Windows driver for Steam deck control without Steam client

[shak59]

I need a nice Windows driver for the Steam Deck, so it works with games simply like an xbox controller, just load the game and play.

Must be Windows driver ONLY, I don't want to install steam client on the Windows, pure windows driver pls.

[V𝐢𝐧𝐢gas Ba𝗸𝗸 🫎]

I mean, you can code your own drivers in your own way.

It currently works simply as well. What exact root problem does it solve ?

You sound like you have "XY problem" ( https://xyproblem.info/ ).

[shak59]

Originally posted by V𝐢𝐧𝐢gas Ba𝗸𝗸:

I mean, you can code your own drivers in your own way.

It currently works simply as well. What exact root problem does it solve ?

You sound like you have "XY problem" ( https://xyproblem.info/ ).

Right now, you NEED to install the steam client in Windows to make the controller function. I would like to not install the Steam client on my Windows install microSD on my Steam Deck but I still want the controller to function like a controller (like xbox controller, plug and play).

For this, I guess I need a Windows driver for the Steam deck controller. Which only Valve can make.

[V𝐢𝐧𝐢gas Ba𝗸𝗸 🫎]

"I would like to not install the Steam client on my Windows" Why? What is exact problem with it?

Controllers is not just drivers, there is also binding system. If you don't have background service running, you don't have access to gyro binding to mouse emulation for example.

Also xbox services are preinstalled in windows, you just don't see them and you can't remove them because microsoft.

[Moskeeto]

At the end of the day, the Deck controls were never meant to be a generic Xbox controller. Like the Steam Controller they are meant to be a "do anything you want with them" controller which allows you to rebind absolutely everything however you want (except for the STEAM and ... buttons) and it's that functionality that relies on the Steam client in order to function. The Steam Controller was never given Windows drivers to behave like a generic controller either. Though reWASD has a solution to that now.

And as for Windows, Valve will only be providing the occasional driver updates to make sure it at least runs games. Valve still wants gamers using Steam more than anything. So you're most likely going to need to wait on a third-party tool that accomplishes what you're looking for. I'm sure it'll happen eventually.

[shak59]

I think it's important to have Windows controller drivers separate from the Steam client because we should do all we can to at least have the option and a sense of ownership of the device without preconditions. I feel right now the Steam Deck is basically 100% dependent on Steam client on the Windows side (it is a necessary innstal for basic control functionality). This dependency isn't good long term.

Windows stem controller drivers would help free users a little.

[veesonic]

I've been using this tool by mKenfenheuer and its been working great! Most of the time I have to disable lizard controls (default mouse behavior on windows) but it works like a charm. 😁

https://github.com/mKenfenheuer/steam-deck-windows-usermode-driver

[dragon]

I really do appreciate the work put in by the community, but this feels like the last piece to having the Deck working in Windows. They've already provided drivers for all the other bits of hardware (and didn't have to), so hopefully they'll provide this last bit.

[Prezidentas]

Originally posted by dragon:

I really do appreciate the work put in by the community, but this feels like the last piece to having the Deck working in Windows. They've already provided drivers for all the other bits of hardware (and didn't have to), so hopefully they'll provide this last bit.

No they won't. Steam controller doesn't have a driver either, and that thing has been released 7 years ago.

[dragon]

Originally posted by Red Star Gopnik:

Originally posted by dragon:

I really do appreciate the work put in by the community, but this feels like the last piece to having the Deck working in Windows. They've already provided drivers for all the other bits of hardware (and didn't have to), so hopefully they'll provide this last bit.

No they won't. Steam controller doesn't have a driver either, and that thing has been released 7 years ago.

Totally possible, sad as it may be. Maybe with how popular this thing is becoming, particularly with hobbyists, they'll make an exception. I can dream!

[d[-_-]b]

Steam (deck) controller without steam. Next we should ask for oculus touch without oculus.
Its really not a priority. account and client is free,
Just add game to steam and set controller input as xbox control.
The point of steam controllers is to be used on a platform that they work in all types of games without the devs of those games having to explicitly add in the controls.

[zocker_160]

you guys are dreaming, this is not going to happen.

Don't kid yourself, Valve created Steam Deck to increase sales of Steam games, so they will not give you an option to use it without Steam Client.

[d[-_-]b]

Originally posted by zocker_160:

you guys are dreaming, this is not going to happen.

Don't kid yourself, Valve created Steam Deck to increase sales of Steam games, so they will not give you an option to use it without Steam Client.

Especially on windows.
Steam decks focus is to be used with SteamOS
Surprisingly that has steam already installed.

[dragon]

Totally with you guys on this, even though it feels a little tonally incongruent given that they have a page with Windows drivers...

https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/6121-ECCD-D643-BAA8

It is a bit of a glaring omission that the only driver not listed is the controller one, no?

Anyway, not trying to cause a scene - I very much agree that Valve's stated purpose is not to make this a Windows device (or they'd ship the Deck with Windows as an option from the factory). I've been using the Deck docked with a mouse, keyboard and Bluetooth Xbox controller, and it works fantastically well for all kinds of things that aren't Steam: Epic, PC Game Pass, Origin, etc., but I'm sure they don't care about that. Thanks for all the perspective - cheers!

[Moskeeto]

Originally posted by dragon:

Totally with you guys on this, even though it feels a little tonally incongruent given that they have a page with Windows drivers...

https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/6121-ECCD-D643-BAA8

It is a bit of a glaring omission that the only driver not listed is the controller one, no?

Anyway, not trying to cause a scene - I very much agree that Valve's stated purpose is not to make this a Windows device (or they'd ship the Deck with Windows as an option from the factory). I've been using the Deck docked with a mouse, keyboard and Bluetooth Xbox controller, and it works fantastically well for all kinds of things that aren't Steam: Epic, PC Game Pass, Origin, etc., but I'm sure they don't care about that. Thanks for all the perspective - cheers!

The controls work through Steam Input even on Windows. The Steam Controller behaves the same way. It never got an official driver to work as a generic controller without Steam running.

[Karyuudo]

Originally posted by veesonic:

I've been using this tool by mKenfenheuer and its been working great! Most of the time I have to disable lizard controls (default mouse behavior on windows) but it works like a charm. 😁

https://github.com/mKenfenheuer/steam-deck-windows-usermode-driver

Thank you for posting this.