create a bootable USB drive.
  2. Insert your USB drive into your PC.
  3. Open your chosen tool (e.g., Rufus or Etcher), select the downloaded SteamOS ISO file.
  4. Choose the USB drive as the target device, and click Start (or Flash! in Etcher) to create the bootable drive.
  5. If using a DVD, burn the ISO file to the DVD using your preferred burning software.

Step 3: Boot from USB or DVD

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive or DVD into your computer.
  2. Restart the computer and press the appropriate key to enter the boot menu (usually F12, Esc, or F10 depending on your manufacturer).
  3. Select the USB drive or DVD as the boot device.

Step 4: Install SteamOS

  1. Once SteamOS boots up, you’ll see the installer. Follow these steps:
    • Select Install SteamOS to begin the installation process.
  2. Choose your language and keyboard layout, then click Next.
  3. Select the disk where you want to install SteamOS. You can either:
    • Erase the disk and install SteamOS, or
    • Choose manual partitioning if you want to set up dual-boot with another OS.
      • Warning: Erasing the disk will remove all data on it.
  4. Select Install SteamOS on the chosen disk.

Step 5: Set Up User Information

  1. Enter your user name and password for the system.
  2. Choose if you want to enable automatic login (recommended for gaming) or require a password.

Step 6: Begin the Installation

  1. Once you’ve selected the disk and configured your user, click Install.
  2. The installer will begin copying files and setting up SteamOS. This process may take several minutes depending on your system.

Step 7: Reboot

  1. Once installation is complete, the installer will ask you to reboot your system.
  2. Remove the installation media (USB or DVD) and click Reboot.

Step 8: Boot into SteamOS

  1. After rebooting, your system should boot directly into SteamOS.
  2. You’ll be greeted with the Steam Big Picture interface.
  3. Sign into your Steam account to start gaming.

Step 9: Post-Installation Setup

  1. SteamOS will likely require some updates once it first boots up, so ensure your system is connected to the internet.

  2. Graphics Drivers: SteamOS typically comes pre-configured with open-source drivers. If you're using a discrete NVIDIA graphics card, you may need to install proprietary drivers manually:

    • Open the terminal and run: 
      sudo apt-get install nvidia-driver
    • Restart your system after the installation.

  3. Enable Steam Features: You can enable features like Steam Play, which allows you to play Windows games via Proton. To do this, go to the Steam settings, under the Steam Play section, and enable Steam Play for all titles.

  4. Configure Peripherals: Plug in your controllers, keyboard, and mouse, then follow the on-screen instructions to set them up.

  5. Install Additional Software: If you'd like to install additional applications or utilities, you can do so via SteamOS’s built-in desktop mode or through the command line.

Troubleshooting:

  • If SteamOS doesn't boot after installation, make sure your boot order is set correctly in BIOS/UEFI and that the correct disk is selected as the primary boot device.
  • If you're having trouble with your NVIDIA drivers, ensure the correct package is installed:
sudo apt-get install nvidia-driver
  • For other issues or configuration questions, visit the SteamOS forums or consult the official SteamOS Wiki.

Enjoy gaming with SteamOS, offering a dedicated, Linux-based operating system optimized for your gaming experience on PC.