Valve has released two firmware updates for its recently launched portable console Steam Deck. The first update, available in the stable channel, improves the software keyboard and adds input calibration. The second update, beta, focuses on enhancing various under-the-hood aspects of the console. Moreover, it adds fTPM support, effectively allowing Steam Deck users to install Windows 11.
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is one of the Windows 11 hardware requirements Microsoft does not want you to bypass. Although the are numerous ways to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware and computers without TPM, Trusted Platform Module is a must if you want to do things the "Microsoft way" and receive support from the company.
Valve warns that preview updates are raw and require further improvements. Besides, Windows drivers for the Steam Deck suffer from all sorts of bugs (the audio driver is not available at all). For now, installing Windows 11 on the Steam Deck looks more like a leap of faith than a viable solution for daily use.
Here are the changes in the latest Steam Deck OS Beta update:
- Added messaging when a charger that doesn"t meet the minimum bar is plugged in.
- Added uncapped framerate setting in Quick Access menu > Performance.
- Added fTPM support, enabling Windows 11 installation.
- Added button combo: hold "..." + "Volume Down" to reset PD contract in the cases where Steam. Deck gets stuck due to an incompatible Type-C device.
- Updated power LED to dim a few seconds after power supply connection events for better. experience in dark environments.
- Improved compatibility for a number of Type-C docks and PSUs.
- Improved battery life in idle or very low usage scenarios.
- Improved stability.
- Fixed issues where the touchscreen does not work after some boots.
- Fixed compatibility with some SD cards specifically when used as boot devices.
- Fixed ACPI error spew in the kernel.
And here is what Valve changed and improved in the stable update:
- Added dual trackpad typing support to onscreen keyboard.
- Added game mode onscreen keyboard to Desktop mode.
- Added Family Sharing status to game details page. Borrowers will see whose library they are borrowing from, and lenders will see a message if their library is currently in use by a borrower.
- Added a Calibration and Advanced Settings screen with options for:
- Adjusting deadzones for the left and right Joysticks.
- Adjusting haptic strength for left and right Trackpads.
- Joysticks and other sensors on external gamepads.
- Updated network connection flow to connect without re-prompting for a known password.
- Improved performance downloading library images after logging in, leading to less stuttering.
- Removed display of "B" back button in Overlay Quick Access Menu.
- Fixed onscreen keyboard input issues when connecting to public WiFi captive portals.
- Fixed issue where Chrome wouldn"t install from the non-Steam section of the Library.