Steam Deck Beta Update Adds “Display-Off” Low-Power Downloads

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Steam Deck now has a convenient new feature many users asked for: it can download games and updates even with the screen off, using a low-power mode. Once the download is finished, the device automatically goes to sleep.

This feature is now available in our Beta and Preview programs. It reduces heat and energy usage during lengthy installations, so you won’t have to keep your screen on for extended periods.

Valve has announced a new feature for the Steam Deck that lets it finish all current downloads in a low-power, screen-off mode before fully shutting down. This feature is automatically turned on when the device is plugged into a power source, but you can also enable it manually in the settings. Now, when you press the power button while something is downloading, you’ll be asked if you want to use this new mode to finish the download.

When set to this mode, briefly pressing the power button will show a quick status update before giving you the option to continue or let downloads finish in the background. This is a welcome improvement for Steam Deck users who frequently download updates. Now, instead of leaving the screen on all night, players can start downloads, tap the power button, and let the device manage everything automatically – which is particularly useful for the OLED model, as it helps with heat control during long downloads.

In short, this is a great improvement. Downloading games with the screen off makes the Steam Deck feel more like a traditional console, especially during updates. Once this feature is fully released, there won’t be much point in leaving the screen on while waiting for downloads to complete.

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2025-11-05 14:42