Clover | Steam Deck

Before installing Clover, you must have your drive partitioned with both SteamOS and Windows already installed. 1. Windows Preparation

Since its release, the Valve Steam Deck has revolutionized the portable PC gaming market, offering gamers the freedom to play their Steam libraries on the go. However, the device’s default operating system, SteamOS, is built on a Linux architecture. While Linux gaming support has improved significantly through Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, a vast catalog of games—specifically those utilizing anti-cheat software or older Windows-only titles—remain incompatible. This limitation birthed the need for "dual-booting," the practice of installing a second operating system, specifically Windows. Enter "Clover," a bootloader that has emerged as a critical tool for Steam Deck power users. This paper explores the function of Clover, its installation via the "Holocore" image, and its pivotal role in creating a seamless dual-boot experience on the Steam Deck.

They call it Clover because it finds fortune in forgotten corners – emulated classics, indie gems, a saved game right before the boss.