Knowing how to restore SteamOS is also handy when you want to switch backfrom Windowsto SteamOS.

Here’s how to do it.

The same goes if you have a microSD card lying around.

Right controller and buttons on the Steam Deck

The installation procedure includes only three or four clicks—or taps—anyway.

choose the provided link and download the SteamOS recovery image.

Once the app unzips the image, move on to the second step.

Download SteamOS recovery image by clicking on the download link provided under the Steam Deck Recovery Instructions headline

In this guide, we’re only covering the process with Rufus.

Once you enter Rufus, select your USB flash or microSD card as your machine.

Next, press the “Start” button.

Unzip the SteamOS recovery image with your favorite unzipping tool

It usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the speed of your storage drive.

Once your Deck is shut down, press the Power button while holding the Volume Down button.

Important:Sometimes, there will be three options to pick from.

Pick the Disk or ISO Image in Rufus and then hit the select button and locate your SteamOS recovery image

This process can take hours if your USB stick is slow.

In our testing, we waited about 10-15 minutes for the Steam recovery environment to boot.

To install SteamOS while keeping your files and parameters, tap the “Reinstall Steam OS” icon.

Once you’ve loaded your SteamOS image press the Start button to start creating the bootable flash drive

We recommend performing a clean install if you’re having major issues with your SteamOS installation.

If you might use the SteamOS desktop mode, youcan back up your Steam Deck beforereinstalling the OS.

Tap, or nudge the “Proceed” button.

When Rufus warns you it will delete all data on the selected drive press OK to continue

The reboot process can take a while.

Walk through the setup process again, and you’re done restoring SteamOS.

Related:Does Your Steam Deck SD Card Affect Game Loading Times?

Once in Steam Deck boot Manager, select your USB flash drive and press the "A" button to boot SteamOS recovery image stored on it

Tap on the Proceed button once SteamOS notifies you that the action will reimage the Steam Deck