When comparing SteamOS vs Microsoft Windows 11, the Slant community recommends SteamOS for most people. In the question“What is the best laptop OS?” SteamOS is ranked 55th while Microsoft Windows 11 is ranked 57th. The most important reason people chose SteamOS is:
The OS natively supports Nvidia, Intel, and AMD graphics processors.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Native graphics processor support
The OS natively supports Nvidia, Intel, and AMD graphics processors.
Pro Streaming service integration (under development)
Valve is in talks with streaming companies such as Spotify and Netflix to bring their features to SteamOS.
Pro For entertainment, it just works
What media center software do for videos, it does for games (and later videos).
Pro Great support for video games
Top support for video drivers.
Pro New Features
Such as notification pane, weather gadget and a sweet new centered taskbar.
Pro Great for gamers
DirectX 12 Ultimate and DirectStorage boost gaming performance quite a bit.
Pro New UI design and features
Centered Taskbar and Start Menu, Widgets panel, and so many more new features and UI elements make Windows 11 truly unique compared to other operating systems.
Cons
Con Hard to install
If you've installed Arch you're probably fine, but for those used to simple installs like (Ubuntu to name just one) you should prepare some patience, determination, and painkillers. Good news is, it's getting better (it's very young).
Con Not built around the desktop experience
SteamOS is, first and foremost, meant to act as a gaming console - it doesn't ship with even some of the most basic applications, such as a file manager or image viewer. As a result, using SteamOS as your primary operating system would require a fair bit of work.
Con Tethered to the Microsoft Store
Each new release of Windows tugs users closer to the walled garden of the Microsoft Store.
Con Still too many legacy features
Windows 11 still has the Control Panel, Computer Managment and lots of other legacy features that originate from XP, Vista or 7.
Con Spyware
Like Windows 10, Windows 11 records everything you do, builds a profile, then sells it to a third party. Go with Linux.
Con OneDrive is a bit slow
OneDrive opens a folder or file a couple seconds slower on Windows 10 compared to Windows 11. Not a problem if you don't use OneDrive though.