Install Windows 11 on Steam Deck (MicroSD)

A complete guide to running Windows 11 from a MicroSD card on your LCD or OLED Steam Deck, with no PC required.

Step 1: Preparation & Desktop Mode

1. Remove your current MicroSD card containing your Steam games to keep it safe.
2. Insert the target MicroSD card you wish to use for Windows.
3. Hold the Power Button and select Switch to Desktop.

Step 2: Set Super User Password

You need a password to install software in Desktop Mode. If you haven't set one:

1. Open the System Settings or click the Steam Deck User icon in the menu.
2. Select Change Password (or Set Password).
3. Create a password and write it down; you will need it shortly.

Step 3: Download Tools & Image

Open a web browser on your Deck and download the required files listed in the Downloads section above.

Once downloaded, open your file manager, find the Etcher zip in Downloads, and right-click > extract it.

Tip: Note: You do NOT need to extract the NerdZap W11 file. Etcher will accept the .zip

Step 4: Flash the Image

1. Open the extracted Etcher application.
2. Select Flash from File and choose the NerdZap Windows 11 image.
3. Click Select Target.
4. CRITICAL: Carefully select your MicroSD card. Ensure you do not select the internal Steam Deck drive.
5. Click Flash. You will be prompted to enter your Super User password.

Tip: If you get an error immediately, try typing your password faster. The prompt can time out quickly.

Step 5: Booting into Windows

1. Once flashing is complete, shut down your Steam Deck.
2. Hold the Volume Down button and press the Power Button. Keep Volume Down held until you hear the chime.
3. In the boot menu, select the MicroSD Card.

The initial boot may take some time or reboot once or twice. This is normal.

Tip: If you are stuck on the boot screen for more than 20 minutes, hold down the power, enter the boot menu again, and select the MicroSD card.

Step 6: Windows Setup & Orientation

Windows will load in portrait mode. To fix this:

1. Complete the basic Windows setup.
2. Once on the desktop, long-press on the wallpaper to open the context menu.
3. Select Display Settings.
4. Change Display Orientation to Landscape.

Step 7: Fix On-Screen Keyboard

To ensure the keyboard appears whenever you tap a text box:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Time & Language.
2. Select Typing > Touch Keyboard.
3. Set the option "Show the touch keyboard..." to Always.

Step 8: Expand Drive Capacity

Windows may not see the full size of your SD card immediately. We must use PowerShell to fix this.

You should see a message saying "DiskPart successfully extended the volume." You now have access to the full space of your card!