Steam Deck gets a new low-power screen-off downloads mode

Probably the single most requested Steam Deck feature since release is now in Beta, allowing you to get your downloads going with the screen off. You need to opt-in to access this to test it before it rolls out to everyone via Settings > System > System Update Channel.

Trying the feature is pretty simple. When you go to put the Steam Deck to sleep, it will ask you what you want to do between continue downloading or go right to sleep. Otherwise, the Steam Deck will automatically enter this mode after an idle timeout.

When the Steam Deck is in this special mode if you press a button or move a stick a new status screen will appear to show download progress. If you're on battery power, it will automatically go into the normal sleep mode when the battery level falls below 20%.

This feature comes along with the new settings for it available in the Power menu, with display-off downloads on battery power disabled by default. But you can easily turn it on if you want it. Mainly, this is good for when you're plugged in.

Available in the Beta / Preview channel here's the main changelog for the update:

Display-Off Low Power Downloads

• Added a new feature, allowing Steam Deck to complete all active downloads in a new display-off low-power mode before going to sleep.
• This feature is enabled by default when Steam Deck is plugged in to power, and can also be enabled on battery power in Settings > Power.
• Learn more about this feature at our blog post here.

General

• Fixed SteamOS updates failing to respect HTTP proxy configuration.

Remote Play

• Fixed regression where the performance graph wouldn't display while streaming.

Really amazing to see this feature land. Valve just keep on delivering for the Steam Deck.