Valve has created the most popular gaming platform with Steam. However, many players say that Valve could also provide the perfect alternative to Windows with SteamOS. For this, SteamOS would just need to be freely installable. With the Steam Deck, other handhelds, and the Steam Machine, many devices are already using Valve’s operating system.
What is the criticism of Microsoft/Windows? Many players rely on the Windows operating system on PC when they want to play various titles. However, dissatisfaction among players is growing:
- There are regular complaints about faulty updates that ruin performance and impair functionalities.
- Players complain about numerous new AI features that Windows is currently flooded with. Microsoft is not called “Microslop” in the community for no reason.
- The aggressive tracking of user data and ads in the operating system has also long been criticized. Many people just want to play and not be bothered.
Therefore, there has been a long discussion in the community about how to deal with the situation. The rejection of Windows is high, but according to players, there are often no real alternatives. This is exemplified by a Reddit discussion: Many reject Windows, but they still do not want to switch. In this context, the best alternative for gamers comes directly from Valve.
According to players, Valve already offers the perfect alternative to Windows with SteamOS
What alternative is it about? In a Reddit post, some players demand that Valve finally release its operating system SteamOS. For players, SteamOS is considered the ultimate alternative for gaming. The system from Valve is optimized for gaming and very accessible, free from annoying bloat and AI features that are increasingly found in more devices today. For instance, a user writes on Reddit:
SteamOS is much better than the alternatives for handheld gaming and has already been adopted by other companies. Valve is working with AMD to make SteamOS more compatible with desktop and other hardware. Windows 11 is full of bloatware and makes games unplayable through updates, making a switch attractive.
SteamOS is Valve’s Linux-based operating system and is currently pre-installed on all “Steam Deck” models. The new Steam Machine, which is set to be released in 2026, will also use the SteamOS operating system.
What is the problem? So far, Valve has only released SteamOS for the Steam Deck and some other handhelds. There is currently no official installation source for regular computers, and it remains unclear whether Valve will ever make its SteamOS freely available.
Do all games even work? SteamOS currently, like all Linux operating systems, still has a problem with games that rely on aggressive anti-cheat systems: anti-cheat software at the kernel level often does not work under Linux, and features like “Secure Boot” are also not supported.
Those who install SteamOS must therefore be prepared to forego popular games like Call of Duty, Battlefield 6, or Fortnite, as they simply do not work on SteamOS or generally on Linux. The limitations usually affect large multiplayer games, while those who only enjoy single-player and perhaps some couch co-op should have little trouble with SteamOS.
Valve has introduced a completely new device with the Steam Machine. But what exactly can we expect from it? A console, a gaming PC, or something completely different? And can I actually play all my games? MeinMMO has compiled the most important questions for you and tried to answer them: Steam Machine: The most important questions and answers
