Big Picture Mode is a feature of the Steam gaming platform that allows users to access their games and Steam features in a full-screen interface optimized for use on a TV. While Big Picture Mode can be convenient for some users, others may find it overwhelming or restrictive. If you’re looking to get out of Big Picture Mode on Steam, here are some tips to help you navigate back to the regular desktop interface.
1. Exit Big Picture Mode
Before you can get out of Big Picture Mode on Steam, you need to exit the mode itself. Here’s how you can do it:
- While in Big Picture Mode, press the Steam button on your controller or the “Exit” button located in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- You can also press the “Esc” key on your keyboard to exit Big Picture Mode.
2. Change Steam Settings
If you find yourself constantly getting back into Big Picture Mode unintentionally, you may want to change your Steam settings to prevent this from happening. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Steam and go to the “Steam” menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- In the settings window, go to the “Interface” tab.
- Uncheck the box next to “Run Steam when my computer starts” to prevent Steam from automatically launching in Big Picture Mode.
3. Configure Controller Settings
If you’re using a controller to navigate Steam and find yourself stuck in Big Picture Mode, you may need to adjust your controller settings. Here’s how you can do it:
- While in Big Picture Mode, select the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to access the settings menu.
- Go to the “Controller Settings” section.
- Adjust the controller configuration to your preference, making sure to disable any settings that may be causing you to stay in Big Picture Mode.
4. Use Steam in Desktop Mode
If you prefer to use Steam in desktop mode instead of Big Picture Mode, you can switch between the two interfaces easily. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Steam on your desktop or laptop.
- Click on the “View” menu in the top-left corner of the Steam window.
- Select “Big Picture” to switch to Big Picture Mode or “Normal Steam” to switch back to desktop mode.
5. Disable Big Picture Mode Shortcut
If you find yourself accidentally entering Big Picture Mode while trying to access other features of Steam, you may want to disable the shortcut that triggers it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Steam and go to the “Steam” menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- In the settings window, go to the “In-Game” tab.
- Uncheck the box next to “Use the Big Picture Overlay when using a Steam Input enabled controller from the desktop” to disable the shortcut.
6. Update Steam
Occasionally, issues with Big Picture Mode can be resolved by simply updating your Steam client to the latest version. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Steam and go to the “Steam” menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Check for Steam Client Updates” to see if there are any available updates.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
7. Contact Steam Support
If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still having trouble getting out of Big Picture Mode on Steam, you may need to contact Steam Support for further assistance. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to the Steam Support website at https://help.steampowered.com/
- Sign in with your Steam account.
- Select the issue you’re experiencing from the list of options.
- Follow the prompts to submit a support ticket to Steam.
Conclusion
Getting out of Big Picture Mode on Steam can be frustrating if you’re not familiar with the different settings and options available. By following the tips outlined in this article, you should be able to easily switch back to desktop mode and enjoy a more traditional Steam experience. Remember to check your settings, update your client, and reach out to Steam Support if you encounter any persistent issues. Happy gaming!
