Do you want Windows or SteamOS on your handheld? There has been a lot of discussion about the benefits of the latter, thanks to its more lightweight build, which improves performance and efficiency. This has been most evident in the recently released SteamOS Legion Go S, which one reviewer called “So much better than the Windows version,” with the stats to back it up.

However, Windows does inherently have some benefits – more games are compatible with the operating system. That said, many people are happy to stick to Windows, which comes shipped with handhelds such as the ASUS ROG Ally, Ally X, and original Legion Go models. And if you want an even better version of the OS, which is tailored to handhelds, you have Winhanced.

We’ve been following the Winhanced project for a little while now. It’s not a brand-new operating system; rather, it’s an app that aims to improve the experience of using Windows on a handheld, providing a more console-like experience enjoyed on devices like Valve’s Steam Deck. Its latest update helps integrate two cloud gaming services from Nvidia and Microsoft.

Winhanced is now integrated with Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming

We recently tested Nvidia’s new native GeForce Now app on Steam Deck, so we know how great game streaming can be on a handheld, granted you have a stable connection. Services like this can help breathe new life into the device, especially as modern AAA games get more demanding to run and require specs such as hardware-level ray tracing or increasing amounts of VRAM.

Posting on the Winhanced Discord server, developer Floop detailed a couple of new integrations with the software.

“We finally got our official code signing certificate! Once I figure out how the dang thing works I’ll be able to package the app in a way that no longer requires the manual install of a certificate for first time downloaders.

Unfortunately I don’t have a cool visual to show with a certificate so i guess here is a video of Geforce Now Library support working in Winhanced I guess?”

Floop, Winhanced developer, source: Discord

The developer later went on to show library integration with xCloud (now known as Xbox Cloud Gaming). This functionality is an extension of the GFN update, which allows Winhanced to automatically identify if a game in your library is streamable via Microsoft’s service. The two videos below demonstrate how it all works.

Winhanced is shaping up to be an impressive piece of software. It only has a small development team behind it, but the laser focus on reimagining the handheld experience on Windows is something to be admired. Recent reports suggest that Microsoft wants to make sure Windows doesn’t fall behind SteamOS itself, especially with Valve’s Linux-based alternative now coming to third-party handhelds and, eventually, beyond. Until any sweeping official changes happen, Winhanced is a great option.

About the Author

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.