I’m looking to buy a handheld gaming device to use while traveling, but I also need it to serve as an emergency work computer. My company requires some proprietary Windows-only software to connect to their infrastructure. I’m wondering if Windows 11 on the Steam Deck is reliable enough to handle things like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) without major issues. Has anyone used Windows 11 on the Steam Deck for work purposes, especially with RDP or company-specific software?
4 Answers
It works fine overall, but be aware of some small annoyances. For example, when you wake the Steam Deck from standby or log in, you’ll have to type in your password each time. If you don’t have a keyboard handy, that can get annoying quickly. So having a Bluetooth keyboard or similar can make the Windows experience on the Deck smoother for work-related tasks.
Honestly, if Windows compatibility and work software are your main concerns, Steam Deck might not be the best pick. Devices like the ROG Ally X are generally better suited for Windows gaming and work needs straight out of the box. Steam Deck can do Windows, but if you want smooth native Windows support, looking at dedicated Windows handhelds could save you some headaches.
Yeah, running Windows 11 on the Steam Deck for RDP and work tasks can definitely work. Some people have installed Windows 11 through an external SSD drive (like a mag-mountable external SSD) and boot into Windows only when they need it. That way you don’t mess with the SteamOS setup. It takes a bit of tinkering, but once set up, you can use your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to handle work comfortably.
I’ve been in a similar boat. I use the Steam Deck running Windows 11 primarily for travel, and I need to connect via a proprietary VPN that only runs on Windows. From there, I connect to my work VM using RDP. It’s not perfect for daily use, but it definitely holds up as a portable workstation in a pinch. So yes, Windows 11 on the Deck handles RDP pretty well for that purpose.
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