Install Visual C++ Modules
For game and application compatibility, please install this all-in-one Visual C++ package
Install Direct X Runtimes
For game compatibility, ensure that Direct X Runtimes are updated:
- Download Direct-X User Runtime (Make sure to un-select "Install the Bing Bar" during install)
Disable Edge from Running the Background
By default, Edge will run in the background when closed. These can use system resources. You can disable this by opening Edge, Unchecking ... > Settings > System and Performance > Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed
Enable Automatic Login
If you don't want to be prompted for your Windows password when powering on, or waking from sleep, follow these instructions:
- Download, open and run Autologon by Sysinternals/Microsoft
- Make sure the correct account is set and put in your password, then click Enable (application doesn't need to run again unless your password changes)
- To disable from asking for password when waking from sleep, run Command Prompt as Administrator and enter the following command:
PowerCfg /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_NONE CONSOLELOCK 0
PowerCfg /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_NONE CONSOLELOCK 0
Reboot to apply
Adjust Scaling
In Windows, the default Scale is set to 125% - this will result in some windows not fully being displayed on screen.
Right-click the Desktop background and choose Display Settings and under Scale & Layout change Scale from 125% to 100%
Fix Sleep Mode - Disabling Hibernation
Hibernation is unnecessary and can result in BSODs. Additionally it consumes space. Open a Command-Prompt as Administrator and type the following:
powercfg -h off
If you are using an external SSD for Windows, then it is recommended instead to do the following:
Powercfg /h on
Powercfg /h /type reduced
Fix Timezone by changing to UTC
Run Command Prompt as Administrator and enter the following(requires reboot to take effect):
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation" /v RealTimeIsUniversal /d 1 /t REG_DWORD /f
After reboot, set your appropriate time in Settings
Replace On-Screen Keyboard with Touch Keyboard
Download and run the latest version, right-click the file and choose "Run as Administrator"
If you ever want to uninstall it, just re-run it
Enable Automatic Pop-Up of Touch Keyboard
Go to Settings > TIme & Language > Typing
Expand Touch Keyboard and check Show the touch keyboard when there is no keyboard attached
Increase Touch Keyboard keysize
For whatever reason, the Windows 11 Touch Keyboard doesn't scale well with the Steam Deck's resolution and the keys are very small(This is fixed if your system BIOS is F70A110)
- Open the Touch Keyboard and click the Gear > Theme and resize
- Drag the keyboard size all the way to 200
Disabling User Account Control(OPTIONAL)
Disclaimer is that turning this off does pose a security risk. This prevents constant pop-ups when installing software, or when launching any programs that have to "Run as Administrator". Disabling this gives a more seamless experience.
- Open Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts > Change User Account Control Settings
- Change the slider all the way down to the bottom to Never Notify
- Click OK and reboot to take effect
Disabling Windows Upgrades/Feature Updates
Windows has in the past had a history of breaking Valve's drivers(ex. Audio Drivers broken in 22H2). Valve usually provides an updated driver, but it is not an immediate thing. To be safe, it is likely best to use InControl to disable feature updates using InControl.
Download the software:
Run it and click the button to block updates. No further action is necessary.
- This will not stop Windows Security Updates from installing(if wanted, use O&O Shutup for that, discussed below)
Disabling Windows Telemetry(and all Windows Updates -- OPTIONAL)
As previously mentioned, if you would like to disable updates entirely, or just block Windows Telemetry, or both, you can use O&O Shutup to do so. Note that disabling Windows updates entirely, does increase the security risk on your Steam Deck.
Download, install and run O&O Shutup:
Search in the top-right for Telemetry and toggle all to be blocked
- Repeate this for automatic updates if you would like
Proceed to the next step 4. AMD Adrenalin Software