If you’ve been searching for a Linux distribution that feels like SteamOS, is built for gaming, supports both AMD and Nvidia GPUs, and offers a hassle-free installation experience—your search ends here. Welcome to Bazzite Linux. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or a gamer venturing into Linux for the first time, this guide will walk you through how to install and set up Bazzite Linux on any PC or laptop.
We won’t just stop at installation. We’ll also explore the post-setup features like Steam Gaming Mode, desktop mode via KDE Plasma, essential driver support, and more. So grab your USB drive, and let’s get started on your Linux gaming journey!
🌟 What is Bazzite Linux?
Bazzite is a next-generation Linux distribution built specifically for gamers. It’s powered by Fedora and designed to provide a SteamOS-like experience with KDE Plasma as its desktop environment. It supports a wide range of hardware, including Steam Deck, GPD Win, Legion Go, and most gaming laptops.
Key Highlights:
- Steam Gaming Mode out of the box
- KDE Plasma desktop mode
- Built-in drivers for AMD and Nvidia GPUs
- Built-in Flatpak support for installing essential applications
- Open-source and community-supported
💾 What You’ll Need Before We Begin
Let’s prepare everything before diving into the installation. This will ensure a smooth experience without unnecessary interruptions.
- A USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage
- An internet connection
- A PC or laptop with UEFI BIOS support
- Free disk space or a dedicated SSD/HDD partition
- Download links:
- 📥 Bazzite ISO: https://bazzite.gg/
- 🔧 Balena Etcher: https://www.balena.io/etcher
- 🔧 Rufus (alternative for Windows): https://rufus.ie/
📥 Step 1: Downloading the Right Bazzite ISO for Your System
Before creating a bootable USB, we need to download the correct Bazzite ISO.
Bazzite provides ISO images tailored to different hardware types (e.g., Steam Deck, Legion Go, other laptops). Here’s how to get the right version:
- Go to https://bazzite.gg/
- Click on the Download button.
- Fill out the form by selecting:
- Your hardware type (e.g., “Other Laptop”)
- GPU Vendor (e.g., AMD, Nvidia RTX 3050)
- Desktop environment (Choose KDE for a SteamOS-like look)
- Optional: Enable Steam Gaming Mode
👉 Once submitted, you’ll get the correct ISO download link based on your selection. The file is around 8 GB, so be patient—it might take a few minutes to complete.
🔌 Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Using Rufus or Balena Etcher
Now that the ISO is downloaded, let’s burn it onto a USB drive.
You can use either Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (cross-platform). We’ll explain using Rufus:
Using Rufus:
- Open Rufus and plug in your USB drive.
- Under “Device”, select your USB.
- Click “Select” and choose the downloaded Bazzite ISO file.
- Set Partition Scheme to
GPT(assuming your system uses UEFI). - File System: Leave it as default (usually FAT32 or NTFS).
- Click Start and wait for the write process to complete.
⚠️ Note: This will erase all existing data on the USB drive.
🔧 Step 3: Boot Into BIOS and Prepare for Installation
With the USB ready, let’s configure the BIOS.
Here’s what to do:
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS using the key shown during boot (usually F2, F9, or Esc).
- Enable USB Boot support.
- Disable Secure Boot (Recommended for Bazzite. However, Bazzite can support Secure Boot if configured. See: Secure Boot Docs).
- Set the USB drive as the Primary Boot Device.
- Save changes and exit.
Your system should now boot directly into the Bazzite Live Environment.
🚀 Step 4: Start the Bazzite Installation Process
You’ve now reached the live boot menu. Let’s get Bazzite installed!
- From the boot menu, choose the first option to boot into Bazzite.
- Wait while the system checks the ISO integrity.
- Once loaded, the Anaconda Installer will appear.
Let’s walk through the main sections:
🧭 Language Selection:
- Choose your preferred language and click Continue.
💽 Installation Destination:
- Under Storage Configuration, select your target drive (e.g., 120GB SSD).
- Enable Automatic Mode unless you want custom partitioning.
- Click Done on the top-left.
👤 Create a User Account:
- Click User Creation, set up your username and password.
🌐 Network and Hostname:
- Connect to the internet using either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
🕒 Time and Date:
- Set your correct Time Zone.
Once all options are configured, click Begin Installation.
Sit back and relax. This could take 10–20 minutes depending on your drive speed.
🔁 Step 5: Reboot and Complete Post-Installation Setup
When the installation finishes:
- Click Reboot System.
- When the screen turns black, remove the USB drive.
- Select “Continue Boot” and press Enter.
Your PC will now boot into the Steam Gaming Mode of Bazzite Linux!
🎮 Step 6: Steam Gaming Mode and Final Configuration
After logging in, Bazzite will automatically update essential apps, including Steam.
- Login to Steam using your credentials.
- Access your game library and collections.
- Let Steam handle automatic updates in the background.
So far, we’ve done a great job—but it doesn’t end here. Let’s move to the desktop side of things.
🖥 Step 7: Switch to Desktop Mode (KDE Plasma)
Bazzite gives you the flexibility to switch between Gaming Mode and Desktop Mode.
Here’s how to access Desktop Mode:
- Click the Menu in Gaming Mode.
- Select Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.
- This boots into KDE Plasma—a full Linux desktop environment.
From here you can:
- Browse files
- Access the web
- Use productivity tools
- Launch emulators
- Install apps via Discover or Flatpak
Want to go back to Gaming Mode? Click the Return to Gaming Mode icon on the desktop.
⚙️ What’s Preinstalled in Bazzite?
Here’s a brief overview of what you get out of the box:
- Steam in Gaming Mode
- KDE Plasma Desktop
- Flatpak Support
- Preinstalled Nvidia/AMD Drivers
- System Monitors and Utilities
- Gaming Tweaks and Kernel Optimizations
It’s optimized for both performance and ease of use, particularly for gamers who want a plug-and-play Linux experience. But still if you want to have a look for other distros perfect for gaming check them all at Linux Gaming Showdown: CachyOS vs. Nobara vs. Bazzite for Native PC Games or just Nobara Nobara Linux 12: The Best Fedora-Based Linux Distro for Gamers and Creators or CachyOs 🎮 CachyOS Review: The Best Linux Distro for Gaming in 2025.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I dual boot Bazzite with Windows?
Yes, but you’ll need to partition your drive accordingly and configure GRUB carefully. Bazzite is UEFI compatible.
Q: Is Bazzite good for non-gaming use?
Absolutely. KDE desktop mode provides full Linux usability, suitable for coding, productivity, and everyday tasks.
Q: Does it support Secure Boot?
Yes, with some manual steps. Follow the official guide here: Secure Boot Configuration
Q: Can I install other desktop environments?
Technically yes, but KDE is optimized for Gaming Mode. Changing DEs may affect performance.
Q: Is it better than SteamOS?
For custom hardware and broader compatibility, Bazzite is often a better choice than SteamOS out-of-the-box.
📝 Final Thoughts
Installing Bazzite Linux is one of the smoothest Linux gaming experiences available today. With out-of-the-box support for Steam Gaming Mode, modern GPUs, KDE desktop, and a solid Fedora base, it’s ideal for gamers who want performance and customization.
Whether you’re reviving an old gaming laptop or turning your main rig into a dual-boot powerhouse, Bazzite is worth the try.
Let us know your thoughts, experience, and questions in the comments section. Happy gaming on Linux!
Tags: Linux gaming, Bazzite installation, SteamOS alternative, KDE Plasma Linux, Fedora-based distro, Nvidia GPU Linux, AMD Linux gaming
Hashtags: #BazziteLinux #LinuxGaming #SteamOSAlternative #KDEPlasma #OpenSourceGaming #LinuxSetup #FedoraGaming
Disclaimer: Installing a new OS involves disk formatting which can erase your existing data. Make sure to back up all important files before starting. This article is meant for educational purposes and assumes you’re installing Bazzite on a system where you have full access and permission.
