Features
SCOS Standard is a Windows-based Steam console environment for living-room gaming. It is built with SCOS Builder from your own official Windows ISO, then boots into Steam Big Picture / Steam Gamepad UI as the main shell.
SCOS is independent and not affiliated with Microsoft, Valve, Steam, or any third-party launcher.
Current Public Release
- SCOS Builder: v0.1.3
- SCOS Build Package: v0.3.7
- Edition: Standard
- Channel: stable
- Status: Public beta
Core Pillars
Console Experience
SCOS Standard boots into Steam as the main shell, creating a living-room experience that feels closer to a console than a normal Windows desktop.
Native Windows Compatibility
SCOS keeps the Windows foundation for games, launchers, drivers, and anti-cheat systems that expect Windows.
Controller-First Direction
Daily use is designed around Steam Big Picture / Steam Gamepad UI. Keyboard and mouse are mainly useful for installation and troubleshooting.
Public Build Pipeline
SCOS Builder creates a SCOS installation ISO from your own official Windows ISO and the official SCOS Build Package.
SCOS Builder Features
SCOS Builder is the public tool used to create SCOS Standard installation ISOs.
Windows ISO Input
Users provide their own official Windows ISO. SCOS does not distribute Windows.
GitHub Build Package Download
Builder downloads the official SCOS Build Package from GitHub automatically during ISO creation.
Manifest Validation
Builder validates the package manifest and required files before creating the final ISO.
Bootstrap Password Replacement
Builder replaces the temporary setup password placeholder before building the ISO.
Standard Edition Markers
Builder writes the SCOS Standard edition and lockdown markers used by the installation process.
Temporary Cleanup
After a successful ISO build, temporary build folders are cleaned while the final ISO remains in the output folder.
Shell & Boot Flow
Steam as the Final Shell
SCOS Standard uses Steam Big Picture / Steam Gamepad UI as the final shell after setup.
Direct-to-Steam Startup
Every startup is intended to return to the Steam console environment instead of a traditional desktop.
Standard Lockdown
Normal Windows desktop access is restricted in the public Standard edition.
Approved Sound Access
Sound settings may remain available where needed for audio device configuration.
Compatibility Advantages
Windows Games
SCOS runs on Windows, so Windows games can run natively instead of relying on Linux compatibility layers.
Anti-Cheat Support
Some games with anti-cheat may not run on Linux/Proton unless the developer enables support. SCOS keeps the Windows environment those systems often expect.
External Launchers
Windows launchers such as EA App, Rockstar Games Launcher, Ubisoft Connect, or Epic Games may have better compatibility on a Windows-based system.
Windows Drivers
SCOS benefits from Windows driver compatibility, with GPU driver update support planned for a future release.
What SCOS Standard Does Today
- Builds from your own Windows ISO using SCOS Builder.
- Downloads the SCOS Build Package automatically from GitHub during ISO creation.
- Installs SCOS Standard as a Windows-based console environment.
- Uses Steam Big Picture / Steam Gamepad UI as the main shell after setup.
- Restricts normal desktop access in the public Standard edition.
- Blocks or restricts advanced Windows tools such as Task Manager, interactive Command Prompt, Registry Editor, and similar tools.
- Keeps Sound settings accessible where needed for audio device configuration.
Current Public Beta Limitations
Time Zone and Clock Sync
Time zone selection and internet clock synchronization improvements are planned for a future version.
GPU Driver Updates
GPU driver update support is planned. The goal is to provide a controlled SCOS driver setup path before the final Steam shell.
Recovery Environment
SCOS Recovery Environment support is planned later. The recovery image is too large for the normal Git repository and may be distributed as a release asset later.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Bluetooth controller pairing and improved Wi-Fi support are planned for later releases.
Controller Support
- USB controllers are recommended for the current beta.
- Bluetooth pairing is planned for a future version.
- Xbox, PlayStation, and XInput-compatible gamepads should work through Steam over USB.
- A USB hub is recommended for multiple controllers.
Requirements Summary
Builder Device
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
- .NET Desktop Runtime
- Windows ADK Deployment Tools
- Official Windows ISO
- Internet connection
Target Console
- Windows-compatible gaming system
- 8 GB RAM minimum, 16 GB recommended
- DirectX 12 compatible GPU recommended
- SSD recommended
- Ethernet strongly recommended for setup
Builder-Based Customization (Planned)
Instead of rushing a full SCOS OOBE, future SCOS Builder versions may let users configure SCOS before creating the ISO.
- Time zone selection before ISO creation
- Internet clock sync configuration
- Optional Recovery Environment download and injection
- GPU driver setup options
- SCOS configuration file generated by Builder for setup to read
Roadmap
- SCOS Builder v0.1.3: Time zone selection and SCOS configuration options
- SCOS v0.3.6.5: Time zone and internet clock sync
- SCOS v0.3.7: Driver setup phase foundation
- SCOS v0.3.8: GPU driver update support
- Future: Optional SCOS Recovery Environment integration through Builder
- Future: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi improvements
- Future: Expanded Builder-based customization
- Future: Windows 11-based SCOS improvements