Steam Deck adds display-off low-power mode to complete downloads

Valve has added a new low-power download mode to the Steam Deck that allows the handheld to complete active downloads with the display turned off, the company announced on November 4, 2025. The feature, called displayoff low-power mode, is available now in the Beta and Preview firmware channels and is planned for a wider rollout to all users in a future update.

The change addresses a longstanding limitation of the Steam Deck, which until now required the device to remain awake and the screen on to download games and updates. Users who powered the deck down or let it sleep saw downloads pause. Under the new system, players can continue downloads after the screen is turned off and the device enters a lower-power state, then have the handheld automatically go to full sleep once downloads complete.

Valve said the mode can be invoked in two ways. While a download is active, pressing the power button brings up a dialog asking whether to continue downloading with the display off. Selecting that option places the device in low-power download mode. A Steam Deck left idle for a specified time with active downloads will also automatically move into the mode. The feature is enabled by...