Valve has rolled out a fresh Steam client beta update, and if you own a Steam Deck, a Steam Machine, or just use Big Picture Mode on Windows, there is quite a bit to dig into. The update touches the home screen layout, adds screensaver support, tidies up Proton compatibility info, and finally gives desktop Steam Machine users a toggle they have been waiting on for a while.
A Cleaner Look With Big Art View
The most immediately noticeable addition is the new ‘Big Art’ view for the home screen. This layout strips away the news feed and store recommendations that normally sit at the top, bringing the game carousel lower on the screen and putting each title’s key art front and center. The result is a much cleaner, more visual presentation when you are browsing your library from the couch.
Big Art view is available in both Big Picture Mode on Windows and Gaming Mode on the Steam Deck and Steam Machines. It is a straightforward change, but one that makes the interface feel considerably less cluttered, especially on a TV screen from a few feet away.
Built-In Screensavers Are Here
The update also introduces a native screensaver option for SteamOS devices and Big Picture Mode. By default, the screensaver cycles through key art from your game library, and users can opt to mix in their own personal screenshots alongside it.
Beyond the artwork rotation, there is a preset retro-style bouncing Steam logo option for those who want something a little more old-school. Valve’s patch notes also outline how to load custom screensavers by placing files in the appropriate directory, though the process involves some manual folder navigation and is not a point-and-click setup.
Proton Version Now Visible Right Away
On the more practical side, the Compatibility tab inside a game’s Properties menu has been updated to display which Proton version is currently active without any extra clicks. Previously, you had to open a sub-option labeled ‘Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool’ just to see that information. Now it surfaces immediately on the tab itself.
This is a small but genuinely useful change for anyone who regularly swaps between Proton versions, such as Proton Experimental or community builds like Proton GE, while troubleshooting compatibility issues with specific titles.
Desktop Mode Boot Toggle for Steam Machines
Perhaps the most overdue addition in this update is a new toggle that lets SteamOS boot directly into Desktop Mode by default. Up until now, SteamOS would always start in Gaming Mode, which makes sense for a handheld like the Steam Deck but is a friction point for anyone running a Steam Machine as a conventional desktop PC with a mouse and keyboard setup.
With this toggle enabled, the system skips Gaming Mode entirely on startup and drops straight into the desktop environment. It could also save time for Steam Deck users who regularly need to access Desktop Mode for installing software or managing files that fall outside of Steam’s normal ecosystem.
How to Join the Steam Beta
All of these features are currently live in the Steam beta client. Valve’s beta branch is open to everyone, so you do not need an invitation to try it out. To opt in, follow the steps below depending on your setup:
- Desktop Steam (Windows/Linux/Mac): Open Settings, go to Interface, then select Client Beta Participation.
- SteamOS (Steam Deck or Steam Machine): Open Settings, go to System, then select Beta Participation.
Once enrolled, the update should download automatically. As with most beta features, these additions will likely make their way to Steam’s stable public release after a testing period, but joining the beta is the fastest way to get access right now.
Worth Checking Out
None of these changes are flashy, but they address real pain points that have frustrated SteamOS users for a while. The Desktop Mode boot option in particular is something Steam Machine owners have wanted since those devices were first repurposed as general-purpose Linux desktops. Valve has not announced a specific timeline for when this beta content will graduate to the stable branch, but the update is available to test right now for anyone willing to opt in.