How to Install the Steam Deck Windows Audio Driver?

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Let’s admit it. We’ve all wanted to use the Steam Deck with Windows to make the most of our favorite games. But if we don’t get to hear the audio from these games on Windows, what’s the point?

How to Install the Steam Deck Windows 10 Audio Driver

The Steam Deck audio drivers for Windows are essential for playing sound from the headphone jack or the built-in speakers of your PC. You can get them for free from Steam’s official website for Windows resources.  

But how to install the Steam Deck Windows audio driver? Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy! Read on to discover our step-by-step guide to installing the Steam Deck audio driver for Windows. 

In a Big Hurry? Here’s a Quick Breakdown of All the Steps!

  • Extract the audio driver files from the installation package.
  • Change the boot order to ensure that the Steam Deck boots into the right OS.
  • Install the APU driver.

If you’ve still got some time left, continue reading to learn how to apply these steps in detail.

How to Install the Steam Deck Windows Audio Driver? 3 QUICK Steps

Below is our step-by-step guide to installing the Steam Deck audio driver for Windows:

1. Extract the Audio Driver Files

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  • First, go to Steam’s official website for Windows resources and download the audio drivers.
Download Steam Deck and Audio Drivers in Steam
  • Now extract the audio driver installation files from the downloaded RAR file using an extraction software.
  • Now locate the “cs35l41.inf” and “NAU88L21.inf” files.
  • Right-click on “cs35l41.inf” and selectInstall“.
Install cs35l41.inf
  • Now right-click on “NAU88L21.inf” and select “Install”.
Install NAU88L21.inf

2. Change the Boot Order from the Steam Deck Boot Manager

Once you have installed the inf files, it’s time to change the boot order before installing the APU driver. This ensures that your device boots into the right OS.

  • Turn off your “Steam Deck”.
Turn off Steam Deck
  • Now turn on the device by pressing and holding the volume down button, and then the Power button. 
Power on Steam Deck
  • The “Boot Manager” will pop up. Select the SD card with the Windows installed.
Select the SD card with the Windows installed
  • Now double-click on the “setup.exe” file for APU drivers. Follow any on-screen instructions.
Double click setup.exe on Steam Deck
  • Now turn off your “Steam Deck” and repeat step 2 to boot into Windows and finish the installation of the “APU driver”.
  • Finally, right-click on cs35l41.inf and select Install.
Install cs35l41.inf on Steam Deck
  • Now right-click on NAU88L21.inf and select Install.
Install NAU88L21.inf on Steam Deck

3. Install the APU Driver

By installing the latest APU driver, you can make sure that the audio driver installation is successful and free from conflicts.

  • Go to Steam’s official website for Windows resources and download the APU driver.
Download Steam Deck and Audio Drivers in Steam
  • Run the “setup.exe” file from the downloaded package.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. 
Double click setup.exe on Steam Deck
  • Now skip the prompt when it asks you to reboot.
  • Manually reboot into Windows by pressing and holding the volume down button, and then the Power button. 
Power on Steam Deck
  • Now install the audio drivers with the APU driver installed by right-clicking on cs35l41.inf and NAU88L21.inf and selecting Install.
Install cs35l41.inf on Steam Deck
Install NAU88L21.inf on Steam Deck
  • While we’re still at it, make sure your audio drivers are up to date in order for them to function properly.

Good luck fellas!

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About the author
Mendy Lieberman
Mendy Lieberman - Founder, PC repair expert

Mendy is a founder of WindowsFixHub.com. He’s been a ‘tech-geek’ for a decade.
He has a background in IT consulting and has gathered a team for WindowsFixHub which main purpose is to provide the most helpful PC tech and software repair guides in the market!