If you're tired of Windows being clunky for couch gaming and you’re not ready to splurge on a Steam Deck or gaming console, there’s a surprisingly powerful solution: install SteamOS on PC and transform your setup into a slick, console-like HTPC (Home Theater PC) experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to get SteamOS on your PC, why it’s perfect for PC on TV gaming, and what to expect when gaming from your couch with a controller in hand.
What Makes SteamOS Ideal for PC-on-TV Gaming
While Windows is a great general-purpose OS, it’s far from ideal when you’re trying to game from the couch on a big-screen TV. Boot times, constant updates, and clunky interface navigation with a controller can kill the mood. SteamOS, however, offers a sleek and streamlined HTPC operating system that mimics the user-friendly experience of a console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
SteamOS is Valve’s custom Linux distribution. Originally designed for the Steam Deck, it is an operating system built around one key idea: open your device, grab a controller, and start playing. No mouse, no keyboard, no hassle. This makes it a natural choice for Linux HTPC builds and gaming-centric setups on TVs. Think of it as “Steam Big Picture Mode on steroids,” with native support for:
Gamepad-first navigation
Power profiles for different performance needs
Seamless game launching
Community tools, screenshots, and chat
A fast and console-like startup process
While SteamOS is not yet officially released for general PC installation, Valve has announced that an official version for non-Steam Deck hardware will be made available sometime after April 2025. Until that happens, community-maintained projects like HoloISO and Bazzite continue to be the go-to solutions for anyone looking to install SteamOS on PC, and they already deliver a remarkably close, near-native experience.
How to Install SteamOS on PC or HTPC
Setting up SteamOS on your PC is surprisingly accessible, especially if you're familiar with basic PC tinkering. Here's a step-by-step guide using HoloISO, one of the most popular community projects that mirrors the Steam Deck OS.
1. Check Hardware Compatibility
Before you install anything, be sure your hardware meets the requirements:
GPU: AMD GPUs work best. NVIDIA support is still patchy under Linux/Wayland.
CPU: Most modern Intel/AMD CPUs are fine
Storage: SSD recommended
RAM: 8GB minimum
Input: Controller preferred, keyboard/mouse for setup
TV Output: HDMI/DisplayPort with audio passthrough
This setup is ideal for HTPC builds using mini PCs or older gaming desktops.
2. Download HoloISO
Visit the official HoloISO Telegram group, as the GitHub page is no longer actively maintained. The community now shares the latest builds, updates, and support directly through Telegram. HoloISO is a community-maintained SteamOS recovery image that mirrors the Steam Deck’s software, including both the Game Mode interface and a KDE Plasma desktop fallback for full Linux access.
3. Create a Bootable USB
Use tools like Rufus (Windows) or balenaEtcher (cross-platform) to write the ISO to a USB stick (8GB+).
4. BIOS Setup
Before booting the USB:
Disable Secure Boot
Set USB boot priority
(Optional) Enable CSM or Legacy mode if UEFI gives issues
Then plug in the USB and boot from it.
5. Install SteamOS
The installer offers two paths:
Full wipe and install (recommended for dedicated HTPC PCs)
Custom partitioning (for dual-boot setups with Windows or another OS)
⚠️ Warning: This will overwrite data on the target disk. Backup your files.
The installation usually takes about 10-20 minutes. Once done, remove the USB stick and reboot.
Post-Install Experience: Using SteamOS on Your HTPC
Once installed, your PC will boot directly into Game Mode — the same interface as a Steam Deck. With a controller connected, you’re ready to go.
Gaming from the Couch
Big-screen optimized UI with controller-friendly menus
Instant-on gaming — no navigating Windows, no updates interrupting
Native Steam support + Proton for playing Windows games
You can install Heroic Games Launcher for Epic Games Store, GOG, etc.
Performance & Tweaks
Use Performance Overlay (Steam+L1) to monitor FPS and temperatures
Adjust TDP and GPU clock limits for power efficiency or silence
Easily switch to Desktop Mode for full Linux access (KDE)
Set up EmuDeck for emulation if desired
Known Issues & Caveats
No HDR support (yet) — if your TV supports HDR, SteamOS currently won't use it
NVIDIA support is poor; avoid if you want the best experience
Some games may need Proton tweaks or third-party fixes
Streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+ in desktop mode may have DRM issues
Despite that, it’s incredibly stable for a community project — many users report near-Steam Deck level performance and convenience.
SteamOS vs Windows for HTPC Gaming
Feature | SteamOS | Windows |
Controller Navigation | ✅ Native | ❌ Clunky |
Boot Time | Fast | Moderate |
Updates | Manual | Forced |
Gaming Focus | Laser-sharp | General-purpose |
HDR Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Compatibility | Limited (but growing) | Max |
For PC on TV gaming, SteamOS offers a focused, distraction-free experience that feels like a modern console. Windows, while flexible, often gets in the way when used with a controller from 10 feet away.
Using SteamOS on an NPC TV: Great Pairing for PC-on-TV Gaming
If you're planning to hook your SteamOS-powered HTPC to a living room display, your choice of TV matters. While SteamOS provides the console-like software layer, your TV completes the immersion—especially in terms of color accuracy, brightness, and sound quality. One standout brand to consider for a high-quality, gaming-ready display is NPC, a display line produced by Guangzhou Xianyou Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
1. NPC QLED 100V9G
The NPC QLED 100V9G is an excellent match for pc on tv gaming setups. With its 3840x2160 QLED panel, 400-500 nits brightness, and wide 178° viewing angles, it brings vivid, clear visuals to your living room. The 3000:1 contrast ratio and support for various picture modes (Dynamic, Standard, Movie) let you tailor your gaming visuals.
This model also offers robust sound support: dual 10W BOX speakers, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and multiple sound modes, including Standard, Amplify, and Optimised. Whether you’re playing atmospheric story games or competitive shooters, you’ll get immersive audio right out of the box.
2. NPC miniLED 65M12-A
For users seeking a premium experience, the NPC miniLED 65M12-A is a top-tier choice. It combines miniLED and QLED technologies, delivering over 800 nits peak brightness and a staggering >1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, making it perfect for darker game scenes and vibrant visuals alike.
Gamers will appreciate the >100% NTSC color gamut, making the most of SteamOS's rich game visuals. It comes with multiple picture modes including Cinema, Game, and Sport, and includes eye-comfort features for longer sessions. While it lacks MEMC (motion smoothing), the raw panel quality more than makes up for it.
On the audio front, it packs 2x10W speakers with surround and voice clarity modes, supporting PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, and HEAAC audio formats. Combine this with SteamOS’s clean interface, and you’ve got a powerful couch gaming station that rivals traditional consoles.
Final Thoughts
If you're building a Linux HTPC, have a spare mini PC, or want a low-cost alternative to a Steam Deck, installing SteamOS on PC is a brilliant choice. It transforms your living room setup into a seamless, controller-first console that boots straight into gaming—no desktop distractions, no update interruptions.
Pairing SteamOS with a high-quality TV is where the experience truly shines. That’s where Guangzhou Xianyou Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd and its NPC product line come in. So if you’re aiming to build a dedicated pc on tv gaming station with a console feel, SteamOS combined with an NPC TV is a setup that delivers both performance and style—right in your living room.
