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SteamOS FAQ
Build your own Steam Machine

SteamOS is our Linux-based operating system. The base system draws from Debian 8, code named Debian Jessie. Our work builds on top of the solid Debian core and optimizes it for a living room experience. Most of all, it is an open Linux platform that leaves you in full control. You can take charge of your system and install new software or content that you want.

Installing and Customizing SteamOS

What are the SteamOS Hardware Requirements?

Processor:
Intel or AMD 64-bit capable processor

Memory:
4GB or more RAM

Hard Drive:
200GB or larger disk

Video Card:
NVIDIA graphics card
AMD graphics card (RADEON 8500 and later)
Intel graphics

Additional:
USB port for installation
UEFI Firmware (recommended)

NOTE: This image is not compatible with Steam Deck. If you are looking for the Steam Deck Recovery image, visit this link.

How do I install SteamOS?

There are two different installation methods for SteamOS. The recommended method is the Automated Installation method, which installs the default disk configuration. The Expert method uses Debian Installer, which allows for some customization after an automated install step. Please choose one of those methods below.

WARNING: Both installation methods will erase all content on the target computer

Automated Installation

  1. Download the SteamOS installation
  2. Unzip the SteamOS.zip file to a blank, FAT32-formatted USB stick. Make sure to use an MBR partition.
  3. Put the USB stick in your target machine. Boot your machine and tell the BIOS to boot off the stick. (usually something like F8, F11, or F12 will bring up the BIOS boot menu).
  4. Make sure you select the UEFI entry, it may look something like "UEFI: Patriot Memory PMAP". If there is no UEFI entry, you may need to enable UEFI support in your BIOS setup.
  5. Selected "Automated install (WILL ERASE DISK!)" from the menu.
  6. The rest of the installation is unattended and will repartition the drive and install SteamOS.
  7. After installation is complete, the system will reboot and automatically log on and install Steam. At this point an internet connection is required. If you have an internet connection, Steam will automatically install itself. If you do not have an internet connection (for instance, if you need to connect to a WiFi access point) you will get a popup telling you this. Close the popup and you will get the network configuration UI where you can set up your network. Once you are connected to the internet, close this UI and Steam will install itself.
  8. After Steam finishes installing, your system will automatically reboot and create a backup of the system partition.
  9. When the backup completes, select "reboot" to boot into your freshly installed SteamOS

Expert Installation

  1. Download the SteamOS installation
  2. Unzip the SteamOS.zip file to a blank, FAT32-formatted USB stick. Make sure to use an MBR partition.
  3. Put the USB stick in your target machine. Boot your machine and tell the BIOS to boot off the stick. (usually something like F8, F11, or F12 will bring up the BIOS boot menu).
  4. Make sure you select the UEFI entry, it may look something like "UEFI: Patriot Memory PMAP". If there is no UEFI entry, you may need to enable UEFI support in your BIOS setup.
  5. Selected "Expert install" from the menu.
  6. Selected your preferred language, location, and keyboard layout.
  7. You will have the option to change the default disk partitioning.
  8. The rest of the installation is unattended and will install SteamOS.
  9. After installation is complete, the system will reboot and automatically log on and install Steam. At this point an internet connection is required. If you have an internet connection, Steam will automatically install itself. If you do not have an internet connection (for instance, if you need to connect to a WiFi access point) you will get a popup telling you this. Close the popup and you will get the network configuration UI where you can set up your network. Once you are connected to the internet, close this UI and Steam will install itself.
  10. After Steam finishes installing, your system will automatically reboot and create a backup of the system partition.
  11. When the backup completes, select "reboot" to boot into your freshly installed SteamOS