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Steam Deck Gets Screen-Off, Low-Power Downloads in SteamOS Beta

The beta defaults to screen-off downloads on charge with an explicit battery opt-in.

Overview

  • The new mode is live in the SteamOS Beta and Preview channels and is expected to move to the stable build after testing.
  • Users can trigger screen-off downloads via a power-button prompt during active transfers or let it engage automatically after an idle timeout.
  • The feature runs by default when the device is plugged in, can be enabled on battery under Settings -> Power, and forces full sleep below 20% charge.
  • Pressing a button or moving the Deck briefly shows a status screen with progress, from which users can fully wake the device or continue in low-power mode.
  • The update delivers a long-requested quality-of-life fix that Steam Deck owners have sought since the handheld’s 2022 launch.