Attention all Steam Deck users: Valve is finally addressing a long-standing frustration—the inability to turn off the screen while downloading games. But here's where it gets exciting: Valve is now testing a low-power mode that lets your Steam Deck complete downloads with the screen off, saving energy and extending battery life. This update, currently available in the Beta and Preview channels, is a game-changer for those who’ve ever wished they didn’t have to leave their device running with a bright screen just to finish an update.
And this is the part most people miss: When The Verge first asked Valve about this feature two years ago during the Steam Deck OLED launch, the company seemed hesitant. Hardware engineer Yazan Aldehayyat pointed out that downloading consumes significant power, raising concerns about users accidentally leaving a hot device in their bag, thinking it was asleep. But here’s the controversial twist: Valve’s new solution appears to address these worries by introducing a smart dialog system. When you press the power button during a download, you’ll now be asked if you want to continue downloading with the screen off. If you choose to proceed, the Deck enters a low-power mode, and any interaction—like pressing a button or moving the device—will display a status screen showing download progress. From there, you can either fully wake the device or let it keep downloading in the background.
By default, this feature is enabled when your Steam Deck is plugged in, but you can also activate it while running on battery through the settings. However, if your battery drops below 20%, the device will enter a full sleep mode to conserve power. This update not only enhances convenience but also reflects Valve’s responsiveness to user feedback—something that’s always worth celebrating.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Do you think this low-power download mode will significantly change how you use your Steam Deck, or is it just a minor convenience? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
