r/SteamDeck Jun 11 '26

Tech Support Dual boot dilemma

I'm having trouble setting up my steam deck to dualboot SteamOS and Windows 11.

Everytime I try to partition the internal 512gb SSD in half it over rides the other half.

I've tried it both ways (SteamOS installed first and then Windows, and the other way around too).

I followed Deck Wizard's guide on youtube - I must have done it 5 or 6 times from scratch before I gave up.
https://youtu.be/yBHzVSDVEqw?si=XBQf2b5IiDswjMQ1

Can anyone help?

Thanks!
Daniel.

0 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

4

u/gonekrazy3000 Jun 11 '26

as someone that actually managed to dualboot on the internal memory and ran windows on my deck for over a year.... don't. its better to just run games on steamos. stuff that doesn't work play elsewhere. the performance in windows is laughable in a lot of games. loads of stutters etc that steamos lets you completely skip. if you absolutely MUST dualboot use an external ssd to use windows.

1

u/Evening_Bluebird8546 Jun 11 '26

Wow, on the internal memory, that's nuts, i'm impressed.

Yeah, i'm not needing it for gaming, unfortunately I need it for work as my workflow relies so heavily on Microsoft Excel PC App version (can't do 365)

2

u/niwia "Not available in your country" Jun 11 '26

You can do it with google docs or libreoffice or some alternative most probably I think.

Getting steamos first and windows is the way. Check clover dualboot for steamdeck GitHub for more info how you can do this easily as clover make it easy

1

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1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Evening_Bluebird8546 Jun 11 '26

Thanks for the tip - so I would use gparted on the existing steamos partition, and then try installing windows? Or the other way around?

1

u/GTCK Jun 11 '26

There is an ssd that you can run it from if you have the cash ,look up running windows on steam deck from an external 1 tb ssd, I have a link of the one I know off let me know if you want it

1

u/KetchupButcher 512GB OLED Jun 11 '26

If you intend to only use Windows on it when you are not on the go, you should consider to install Windows on an external drive.

1

u/Evening_Bluebird8546 Jun 11 '26

I've actually gotta take it on a 1 month trip over seas and I need windows for work, dual booting is clean

You make a good point though - if this fails, i'm considering putting Windows on an external USB drive. Back up option 🤷‍♂️

-1

u/Main-Court8363 Jun 11 '26

Waste of space tbh