Explore SteamOS features before they're released to the general public by following these simple steps.
Since 2004, I've penned gadget- and video game-related nerd-copy for a variety of publications, including the late, great 1UP; Laptop; Parenting; Sync; Wise Bread; and WWE. I now apply that knowledge and skillset as the Managing Editor of PCMag's Apps & Gaming team.
The Steam Deck is a magnificent piece of portable gaming hardware that lets you take a good chunk of your PC gaming library on the go. It feels great in the hand, with twin analog sticks, twin touchpads, and multiple paddles, but Valve's SteamOS firmware—the operating system that powers the Steam Deck—is just as important to the system's success. Valve regularly pushes out firmware updates that give the Steam Deck enhanced functionality, meaning today's system isn't quite the same as the one that debuted earlier this year.
Normally, you have to wait until an update is available in the SteamOS Stable channel before installing the patch. However, curious or impatient types can test the firmware before it's finalized by dipping into the Steam OS System Update Channel. Here's how to do it.
SteamOS lets you explore three system channels: Stable, Beta, and Preview.
With Stable, you can install the recommended version of a SteamOS patch. This is firmware that Valve has deemed worthy enough to go live to everyday Steam Deck users. The Steam Deck taps this channel by default.
The Beta channel is, according to the System Update Channel itself, for testing "new Steam features." This channel frequently updates, and you can expect some minor bugs. My personal Steam Deck lives in this channel, as I'm one of those aforementioned curious people.
Finally, the Preview channel lets you test new features in early form. In fact, so early that Valve states that "you may encounter issues." This is the channel for the bravest of the brave Steam Deck owners.
Fortunately, Valve makes it simple to jump from one channel to another:
Scroll down to Settings, and press the A button.
Scroll down to System > System Update Channel.
Select either Beta or Preview (your Steam Deck arrives with the Stable channel active).
A Restart Now prompt will appear. Click it to reboot the Steam Deck and apply the new System Channel.
Repeat steps 1-3, except you should dip into Software Updates instead of System Update Channels.
Click Check for Updates to see if fresh firmware is available.
If something is available, click the Apply icon to initiate a system restart and update installation. That's it!
Please note that if you encounter an issue with the updated firmware, follow Valve's step-by-step system recovery guide(Opens in a new window) to return your Steam Deck to its normal, pre-borked state. You'll need to download the system recovery image, grab a USB drive, and get a USB-C adapter or hub to start the repair process. There are instructions for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Valve offers four recovery options: Re-Image Steam Deck, Clear Local User Data, Reinstall SteamOS, and Recovery Tools. Once again, check the recovery guide to determine which route is best for your Steam Deck.
It's cool to sample upcoming features in the System Update Channel, but Steam Deck has even more to explore. Check out 9 Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Steam Deck and Steam Deck 101: Everything You Need to Know About Valve's Handheld Gaming PC to get started.
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Since 2004, I've penned gadget- and video game-related nerd-copy for a variety of publications, including the late, great 1UP; Laptop; Parenting; Sync; Wise Bread; and WWE. I now apply that knowledge and skillset as the Managing Editor of PCMag's Apps & Gaming team.
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