Valve has recently addressed a long-standing request from its user community regarding the Steam Deck: the ability to download games while the device’s screen is turned off. This feature is now available in the beta version of the Steam Deck client and is automatically activated when the device is plugged into a power source.
New Downloading Capabilities
When users initiate downloads, they can now press the power button to bring up a dialog box that prompts them to continue downloading with the screen off. By selecting “Continue,” the Steam Deck enters a low-power download mode, allowing it to complete queued downloads without the display consuming energy. Additionally, the device will automatically switch to this mode after a period of inactivity.
While in low-power mode, users can check the download progress by pressing any button or moving the device, which will display a status screen. This feature not only enhances convenience but also ensures that users can monitor their downloads without fully waking the device.
For those opting to use the screen-off download feature while unplugged, the system is designed to automatically enter sleep mode if the battery level drops below 20%. This precaution helps prevent potential data corruption during extensive downloads, such as the hefty 150 gigabytes required for titles like Baldur’s Gate 3.
As is typical with Valve’s update rollout strategy, this feature is expected to transition from the beta branch of SteamOS to the stable version within the next month, further enhancing the user experience for Steam Deck owners.
