The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:
In-Game Overlay
Added support for a hot-key to use in-game to toggle Performance Monitor, this will toggle between Off and whatever corner you last had set. Default is none, if you want to use a hot-key you must set one.
Accessibility
Fixed unlabeled or incorrectly labelled UI elements in several locations.
Note: This update is for the Steam Deck Beta and Preview channels, and includes new features that are still being tested. You can opt into this in Settings > System > System Update Channel.
Screen Reader
Fixed slider announcements not being interruptible
Fixed a case where the screen reader would not work after a reboot
The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:
In-Game Overlay
Performance Monitor can now get GPU temp on recent(ish) AMD GPUs
Performance Monitor settings now have a slider for scaling the size
Improved overlay performance and FPS graph specifically in D3D11 games, if you get 600+ FPS the FPS graph will no longer cause a dip to 200-300 in some D3D11 games
Non-Steam Games
Reduced startup times for players with large numbers of non-Steam games added to the client
Fixed the "Browse Local Files" option not working for non-Steam games
Today's Steam Client Beta update adds accessibility options for players in Big Picture Mode, and on devices running SteamOS (Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S).
These are just the first accessibility features we're making available as we continue our work to improve accessibility of Steam on all devices.
What's New
UI scaling, high contrast mode, and reduced motion features (in both Big Picture Mode, and on devices running SteamOS, which are currently just Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S)
Screen reader and color filter settings (on devices running SteamOS only)
For now, players who use a screen reader on desktops are encouraged to use Big Picture Mode, which currently has the best support for screen readers as well as being better suited for keyboard-driven navigation.
How to use
Accessibility menu: We've added an accessibility section to the main settings drop-down, which players can access when using Steam in Big Picture Mode or on devices running SteamOS.
UI Scaling: Use a slider to make adjustments to text size.
High Contrast Mode and Reduce Motion Setting: Enabling High Contrast Mode makes it easier to distinguish text and buttons from their backgrounds. The Reduce Motion setting lets you disable animations and page transitions.
Screen Reader (only on devices running SteamOS (Steam Deck/Lenovo Legion Go S)):
Turning on the screen reader will read out the item you're currently focused on, letting you adjust pitch, speed and volume.
The screen reader can be enabled and disabled at any time by pressing + .
Color Filter (only on devices running SteamOS):
Change the way colors are displayed on screen, for both Steam and games.
Description
Screenshot
Grayscale: Remove all color from the display (black & white)
Invert Brightness: Invert display brightness in a color-preserving manner (i.e., green buttons stay green)
Invert Colors: Invert display colors
What's next?
We're continuing to work to improve the accessibility of Steam on all devices.
These new settings are only the first available of the accessibility features we're working on, and we're excited to put even more tools in the hands of our players.
To that end, if you are a player with disabilities, we'd love to hear from you about what Steam can do for you. Your feedback will be extremely important in determining what we focus on. To report issues, or to leave suggestions for accessibility features you'd like to see, post in the feedback thread.
Fixed CPU numbers in new Performance Monitor not working for some users on Windows
Adjusted spacing for FPS Min/Max values in new Performance Monitor
Fixed regression causing potential crash when using an IME for input in the in-game overlay in this beta
macOS
Fixed regression causing some client update checks to fail. Users with clients that erroneously report the client is up to date can trigger a client update by force quitting and restarting Steam
To force quit, right-click the Steam icon in the dock, hold the Option key, then click the Force Quit entry.
Note: This update is for the Steam Deck Beta and Preview channels, and includes new features that are still being tested. You can opt into this in Settings > System > System Update Channel.
General
Fixed a WiFi regression with Steam Deck OLED
Disabled experimental support for Wake-on-Bluetooth for Steam Deck LCD while issues with spurious wake-ups are being investigated
Fixed a bug where visual corruption could occur with Sharp upscaling with HDR/10-bit applications when interacting with the overlay
Fixed an issue where the cursor would not be visible in the bottom-right quadrant of the screen when using the magnifier
Fixed cursor having a line of visual corruption when using Sharp upscaling in certain instances
Fixed certain overlay key bindings involving Shift, the Super key, Right Alt, or Return/Enter not being able to be triggered
Fixed input being passed to applications when overlay key bindings are invoked
Fixed OBS Studio not working with the streaming output provided by gamescope
Fixed an issue where clicking mailto: links sometimes didn't display the right error
Audio
Fixed an issue where volume keys would sometimes not properly adjust the volume of the 3.5mm audio connector
Fixed a SteamOS 3.6 regression causing audio glitches in God of War: Ragnarok
Accessibility
Added support for optional color filters
Added Orca screen reader and espeak-ng text-to-speech tools
Fixed the magnifier producing an incorrect scale and offset when Sharp upscaling was used
Non-Deck
Fixed an issue where the Legion Go S with SteamOS could lose trackpad functionality after sleep
Added power button support for some AYANEO, AYN, GPD, MSI, ONEXPLAYER, and OrangePi platforms
The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:
In-Game Overlay
The In-Game FPS counter is now expanded to become the In-Game Overlay Performance monitor. It can display various more detailed information about frame rates, CPU performance, GPU performance, and more. Some data is only available on Windows at the time of this writing, and some information is only available on certain hardware. You will see an FPS counter like you always have at the lowest level of detail, but can adjust detail and appearance in Settings->In Game.
Steam's Fishing Fest is on now, with boatloads of deals and demos all week long. From now through June 23rd at 10am Pacific, you'll catch discounts on games that plop you right in those waders for fishing of all kinds.
Commercial fishing? Yep. Casual fishing? You betcha. Navigating sinister waters to find fish? Of course!
Check out the official trailer above, or head straight over to the event now! Steam Fishing Fest, on now through June 23rd at 10am Pacific.
The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:
General
Fixed main client window ordering above some modal dialogs when clicked (e.g. cloud file conflict dialogs).
Steam Chat
Fixed main client window being focused for certain kinds of links opened from chat windows.
Fixed regression causing friends list window to close when switching from offline to online.
In-Game Overlay
Styles and font have been updated on the in-game FPS counter when enabled.
Fixed game notes not refreshing automatically when modified in another session.
Fixed content in pinned game notes windows shifting when entering and exiting the overlay.
macOS
Steam Client and Steam Helper apps now run natively on Apple Silicon.
Fixed icons not being set automatically for non-Steam games.
Fixed game icon file dialog not allowing correct types to be selected.
SteamOS
For non-Steam Deck devices running SteamOS (like the Legion Go S), controller support icons are now displayed on game capsules next to SteamOS Compatibility.
We have just shipped an updated Steam Deck Client to the Preview/Beta channel.
General
Fixed zoom controller chord not working in the Steam Deck interface.
Guided Tour now includes information about Parental Controls.
Desktop Mode
Styles and font have been updated on the in-game FPS counter when enabled.
Fixed main client window being focused for certain kinds of links opened from chat windows.
Fixed regression causing friends list window to close when switching from offline to online.
Fixed main client window ordering above some modal dialogs when clicked (e.g. cloud file conflict dialogs).
SteamOS
For non-Steam Deck devices running SteamOS (like the Legion Go S), controller support icons are now displayed on game capsules next to SteamOS Compatibility.
Steam now surfaces information on games with accessibility features as we aim to make it easier for players to find games with the support they need. This update comes after gathering valuable feedback from developers as well as players with disabilities, and over 5,000 applications have added details about their accessibility support (with more developers updating their games each day).
This information is surfaced throughout the store to help players more easily find games with these features, or filter down to games that support necessary features.
Store Search
Steam users can now search for games with specific accessibility features on the Steam search page
Store Page Display
Accessibility features for a specific game are now visible on the right hand side of the store page
More:
Q. Where can I find more information on the Accessibility Tags that Steam uses?
Q. Are developers required to add accessibility tags for their games on Steam?
A. It's not required, but highly recommended because of how much easier it will be for players with accessibility needs to find these games. We've worked to make it as easy as possible for developers to indicate these features are available by using feedback to standardize these options as much as possible.
Q. Can developers still add Accessibility information to their app?
A. Yes, they can always update or add information on accessibility for apps at any time through Steamworks.
We host Next Fest three times a year (February, June, October) as a way to give developers from around the world a captive audience for their demos on games they haven't released yet. If you already have a bunch of genres that are your faves, feel free to search that way. BUT we also encourage you to try something new-- check out the video player at the top of the main Next Fest hub for a new sprinkling of demos each day and perhaps discover your NEW favorite genre or theme!
Several developers are hosting livestreams as well, so be sure to check those out. Play free demos all week, and wishlist your favorites so you can be notified when the full game officially launches at a later date!
This release includes a variety of bug fixes and quality of life improvements for SteamVR.
We continue to focus on OpenXR as our preferred API for new games and applications. SteamVRβs official OpenXR subforum is here and weβd love to hear your feedback, as well as suggestions for new features.
SteamVR:
Fix a crash in vrserver that could happen during application launch.
Fix a rare crash in vrserver related to input.
Fixed rendering issue with recenter iconography.
Enable UI animations on all platforms.
Fixed VR streaming bug, where the wireless HMD could sometimes see "invalid streaming key" (see also: the Steam Beta Client update).
Improved auto-added haptics on OpenXR applications (digital actions on analog components)
Fixed OpenXR freeze/crash that happened with some games (e.g. ETS2).
Index / Vive:
Moved quick Recenter to system button release, which allows users to power off controllers without recentering.
Meta / Quest:
Restored recenter button on dashboard toolbar for Meta Quest Link / Air Link
Developer:
Fixed some log spam with some OpenXR applications that were constantly making invalid calls.
Moved developer settings from legacy menu to traditional settings interface.
As always, if you are interested, we encourage enrolling into SteamVR Beta by right-clicking on SteamVR in your Steam library, clicking on "Properties" and selecting "Betas" from the list on the left hand side and then clicking "Beta" under Beta Participation. Additionally, if you use Steam Link for Meta Quest, you can opt into the beta here or in-headset by going to your library, clicking the "..." on Steam Link, selecting Settings and clicking the button to the right of "Installed Version Information."
Help & Information:
The Steam Link for Meta Quest FAQ page is available here.
If you encounter issues with this update, please post in the SteamVR Bug Report forum. If possible, please include a SteamVR System Report to aid in tracking down your issue. Replies to this post are not tracked for bug reporting purposes. Please use the forum linked above to report issues.
We have just shipped an updated Steam Deck Client to the Preview/Beta channel.
Note: This update was re-released with the following additional changes:
Fixed a rare case that could result in multiple prompts to install the same update.
Fixed a rare case that could result in re-triggering the out of box wizard.
General
Added in-game keyboard shortcuts to open the Main Menu and Quick Access Menu.
Default Main Menu hotkey: Shift+Tab
Default Quick Access Menu hotkey: Ctrl+Shift+Tab
Customizable in Settings->In Game
Improved steam client update installation speed. In some pathological cases this operation could take minutes to complete, when the expected completion time is seconds.
Fixed events showing blurred images in the library for games with adult content.
The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:
General
Fixed events not showing spoiler sections when events were being shown in the library.
Fixed events showing blurred images in the library for games with adult content.
Fixed links opened from desktop chat opening in Steam browser before opening in desktop browser.
Steam Overlay
Fixed periodic gameplay lag and freezing in games using Vulkan rendering when running with Steam Overlay disabled.
Fixed timer continuing to alert after game exit if running in repeat mode.
SteamVR
Fixed intermittent steamwebhelper crash when exiting VR mode.
Linux
Improved steam client update installation speed. In some pathological cases this operation could take minutes to complete, when the expected completion time is seconds.
Big Picture
Fixed X, Y, trigger and other buttons being treated as simulated mouse input on the Steam Store
Note: This update is for the Steam Deck Beta and Preview channels, and includes new features that are still being tested. You can opt into this in Settings > System > System Update Channel.
General
Fixed a case where the battery level indicator could become stuck
Fixed VRR frame pacing with the performance overlay on screen
Fixed game stuttering when using the volume keys
Fixed Legion Go S joystick lights turning off upon entering desktop mode
Fixed controller input occasionally disappearing on the Asus ROG Ally
Fixed grip buttons not registering on the Asus ROG Ally
Steam's Zombies vs Vampires Fest is May 26th through June 2nd and is filled with deals on games with blood and brains! Er, games that have zombies and vampires who typically NEED blood and brains, we mean.
We have discounts and demos on zombie games and vampire games of all kinds, from the gory to the hilarious and everything in-between. Take a look at our trailer if you dare, or just shuffle your way straight to brains-- I mean, the sale-- on the official sale page.
This is the first release of SteamOS 3.7 to the Stable channel. The below notes are for changes since SteamOS 3.6.24. For changes relative to previous 3.7 beta builds see here.
This update was re-released with additional client changes.
General
Updated to a newer Arch Linux base
Updated the Linux kernel to 6.11
Updated the Mesa graphics driver base
Desktop mode now ships with Plasma 6.2.5
Added support for frame limiting with VRR displays (internal and external)
Added Battery Charge Limit control to Settings->Power
This option allows you to set a maximum charge limit for your Steam Deck.
Limiting the charge limit to 80% can be beneficial for long term battery health. This can be useful if your Steam Deck is constantly being charged (e.g. docked), or very rarely has its battery depleted.
Fixed a crash when no displays are connected
Added official support for the Lenovo Legion Go S
Improved support for other AMD powered handhelds (like the ROG Ally and original Legion Go)
Updated the SteamOS recovery image for repairing SteamOS on Steam Deck and Legion Go S. If you would like to test SteamOS on your own AMD powered handheld, you can use this SteamOS recovery image and follow the instructions here.
Controllers and Input
Add support for the Proteus Byowave controller
Fixed an issue where Switch Pro Controller gyros might not work on first connection
Fixed an issue with stuck/hanging controller inputs when exiting Steam
Bluetooth
Fixed Bluetooth devices still being able to wake the Steam Deck from suspend, even when Bluetooth was disabled from Desktop mode
Enable HFP/HSP profiles, to allow using the integrated microphone from headsets and earbuds
Currently only available to select in Desktop mode
Added battery level display for supported Bluetooth devices
Include a bugfix for the Airpods when using the AAC codec
Bluetooth controllers can now wake LCD units from sleep, previously only available on OLED models
Known issue: Bluetooth LE based controllers are not currently compatible with bluetooth wake on LCD models
Steam Deck Dock
Made compatibility improvements for certain displays including TCL FireTV models and Dell VRR capable monitors
Graphics and Performance
Enabled AMD P-State CPU frequency control
Fixed a performance regression for No Rest for the Wicked
Desktop
Updated to Plasma 6.2.5 (previously 5.27.10) - see the big changes in Plasma 6 here
Surround sound now works correctly
Enabling the setting is currently only available via Desktop mode
KDE Filelight is now installed by default for disk usage visualization and low disk space notifications
Speed and robustness improvements when switching between desktop and game mode
Fixed a common cause of hangs when switching to desktop mode
Fixed some cases where Steam could take up to ninety seconds to exit on shutdown or switch to desktop
Added 'gocryptfs' support to desktop session to enable use of the Plasma Vaults feature
Misc
Fixed some cases where "filter-chain" or other virtual sound devices would erroneously appear in the UI
Fixed cases where applying system updates could fail if certain configuration files were corrupted or malformed
Various enhancements to System Report functionality for support and troubleshooting
Fixed compatibility issue with certain DNS servers causing very slow domain lookups
Improved responsiveness of system when running into out-of-memory crash situations
Enabled IPv6 Privacy Extensions by default
Fixed a bootloader crash on certain non-Steam Deck devices, including qemu-based virtual machines
Known Issues
Super NES controllers can erroneously show up as connected when they are not
Developer
Updated to a 6.11 based kernel
Added debuginfod URLs for SteamOS
Added systemd .socket units to the default list of /etc files preserved across updates
When running in a VM, system will now default to the desktop session
Swap file setup now uses standard 'mkswap' functionality instead of shipping an ad-hoc 'mkswapfile' script
The steamos-readonly command now warns that the status might not be accurate when sysexts are loaded
Fixed a case that could introduce duplicate boot entries for devices manually setup to dual-boot
The pacman cache is now cleaned after applying a SteamOS update
Fixes stale cache errors working with pacman after switching branches
We have just shipped an updated Steam Deck Client to the Stable channel.
Additional Client Changes
Fixed 'Factory Reset' failing if the 'Reset OS' option was selected.
Fixed an issue preventing some apps from installing on the Legion Go S.
Added "SteamOS Compatible" library tab on the Legion Go S.
Note: This update is for the Steam Deck Beta and Preview channels, and includes new features that are still being tested. You can opt into this in Settings > System > System Update Channel.
General
Added Battery Charge Limit control to Settings -> Power
This option allows you to set a maximum charge limit for your Steam Deck.
Limiting the charge limit to 80% can be beneficial for long term battery health. This can be useful if your Steam Deck is constantly being charged (e.g. docked), or very rarely has its battery depleted.
Fixed a case where the performance overlay could spuriously appear and could not be disabled
Fixed an issue where exiting a game from the overlay could result in the UI getting stuck until a button is pressed
Desktop mode will no longer erroneously nag the user to install power profiles daemon
Added support for updating controller and system firmware on the Legion Go S