# SteamOS 3.9.3 Beta updates Arch Linux base and Plasma Desktop

> **Key takeaway:** The SteamOS 3.9.3 Beta introduces an updated Arch Linux base, Plasma 6.7.3, and Linux kernel 7.2.

**Published:** 2026-10-16T19:02:10+00:00 
**Source:** Valve Steam Deck Official News 
**Category:** open-gaming 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/steamos-393-beta-updates-arch-linux-base-and-plasma-desktop.html 

## Summary
Valve has released the SteamOS 3.9.3 Beta for users on the Beta and Preview channels. This update includes a rebase to Linux kernel 7.2, an upgrade of the Desktop Mode to Plasma 6.7.3, and several hardware-specific fixes for devices like the Legion Go 2 and Intel Panther Lake systems. It also introduces preliminary support for hibernation and switches the default WiFi backend to wpa_supplicant.

## Technical changes in SteamOS 3.9.3
- **Kernel & Base**: Rebased on **Linux 7.2** and updated the **Arch Linux** base.
- **Desktop Environment**: Upgraded Plasma from **6.4.3** to **6.7.3**.
- **Networking**: Switched default WiFi backend to **wpa_supplicant** for better compatibility, while enhancing it to support fast reconnects after sleep.
- **Power Management**: Added preliminary support for **hibernation** and improved kernel-level hibernation stability.
- **Hardware Support**: Added preliminary brightness control for **Legion Go 2** and addressed compatibility issues with **Intel Panther Lake** CPUs and **RDNA1/RDNA2** GPUs.
- **Virtualization**: Improved support for running SteamOS as a **VM guest** with accelerated graphics using **virtio-gpu** and **venus**.

## Why it matters
The update improves hardware compatibility for emerging handheld devices and refines the desktop experience through significant Plasma and kernel updates.