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# SteamOS proved Linux can beat Windows at gaming, but PC makers aren't ready to admit it

**[XDA Developers](https://daily.dev/sources/xda-developers)** · 4 min read · 1 upvotes · 0 comments

## Summary

SteamOS has proven that Linux can deliver a cleaner, faster gaming experience than Windows, avoiding bloat, forced telemetry, and disruptive updates. Despite the commercial struggles of Valve's Steam Machine hardware, ProtonDB compatibility data and the Steam Deck's massive verified-game catalog show Linux gaming is no longer a question of readiness. The piece argues PC makers are still hesitant to ship non-Windows gaming hardware, waiting for someone else to take the first risk, even though the software case for Linux gaming has already been made.

## Full article

daily.dev links to this article rather than hosting it. Read it at the original source: <https://www.xda-developers.com/steam-machine-proves-linux-gaming-is-ready-pc-makers-not-ready-to-admit>

## Questions this post answers

### How many games work well on SteamOS through Proton right now?

ProtonDB rates the large majority of tested titles as Playable or better, and the Steam Deck's own verified-and-playable catalog covers tens of thousands of games. This reflects years of Valve investment in SteamOS, Proton, and Gamescope, making most modern PC games run without the user needing any Linux expertise.

_Developers weighing Linux compatibility work can track how Proton coverage evolves on daily.dev._

### Why would a gaming PC running SteamOS feel faster than one running Windows out of the box?

SteamOS boots straight into the game library, stays lean, and updates without the disruption of a Windows Patch Tuesday, whereas a new Windows gaming device typically requires uninstalling antivirus, disabling startup apps, using tools to kill telemetry, and tweaking power plans just to reclaim the performance already paid for.

_Anyone comparing OS overhead for gaming hardware can follow this debate on daily.dev._

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---

Tags: [#linux](https://daily.dev/tags/linux), [#gaming](https://daily.dev/tags/gaming), [#steamos](https://daily.dev/tags/steamos)

[View this post on daily.dev](https://daily.dev/posts/steamos-proved-linux-can-beat-windows-at-gaming-but-pc-makers-aren-t-ready-to-admit-it-5te3lzlyt)

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