The installation of Windows often comes with pre-installed applications that users consider unnecessary, commonly known as bloatware. This fact has led many gamers to seek cleaner alternatives, such as the LTSC version of Windows, designed for business environments and free of most of these superfluous applications. However, this may not be the only path available in the near future.
A simple and high-performance operating system
Recently, rumors have emerged regarding the possibility of Valve launching a PC-specific version of SteamOS. This operating system, which originally powers the portable Steam Deck console, has proven to be effective in terms of performance as it is based on Arch Linux and consumes very few resources. The next iteration of SteamOS could be appealing to those looking for an optimized environment for gaming without the distractions and disk consumption that bloatware entails.
Although SteamOS promises outstanding performance and a simplified interface, it also faces challenges. Particularly, its compatibility with NVIDIA graphics could present issues, as it is primarily designed for AMD hardware, such as that of the Steam Deck. Additionally, for it to work properly across a wide range of PC components, Valve needs to improve support for all the peripherals that users might incorporate.
Another aspect to consider is the option of dual booting with Windows and SteamOS, which would require partitioning the hard drive. This is essential to avoid space issues, as both operating systems use different types of file systems that can cause conflicts. With the end of support for Windows 10 in sight, those who need to upgrade their system for gaming will find SteamOS a viable alternative, focused on the needs of the player.
In conclusion, if the speculations are confirmed, this option could mark a new direction for PC gamers looking to get rid of bloatware and optimize their gaming experience.