An experimental graphics driver project aims to extend cross-platform compatibility by bringing a Linux-based Vulkan driver to Windows while supporting broader graphics software development.
Valve is sponsoring engineers at Collabora to port the open-source RADV Vulkan driver from Linux to Windows. The project, led by Louis-Francis Ratté-Boulianne, has already achieved a key milestone by successfully running Counter-Strike 2 on Windows using the experimental driver. The initiative reflects Valve’s broader strategy of strengthening open-source graphics technologies across both Linux and Windows platforms.
Developed as part of the Mesa graphics project, RADV is the Vulkan driver that acts as the default driver for AMD GPUs on the Linux platform and plays a key role in the Steam Deck’s graphics performance. In order to move the driver to Windows, it could eventually provide AMD users with a community-developed alternative for proprietary drivers and facilitate cross-platform graphics development.
There are serious obstacles associated with porting this driver. Rather than replacing the proprietary Windows kernel driver with the RADV; instead, the developers must determine how to layer RADV over the proprietary driver. This requires developers to reverse-engineer data structures used by the proprietary Windows kernel-mode driver and make sure they communicate reliably.
The project builds on previous research done in XDC 2024, where foundational technology for running Mesa components on Windows was demonstrated. In addition to this, Valve is also supporting improvements to the Linux graphics stack in the form of new DRM format modifier support in the upcoming Linux 7.3 kernel, adding DRM format modifier support for older AMD GPUs based on GFX6 to GFX9 architecture.
The experimental RADV Windows code is available on GitLab so developers inspect the source code, contribute improvements and track its progress. While there are still many technical issues to overcome before it could be considered a viable option, the project shows Valve’s commitment to open-source graphics software.
