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Asked: 2024-09-26T22:46:52+05:30 In: ,

How can I set up Linux Steam on WSL2 in a Windows environment?

I’ve been trying to figure out how to set up Linux Steam on WSL2 in my Windows environment, and honestly, it’s turning out to be a bit of a headache for me. So here’s the scoop: I recently got into Linux gaming, and I heard that using Steam on WSL2 could be a game-changer since I could run some of my favorite titles that I normally can’t play on Windows. Sounds awesome, right? But here’s the catch: I have no idea where to start!

I’ve got WSL2 up and running, and I installed Ubuntu as my Linux distro. What do I do next? I tried looking up some guides online, but most of them seem to be outdated or overly complicated. Do I need to install any specific packages before installing Steam? I read somewhere that setting up the graphics drivers is crucial—I have an NVIDIA GPU, so do I need to do something special for that?

Also, once I get Steam installed, how do I even launch it? Can I just run it from the terminal, or do I need some sort of compatibility tool to get the GUI working smoothly? I’ve heard about using X11 forwarding, but I’m not sure how to set that up either. Is there a simpler way to get the GUI working without diving deep into all the X stuff?

I’m also curious—once I have everything running, will I be able to play games efficiently, or is it going to be a laggy mess? I don’t mind a bit of tinkering, but I don’t want to spend days just setting it up, you know?

If anyone has gone through this process and could share a step-by-step rundown, or at least point me in the right direction, I’d really appreciate it. I’m all ears for any tips or tricks you have up your sleeve, especially anything that made your setup smoother. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers



    1. Setting Up Linux Steam on WSL2

      How to Set Up Linux Steam on WSL2

      So you want to get Steam running on WSL2, huh? Let’s break this down step by step!

      1. Install Necessary Packages

      First up, make sure you have the essential packages installed. Open your Ubuntu terminal and run:

      sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y wget software-properties-common

      2. Install Graphics Drivers

      Since you have an NVIDIA GPU, you’ll need to enable the NVIDIA driver support in WSL2. Check if you have the latest NVIDIA drivers installed on Windows. If you haven’t already, you can download them from the NVIDIA website.

      Then, in your WSL terminal, add the graphics drivers:

      sudo apt-add-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y nvidia-driver-XXX

      Replace ‘XXX’ with the current version number appropriate for your GPU.

      3. Install Steam

      Now, let’s get Steam installed! You can do that by running:

      wget https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/client/installer/steam.deb
sudo apt install ./steam.deb

      4. Set Up X11 Forwarding (Easier Way)

      To get the GUI running, you’ll need an X server for Windows. Download and install an X server like Xming or MobaXterm. Once you have that installed, start the X server.

      Back in your WSL terminal, run the following command to set the display:

      export DISPLAY=$(cat /etc/resolv.conf | grep nameserver | awk '{print $2}'):0.0

      5. Launch Steam

      Now, with everything set up, you can try launching Steam:

      steam

      Steam should start up and you can log in!

      6. Gaming Performance

      As for performance, it can vary based on the game. Some might run quite well, but keep in mind that WSL2 isn’t optimized for gaming quite like a native Linux setup. You may want to check individual game compatibility.

      7. Tinkering Tips

      Don’t hesitate to look at community resources like forums or Reddit for specific game tweaks or additional help. You might discover shortcuts and tricks others have used!

      So there you go! With just a few steps, you’re on your way to gaming on Steam via WSL2. Happy gaming!


    2. To set up Linux Steam on WSL2 with an Ubuntu installation, you’ll want to start by ensuring you have the necessary packages installed for compatibility. Specifically, install the nvidia-driver if you have an NVIDIA GPU, along with some essential utilities. Use the following commands in your WSL terminal:

      sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y software-properties-common
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y nvidia-driver-  # Replace  with suitable driver version
sudo apt install -y steam

      For running Steam with a GUI, you will need an X11 server on your Windows host. A popular choice is Xming or VcXsrv. Install one of these and start it before launching Steam. Set the DISPLAY environment variable in WSL with the command export DISPLAY=$(ipconfig.exe | grep "IPv4" | awk '{print $NF}'):0. You can then launch Steam directly from the terminal using steam. In terms of performance, expect varying results based on the game and your configuration; however, many titles run surprisingly well under this setup if optimally configured. Don’t forget to tweak your settings once launched for the best experience!

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