New Steam Deck Client Update Brings Display-Off Downloads, Suspicious Chat Warnings, And More

If you haven't yet, follow us on X (Twitter), Mastodon, or Bluesky to know when we post new articles, and join our Reddit or Subscribe to us on YouTube to check out our content and interact with our awesome community. Thank you for supporting us!

A new Steam Deck Client update was released that brings over some fantastic new features and fixes to the Steam Deck. Display-Off downloads are now here, which can turn off your display and put the device in low-power mode while finishing off the game you are downloading. It's a fantastic new feature, and one that I think will be especially helpful for OLED screens.

We also have a new warning for suspicious chats on 1 on 1 chat messages and can be reported directly in the chat window, there's new support for the latest GameInput release, improved high contrast support in the settings dialog, and there's a new "connect" button to remote play settings for streaming. There are also fixes for alerts not showing up on Steam web pages, quick access menu alignment, fixed timeline markers for game recording, and more.

You can download and install the new update through the System settings on your Steam Deck.

Steam Deck Client 11/17/25 Update Changelog:

Display-Off Low Power Downloads

• Added a new feature, allowing Steam Deck to complete all active downloads in a new display-off low-power mode before going to sleep.
• This feature is enabled by default when Steam Deck is plugged in to power, and can also be enabled on battery power in Settings > Power.
• Learn more about this feature at our blog post here.

General

• Fixed a case where certain collections would become unavailable to user after reinstalling Steam or installing Steam on a new machine.
• Fixed a case where a launch dialog could appear for a game that was blocked by parental controls.
• Fixed alerts not showing up on Steam web pages that appear on Steam Deck.
• Fixed the network icon on the header showing the wrong state during startup.
• Fixed the Quick Access Menu alignment when in game.
• Fixed hidden games showing in All and Library tabs. They now appear in their own tab if applicable.
• Fixed an issue where controls could lock up for several seconds after resume or on regaining a connection to Steam servers.
• Fixed some titles launching with incorrect Steam Play settings when installed right after purchase.
• Fixed a case where bluetooth devices wouldn't show up as available to pair when toggling bluetooth on.
• Fixed SteamOS updates failing to respect HTTP proxy configuration.

Accessibility

• Improved high contrast support in the settings dialog.

Friends & Chat

• Suspicious or harassing 1 on 1 chat messages can be reported directly in the chat window by selecting the message and pressing 'Options' or from the suspicious chat warning. You can optionally block and/or unfriend the other user while submitting the report.
• Added a suspicious chat warning that will appear at the top of the chat window when you receive a message that is potentially malicious. Links in chat are disabled while this warning is visible.

Steam Input

• Fixed an issue with gyro sensitivity introduced in the previous beta release.
• Fixed an issue with PS5 controller gyro over BT, and improved Nintendo controllers' gyro stability generally.
• Fixed swapping modes between left and right hand sources breaking bindings for mode-shifts.
• Fixed the guide button opening the overlay when the guide button is disabled in controller settings.
• Added support for the latest GameInput release.
• Fixed an issue where PlayStation controller light bar settings did not stick when exiting the controller calibration page.
• Added support for the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller.

Remote Play

• Added a "Connect" button to Remote Play settings for streaming the remote desktop.
• Don't switch to Big Picture when streaming to Steam Deck.

Remote Play Together

• Fixed enabling and disabling player input in the Remote Play Together dialog.
• Input enable settings are persistent and are saved per-game.
• Improved mouse cursor sharing between players, with the local player having priority.

Game Recording

• Fixed timeline markers sometimes not appearing when viewing recordings outside of a game or after deleting a user created marker.

Desktop Mode

• Fixed client and chat windows not saving location when moved.

If you enjoyed this article, check out the rest of the content on SteamDeckHQ! We have a wide variety of game reviews and news that will help your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for news, tips and tutorials, game settings and reviews, or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, we've got you covered!