GoKawiilSteamOS is Valve's Linux-based operating system. It features a seamless user experience that's optimized for gaming, while retaining access to the power and flexibility of a PC.
SteamOS plays tens of thousands of games on Steam, and we are constantly testing the Steam catalog for SteamOS compatibility. It's an open Linux platform that leaves you in full control, and you can install new software or content as you wish.
Is SteamOS open source?
SteamOS is an Arch Linux-based Linux distribution, and all of the base operating system components are open source. SteamOS ships with the Steam client, which is proprietary software, in addition to some proprietary third party drivers.
Can you install SteamOS on any device?
SteamOS can be installed on some unsupported PCs and handhelds, but Valve currently expects most users to get it preinstalled on a Steam Deck or another device that is officially supported. Right now, that list is limited to the Steam Deck and Legion Go S, though Valve is working to broaden support. If you want to experiment installing SteamOS on your PC (AMD-based only recommended), we have a guide for that here.
Can SteamOS only play Steam games?
No, gamers can install other game launchers and software as they wish using the Linux-based OS. Go to desktop mode and go for it.
Features
SteamOS provides access to the full Steam ecosystem: your Steam Library, Steam Cloud, Steam Chat, Steam Game Recording, and more. The user interface is optimized for controller use, and offers features like quick suspend / resume to get you quickly in and out of games. Best of all, you don't have to worry about driver updates and hardware tweaks - all of this is handled seamlessly through built in system updates.
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