TL;DR
Valve's SteamOS 3.7.20 beta ships with the NTSYNC kernel driver enabled and set to load automatically. Wine and Proton are preparing support paths for NTSYNC, while many Linux distributions already build the module but differ on loading strategies.
What happened
Valve published a SteamOS 3.7.20 beta that brings the NTSYNC kernel driver into the SteamOS build and configures it to load by default. The NTSYNC driver, intended to accelerate Windows NT synchronization primitives in compatibility layers, has been in stable development for about a year following the completion of its implementation. Upstream user-space support is being prepared: Wine 10.16 added NTSYNC usage support as part of the lead-up to Wine 11.0, due this month, and Proton 11.0 is expected to gain NTSYNC support once it is rebased on Wine 11.0. Proton already offers FSYNC for improved performance, so the inclusion of an NTSYNC path gives another option for Steam Play workloads. The report notes that most Linux distributions at least build the NTSYNC kernel module, though they vary in how they ensure the module is loaded when needed. The presence of the NTSYNC driver is highlighted as the primary change in this beta.
Why it matters
- Adds a kernel-level path aimed at accelerating Windows synchronization primitives used by Wine and Proton, which could affect compatibility and latency-sensitive workloads.
- Having the driver built and auto-loaded in a SteamOS beta simplifies end-to-end testing for Steam Play on Valve's platform.
- Wine and Proton are both aligning to use NTSYNC, signaling coordinated changes across user-space and kernel components.
- Broad distribution builds of the module suggest growing ecosystem support, though loading approaches remain inconsistent.
Key facts
- SteamOS 3.7.20 beta includes the NTSYNC kernel driver and configures it to load by default.
- The NTSYNC implementation was completed about one year prior and has been in solid shape since then.
- Wine 10.16 added support to use NTSYNC ahead of the planned Wine 11.0 stable release.
- Wine 11.0 is due this month, and Proton 11.0 will pick up NTSYNC support when it is rebased on Wine 11.0.
- Proton already supports FSYNC for improved performance in Steam Play workloads.
- Many Linux distributions are already building the NTSYNC kernel module, though handling of auto-loading differs across projects.
- The SteamOS 3.7.20 beta release was reported on January 9, 2026.
What to watch next
- Real-world performance comparisons between the NTSYNC path and the existing FSYNC path in Proton/Steam Play — not confirmed in the source.
- Exact timing and rollout details for Proton 11.0 rebase onto Wine 11.0 and when SteamOS users will see NTSYNC-enabled Proton builds — not confirmed in the source.
- How different Linux distributions settle on module-loading strategies for NTSYNC and whether a common approach emerges — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- NTSYNC: A kernel-level driver intended to accelerate Windows NT synchronization primitives when running Windows applications through compatibility layers.
- Kernel driver (kernel module): A piece of low-level software that runs in the operating system kernel to provide hardware or system services; can be built into the kernel or loaded at runtime.
- Wine: A user-space compatibility layer that enables running Windows applications on Unix-like operating systems by reimplementing Windows APIs.
- Proton (Steam Play): A Valve-maintained compatibility tool based on Wine and additional components that enables many Windows games to run on SteamOS and Linux.
- FSYNC: A synchronization mechanism used by Proton and other projects to improve performance and reduce latency when handling Windows-style synchronization primitives on Linux.
Reader FAQ
What did the SteamOS 3.7.20 beta change?
It enables the NTSYNC kernel driver and configures the module to load by default.
Will Proton immediately use NTSYNC?
Proton 11.0 is expected to include NTSYNC support when it is rebased on Wine 11.0, per the report.
Does NTSYNC replace FSYNC in Proton?
Not confirmed in the source.
Are Linux distributions shipping NTSYNC?
Most distributions are at least building the NTSYNC kernel module, though approaches to auto-loading vary.
Latest SteamOS Beta Now Includes NTSYNC Kernel Driver Written by Michael Larabel in Valve on 9 January 2026 at 05:47 AM EST. 8 Comments Valve released the SteamOS 3.7.20 beta…
Sources
- Latest SteamOS Beta Now Includes Ntsync Kernel Driver
- Bazite Slow Then Skips Steam Interface And Defaults …
- Enable NTSYNC kernel module for all users [system-wide]
- News & Updates – Steam Deck
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