How To Put Steam Deck In Desktop Mode?

Are you a Steam user looking for a way to make your gaming experience even better? If so, you’re in luck! This article will show you exactly how to put your Steam deck into desktop mode, allowing you to have easy access to all your games, as well as a variety of other options. Not only will this make your gaming experience more enjoyable, but it will also help you maximize your productivity, as you’ll be able to access your games with ease. So read on to learn how to put your Steam deck into desktop mode!

What is Steam Deck?

Steam Deck is a feature in the Steam client that allows users to access their game library, store, community, and other features from within a single interface. The Steam Deck feature was added in 2016 and is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Steam Deck allows users to quickly switch between different game libraries and community features, making it easier to find and play games.

Steam Deck can be configured to run in either Desktop or Big Picture mode. Big Picture mode is a full-screen, controller-friendly interface designed for use with a television or other large display. Desktop mode is a more traditional windowed interface designed for use with a mouse and keyboard.

How To Put Steam Deck In Desktop Mode?

In order to put Steam Deck in Desktop mode, first open the Steam client. Then, navigate to “Settings” from the top of the screen. From the Settings menu, select “Interface”. On the Interface page, you will find the option to select either Desktop or Big Picture mode. Select Desktop mode, and then click “OK”. Steam Deck will now be running in Desktop mode.

In addition to the option to select the mode in the Settings menu, Steam Deck can also be put into Desktop mode by pressing the F11 key on your keyboard. This will immediately switch Steam Deck into Desktop mode without having to navigate through the Settings menu.

Limitations of Desktop Mode

While Desktop mode is convenient for using Steam with a mouse and keyboard, it also has some limitations compared to Big Picture mode. For example, some features, such as the Steam Controller, are not supported in Desktop mode. Additionally, some games may not run properly in Desktop mode, due to the lack of controller support.

In addition, some games may not have an optimized UI for Desktop mode. This can make it difficult to navigate the game’s menus and options. For this reason, it is recommended to switch to Big Picture mode for games that require a controller or a more optimized UI.

Advantages of Desktop Mode

Desktop mode has several advantages over Big Picture mode. For example, it is easier to access the Steam store and other features on the Steam website, as they can be opened in a browser window within the Steam client. Additionally, the Steam overlay is available in Desktop mode, which allows users to take screenshots, record videos, and access the Steam community without having to switch to Big Picture mode.

Desktop mode is also better suited for use with a mouse and keyboard, as the interface is more familiar and easier to navigate. Finally, some games may be more optimized for use in Desktop mode, making them easier to play on a PC.

Conclusion

Steam Deck can be configured to run in either Desktop or Big Picture mode. To put Steam Deck in Desktop mode, open the Steam client and navigate to the Settings menu, then select the Desktop mode option. Alternatively, pressing F11 on the keyboard will also switch Steam Deck into Desktop mode. Desktop mode has several advantages, such as easier access to the Steam store and community, better mouse and keyboard support, and optimized UIs for some games.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Steam Desktop Mode?

Steam Desktop Mode is a feature of the Steam gaming platform that allows gamers to customize the look and feel of the Steam interface. With Steam Desktop Mode, users can customize the size, color, and layout of the Steam overlay. The overlay also allows users to access the Steam Store, view their friends list, and access community features such as chat, game lobbies, and leaderboards.

How Do I Put Steam In Desktop Mode?

To put Steam in Desktop Mode, the user needs to launch the Steam client and then navigate to the top left corner of the window. Here, the user should click on the “Steam” button and then select the “Settings” option. In the Settings menu, the user should navigate to the “Interface” tab and then select the “Enable Steam Desktop Mode” option. Once this is selected, the Steam client will be placed in Desktop Mode, allowing users to customize the Steam interface.

What Benefits Does Steam Desktop Mode Offer?

Steam Desktop Mode offers a range of benefits to gamers. The most significant benefit is the ability to customize the look and feel of the Steam interface. This allows gamers to make the Steam overlay look more appealing and easier to navigate. Additionally, Steam Desktop Mode allows users to access the Steam Store, view their friends list, and access community features such as chat, game lobbies, and leaderboards.

What Problems Can Arise When Using Steam Desktop Mode?

When using Steam Desktop Mode, users may experience some technical issues. These issues may include the Steam overlay not loading correctly, or the Steam overlay not appearing in full-screen mode. Additionally, Steam Desktop Mode can cause problems with some games, such as the game not recognizing the Steam overlay or the game not displaying correctly.

Are There Any Alternatives To Steam Desktop Mode?

Yes, there are alternatives to Steam Desktop Mode. These alternatives include using Big Picture Mode, which allows users to customize the Steam interface, view their friends list, and access the Steam Store. Additionally, users can also use third-party applications such as Steam Skin Manager, which allows users to customize the look and feel of the Steam interface.

What Do I Need To Use Steam Desktop Mode?

To use Steam Desktop Mode, users will need a computer with a supported operating system, such as Windows or Mac OSX. Additionally, users will need to have the latest version of the Steam client installed on their computer. Finally, users must have an internet connection to access the Steam Store and other community features.

How to switch between Proton Steam OS and Desktop mode on Steam Deck console

After following the steps above, you should now be able to put Steam Deck in Desktop Mode. This allows you to have more control over your games and how they look. You can also further customize your Steam Deck setup and make it look exactly the way you want it. Now that you know how to put Steam Deck in Desktop Mode, you can get the most out of your gaming experience.