Valve has made an important step in the development of Steam Machine. The company has released official drivers for Windows, making it easier to install Microsoft's system on the device and eliminating the need for unofficial sources.
The new drivers support key Steam Machine components: AMD graphics card, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, and an SD card reader. Now users will be able to install Windows and use the device as a regular gaming PC.
Valve warns of limitations. Installing Windows requires full memory formatting, and the Dual Boot function for simultaneous use of SteamOS and Windows is not yet available. The company is working on adding it and has not announced release dates.
Installing another OS is not covered by full technical support. In case of serious problems, the only official recovery method will remain restoring SteamOS to factory settings with the deletion of all data.
Valve noted that during the initial Windows setup, an internet connection via Ethernet will be required, as the system does not contain built-in Steam Machine Wi-Fi drivers.
Windows support is especially important for games with anti-cheats that do not work well on Linux and SteamOS. Now Steam Machine will be able to offer players a wider library of games and applications.