Build your own Steam machine

SteamOS Beta is the Linux-based operating system we developed. It is based on Debian 8, code-named Debian Jessie. Our work builds on Debian's strong foundation and optimizes it as much as possible for a great living-room experience. Most importantly, it is an open Linux platform that puts you in control. You can take charge of your system and install whatever new software or content you want.

Installing and customizing SteamOS

How Do I Install SteamOS?

There are two ways to install SteamOS. The recommended method is the automatic installation, which uses the default disk layout. The expert installation uses the Debian installer and lets you customize the installation after the automatic steps. Choose one of the following installation methods.

Warning: both installation methods will erase everything on the target computer.

Automated Installation

Download the SteamOS installer
Extract SteamOS.zip onto an empty FAT32-formatted USB drive. Make sure it uses an MBR partition table.
Insert the USB drive into your target machine. Start the machine and select the USB drive as the boot device in the BIOS. (Usually, pressing F8, F11, or F12 during startup opens the BIOS boot menu.)
Make sure you select the UEFI boot option, which may look something like “UEFI: Patriot Memory PMAP”. If there is no UEFI boot option, you may need to enable UEFI support in the BIOS settings.
Select “Automated install (will erase the disk!)” from the menu.
The rest of the installation setup will run automatically, then repartition the drive and install SteamOS.
When installation finishes, the system will reboot, log in automatically, and install Steam. Internet access is required at this point. If you have internet access, Steam will install automatically. If you aren't connected to the internet (for example, if you need to connect to a WiFi access point), a pop-up will ask you to connect. Close the pop-up to open the network settings and configure your network. Once you're connected to the internet, close the network settings and Steam will begin installing.
After Steam finishes installing, your system will restart automatically and create a backup of the system partition.
When the backup finishes, select “reboot” to start your newly installed SteamOS.

Expert installation

Download the SteamOS installer
Extract SteamOS.zip onto an empty FAT32-formatted USB drive. Make sure it uses an MBR partition table.
Insert the USB drive into your target machine. Start the machine and select the USB drive as the boot device in the BIOS. (Usually, pressing F8, F11, or F12 during startup opens the BIOS boot menu.)
Make sure you select the UEFI boot option, which may look something like “UEFI: Patriot Memory PMAP”. If there is no UEFI boot option, you may need to enable UEFI support in the BIOS settings.
Select “Expert install” from the menu.
Choose your preferred language, location, and keyboard layout.
You can choose to change the default disk partitioning.
The remaining installation settings will be completed automatically, and SteamOS will be installed.
When installation finishes, the system will reboot, log in automatically, and install Steam. Internet access is required at this point. If you are connected to the internet, Steam will install automatically. If you are not connected—for example, if you need to connect to a WiFi access point—a pop-up will ask you to connect. Close the pop-up to open the network settings and configure your network. Once you are connected to the internet, close the network settings and Steam will begin installing.
After Steam finishes installing, your system will restart automatically and create a backup of the system partition.
After the backup finishes, select “reboot” to enter your newly installed SteamOS.

What are the SteamOS hardware requirements?

Processor:

Intel or AMD 64-bit-capable processor

Memory:

4GB or more RAM

Hard drive:

200GB or more disk space

Graphics card:

NVIDIA graphics, AMD graphics (RADEON 8500 and newer), or Intel graphics.

Additional Notes:

A USB port is required for installation; UEFI firmware is recommended.