Valve adds a new low-power mode to SteamOS for downloading games with the screen off

Valve has introduced a new low-power mode for SteamOS on the Steam Deck, letting users finish downloading games with the screen off. Available in the Beta and Preview channels, this update helps reduce battery use and heat buildup by allowing downloads to continue in a display-off state. The feature arrives after years of user requests, especially since the launch of the Steam Deck OLED, addressing concerns about power waste during idle downloads.

To use it, pressing the power button during a download opens a dialog that lets users choose whether to keep downloading with the display off. Selecting Continue puts the Deck into low-power mode to complete downloads quietly in the background. While in this state, pressing a button or moving the device shows a simple progress screen, from which users can either wake the Deck or let it keep downloading.

The feature is on by default when the Deck is plugged in, but it can also be enabled manually when running on battery. If the battery falls below 20 percent, the system automatically enters full sleep to protect power levels.