Why support it? Their specialty is Linux.
this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2026
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Per the article:
But because many anti-cheat apps still aren’t compatible with Linux (hence, SteamOS), installing Windows on Steam hardware is currently the only way that gamers can enjoy titles that require them.
So it looks like Valve is at least giving tools for running Windows on their hardware for those that really really want that kernel level malware, I mean anti-cheat, to play a certain game.
really really want that kernel level malware
gold
Just think of using Windows as being a cuck who is fine with your kernel getting a train run on it, every day, every night, all the time.
You literally don't even know by how many, who they specifically are.
But also, I'm sure its fine, no need for regular STD testing.
... not that it would even be possible.
I was talking to a couple of people about my positive experience faming on Linux since I switched recently, and one of them seemed really interested since he hates Windows.
The other guy mentioned “But some games still don’t work. Certain multiplayer games have kernel-level anti-cheat that doesn’t work on linux.” and I saw the first guy visibly lose interest even though I would have bet money he was going to actually try linux before. So I asked him “Do you play competitive multiplayer games?” “No, not really.”
The fact that linux can’t run every game is apparently a turn-off for some people, even if they aren’t games they want to play.
The thing is that people don't want to get that new game that that seems so fun to find out that it doesn't actually work. Other games not working is seen as a sign of potential future trouble.
Yeah, it's not unreasonable, I had to bail on Forza Horizon 6 at launch, due to severe issues at launch, and the recent DOOM DLC has some visual bugs too (there's a PR in Mesa already!).
It's amazing it works this well, and the maintainers of these tools are incredible for getting fixes out so quickly when a new game launches with issues, but there are some unavoidable realities to not being the target platform.
I think the advantages are worth it, and completely deleted my Windows install earlier this year to fully commit, but it's naive to say that the experience is flawless and you won't ever have problems gaming. I can definitely be sympathetic to more casual players being put off by that.
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Honestly, the kind of games that don't run on Linux, I usually don't want to play them anyway. Like League of Legends (shudders)
Exactly where I’m at. It’s not like we’re low on options.
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they are probably just providing the windows drivers that their vendors already have for the components inside the hardware they're selling.
A big part of PCs is flexibility. I can run Fedora, Sally can run Mint, and Fred can run Windows. Contrast that with an Apple where you are stuck running Mac or some of the more proprietary software oriented vendors where the only way to use half your RGB and even display features is to run in Windows.
Personally? I run Linux. I am happy. But I also remember when we were happy that Google was focusing on "the open source" project "Android". And... we see how that went down. And with how many people think SteamOS is something unique and magical? I am happy now but I am definitely thinking about what 2030 will be (... if there is a 2030 but that is a different fear).
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If I see someone installing windows on a steam machine, I’m losing it.
There were people doing that with their Steam Decks day 1
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Microsoft has done the same thing for years. They provide software, drivers and workarounds for unsupported scenarios while making it clear they won't provide full support. Seems fair.
After working with Microsoft at the enterprise level I can say with confidence they do not offer full support on anything.
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Those plucky Windows users love to hack hardware to get their niche software running. Good for them.
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Seems like Microsoft is who should be supporting Windows. It isn't like Valve can fix Windows issues as Windows isn't open source.
Valve offering drivers and notes is what they are able to offer for someone else's proprietary product.
Microsoft support one of their own products? Crazy talk.
The dumbest part of the article is that the author seems to be blaming Valve for games that chose a kernel level anticheat that only works with Windows and consoles.
But because many anti-cheat apps still aren’t compatible with Linux (hence, SteamOS), installing Windows on Steam hardware is currently the only way that gamers can enjoy titles that require them.
That isn't even a Windows issue. That is a publisher choosing an anticheat that has stupid limitations.
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Why is this headline so awful to read?
Valve releases drivers and notes to make Windows work on Steam hardware, however, they refuse to officially support it though. They won't offer support for "Windows on Steam Hardware," and provide resources "as is".
More readable version.
I absolutely hate how articles always omit the "and" from titles. Instead of "Bob and Steve run for office" they just say "Bob, Steve, run for office".
Right, but it's a really loaded way to say it.
They have no obligation to release Windows drivers at all.
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It's not the OS they planned on working with for the Steam Deck. It's nice they supplied drivers at all for those who chose to do so.
Dude, I hope GoatSynagogue gets paid to be a kernel level anti cheat shill. They're ALL over this comment section defending it and windows and toxic community slop multiplayer games. Maybe they work on anti-cheat software and drink the koolaid?
Other than the broad "Microsoft hate" people is thinking about, there are two reason I can think about; and none about Gaben being a Microsoft's scorned ex-employer.
- conflict of interest: Microsoft's EEE. Look it up. If they rule the OS on which majority of Steam Hardware work on, Microsoft rules on a competitors against it's "Xbox experience".
- Microsoft doesn't allow open source drivers to officially run on Windows. Any hardware driver must be done, paid, by close doors at Valve and no extra help as the whole community around mesa and affiliated. There's a reason why Valve is skipping Nvidia on basically everything.
To me it makes sense. Windows is finicky to begin with. And through the lens of Valve and SteamOS, Windows is basically 3rd party, and many software companies don't support 3rd party "add-ons".
Refuses? "Here's a thing you might like." But I want more.
Fuck EA
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