Agenda
For a long time, SteamOS was the Steam Deck's home turf - and truly at home only there. That has changed: Valve now provides an official SteamOS recovery image that allows you to install SteamOS on handhelds from other manufacturers - most notably the Lenovo Legion Go and the ASUS ROG Ally. If Windows on your handheld has been annoying you with update windows, driver escapades, and an interface designed for mouse and keyboard, then it's worth taking a second look.
In this guide, we'll show you what's officially possible, which devices run best, and how to perform a clean installation - without bricking your device.
SteamOS on other handhelds - what's possible now?
SteamOS is the Linux-based operating system that makes the Steam Deck feel so much like a console: you press the power button, you're in the game in seconds, and you don't have to battle through a desktop operating system. Valve is now opening up precisely this experience to other devices.
The crucial point: Valve offers a SteamOS recovery image for download on the official Steam support page and describes the installation on supported devices themselves. So you are no longer dependent on unofficial community images. According to Valve, compatibility with other AMD handhelds was significantly improved with SteamOS 3.7 and subsequent updates.
An honest word up front: "supported" doesn't mean the same thing everywhere. Valve distinguishes between devices that are officially "Powered by SteamOS" and devices with beta support. We'll clarify what this means for your device in the next section.
Which handhelds are supported?
Valve currently divides supported devices into two groups:
Officially "Powered by SteamOS"
These devices are fully certified - SteamOS runs as smoothly here as it does on the Steam Deck itself:
- Steam Deck (all models)
- Lenovo Legion Go S - the first officially licensed third-party device. Lenovo even offers it directly as a "Powered by SteamOS" variant; the Windows version of the same hardware can be easily converted to SteamOS.
Official Beta Support
You can officially install SteamOS on these devices using the recovery image - but Valve still labels the status as Beta. This means it works, but individual functions may not yet be 100% perfect.
- ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X
- Lenovo Legion Go (first generation)
- Other AMD handhelds
Our tip: If you want the smoothest transition, the Legion Go S is currently the safest bet. SteamOS works well on ROG Ally & Co., but you should know that you are officially in beta territory. We explain how SteamOS evaluates game compatibility in our article on SteamOS compatibility ratings.
Is it worth switching from Windows?
That depends on how you use your handheld. For many, SteamOS is a real win - for some, Windows remains the better choice. So you can evaluate it for yourself:
Reasons for SteamOS
- Console feel: Turn on, play. No desktop, no update pop-ups in the middle of a game.
- Often better battery life: Especially with undemanding titles, SteamOS gets more out of the battery than Windows, depending on the game.
- Well-thought-out operation: Quick-access menu, per-game performance profiles, and a UI designed for controllers.
- Expandable: With tools like Decky Loader, you can add useful plugins.
Reasons (still) for Windows
- Anti-cheat games: Some online titles with kernel anti-cheat do not run on Linux. If your favorite game is among them, check beforehand.
- Specialized software: Programs that are only available for Windows are eliminated.
- Device-specific features: In beta status, manufacturer-specific functions may not yet be fully functional under SteamOS in some cases.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can consider dual-booting on some devices. We show how this works in principle using the example of the Clover Boot Manager for Steam Deck and Legion Go S. An alternative if you don't want to switch directly to SteamOS is also Bazzite - a SteamOS-like system with more flexibility.
What you need
It's not much. For a smooth installation, you should have the following ready:
- Your handheld (ROG Ally, Legion Go, etc.) with power adapter connected.
- A USB stick with at least 8 GB (its content will be erased).
- A computer to create the stick: use Rufus on Windows, Balena Etcher on macOS or Linux (both are free).
- The official SteamOS recovery image from the Steam support page.
- A USB-C adapter or hub to connect the stick (and mouse/keyboard if needed).
A high-quality, fast USB stick will noticeably save you time during writing and installation. You can find suitable sticks and USB-C docking stations for your handheld in our shop - with fast shipping from Germany.
Important: Back up beforehand
The most important paragraph of this post - please don't skip it. Installing SteamOS wipes the entire drive of your handheld ("Re-image"). Everything that was previously on the device - including Windows - will be gone afterwards.
So, before you start, make sure to:
- Back up game saves that are not in the cloud. We show you how to automate this cleanly in our guide to data backup on your handheld.
- Copy off personal files, screenshots, and recordings.
- If you want to return to Windows later: prepare a Windows installation stick and your manufacturer's drivers.
Install SteamOS - step by step
The following steps are based on Valve's official instructions. Since details vary by device, it's worth checking the official Steam support page for SteamOS installation - there you will always find the current status and the download image. Plan about an hour for the whole process, most of which is waiting.
1. Download the SteamOS recovery image
On a PC, download the official SteamOS recovery image from the Steam support page. This is the same file that Valve provides for the Steam Deck - it serves as the basis for all supported devices.
2. Create a bootable USB stick
Connect the USB stick (min. 8 GB) to your computer:
- Windows: Open Rufus, select the downloaded image file, and write it to the stick. The stick will be formatted during this process. Then click "Close" and eject the stick.
- macOS / Linux: Use Balena Etcher to write the image to the stick.
3. Disable Secure Boot
On devices other than the Steam Deck, you must disable Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI before installation. The steps vary depending on the device:
- Lenovo Legion Go / Legion Go S (Windows): Power off the device completely. Hold down Volume Up and press the Power button - continue holding the volume button. In the "Novo Button Menu", select BIOS Setup, then "More settings" → "Security" → set "Secure Boot" to "disabled" and save with "Exit saving changes".
- ASUS ROG Ally / ROG Ally X: With the device powered on, initiate a restart and hold down Volume Up during boot-up until the BIOS appears. Press "Y" to enter Advanced Mode, navigate to the "Security" tab, set "Secure Boot Control" to "disabled", then save and exit.
4. Boot from the USB stick
Connect the prepared USB stick via a USB-C adapter or hub. Open your device's boot menu and select the "EFI USB Device" (your stick) as the boot medium. The screen will momentarily go black during booting - give it a minute.
5. Install SteamOS
You will land in a desktop environment that you control via trackpad, touchscreen, or mouse. Select "Re-image Device" there. This will completely erase the internal drive and install SteamOS cleanly. This is the point of no return - your previous system is now gone.
6. Initial setup
After the restart, SteamOS will guide you through the usual setup: language, time zone, Wi-Fi, and logging in with your Steam account. After that, you'll be in the familiar Gaming Mode - this time on your ROG Ally or Legion Go.
After installation: the first steps
Congratulations, your handheld is now running SteamOS. To get the most out of it right away, these steps are worth taking:
- Update system: In the settings, check if a SteamOS update is available.
- Install Decky Loader: This is the gateway to the most useful plugins. Follow our Decky Loader guide.
- Integrate games from other stores: Get Epic, GOG & Co. on your device via the Heroic Games Launcher or the NonSteamLaunchers.
- Squeeze out more FPS: With Lossless Scaling, you get smoother visuals even in demanding games.
- Fine-tune performance: ROG Ally owners should also check out our guide on overclocking the ROG Ally.
What's (still) not running smoothly
To avoid unpleasant surprises - these are the most common stumbling blocks:
- Note beta status: On ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, and the first Legion Go, SteamOS support is officially in beta. Individual functions such as special buttons, fan control, or sensors may not be 100% functional depending on the device and SteamOS version initially. Updates will gradually close these gaps.
- Anti-cheat games: Some online titles refuse to run on Linux. Check ProtonDB beforehand to see if your favorite games run.
- Boot problems: If the device does not boot from the stick, check that Secure Boot is indeed disabled and the stick is selected as "EFI USB Device" in the boot menu.
- Back to Windows: Possible, but time-consuming - hence the note above about the Windows stick and drivers.
If everything fits, you now have a handheld that feels like Valve built it themselves. And the best part: All the SteamOS knowledge we've built up here for the Steam Deck now applies equally to your ROG Ally or your Legion Go.
Frequently asked questions
Does SteamOS officially run on the ROG Ally?
Yes - Valve officially supports the installation and provides a recovery image for it. However, support for ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, and the first Legion Go is currently labeled as Beta. Only the Steam Deck and the Lenovo Legion Go S are currently fully "Powered by SteamOS".
Can I keep Windows and use both systems?
The official installation ("Re-image") overwrites the drive and removes Windows. Dual-booting is possible on some devices but requires more effort. We explain how the principle works in the Dual-Boot Guide.
Which device currently has the best SteamOS support?
Besides the Steam Deck, the Lenovo Legion Go S is the only third-party device that is officially "Powered by SteamOS" - everything runs smoothest here. ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, and the first Legion Go also work, but are officially in beta status.
Will I lose my games?
Your Steam library is tied to your account - you simply re-download the games after logging in. However, local data and game saves without cloud sync will be lost if you don't back them up beforehand.
Do I need technical knowledge?
If you follow the steps, the installation is quite manageable. The only "tricky" part is the BIOS - stick to the steps for your device and, if in doubt, to the official Steam support instructions.
Have you successfully installed SteamOS on your handheld? Then all that's missing is the right accessories to get the most out of it. In our shop, you'll find handpicked accessories for ROG Ally & Co. - fast shipping from Germany included.
