Thursday, June 15th 2023

Valve Releases Major Steam Desktop Client Update

Hello! We're excited to announce that we've just shipped a new version of the Steam Client to everyone. This update includes all the new Steam Desktop features that have been tested and fine-tuned in the beta branch. Before we get into the details, we want to thank our beta testers really quick - we couldn't have shipped without all of your invaluable feedback and bug reports!

New framework, new foundation
The most impactful changes in this update aren't immediately visible; much of the work went into changing how we share code across the Steam Desktop Client, Big Picture mode, and Steam Deck. These changes also means quicker implementation and iteration of new features. For example, many of the features in this update (like Notes in the overlay) are simultaneously shipping on Steam Deck because of the shared codebase.

Steam gets a fresh coat of paint
This update also brings targeted visual and usability improvements across Steam - we've gone through and updated dialogs, menus, fonts, and colors. The main Steam header and footer, Settings, and the Screenshot Manager are just a few examples of spots with refreshed UI.
Richer, more useful notifications
Steam notifications have been updated and improved to be more useful to you. The green bell only lights up when there's truly something new for you. The tray view is limited to new notifications, and there's a "View all" page with a historical view. We've also added new notifications specific settings, so you can control the notifications you'll see, and where you'll see them.
Redesigned in-game overlay
We've completely overhauled the in-game overlay (accessible via Shift+Tab while in-game). It's got a brand-new user interface, adding new utility and allowing for more customizability. There is a new toolbar, giving you access to anything you may need in the middle of a game - friends chat, achievements progress, guides, discussions, a browser, and more.
We've picked a few overlay windows to show by default, and you can pick and personalize the pieces of content you'd like to see in your own overlay - settings are saved between games.
Introducing Notes
The new Notes feature lets you jot down notes about the game that you're currently playing. It comes with rich text formatting, the ability to paste images, multiple notes per game, and can even be used in offline mode. These notes are saved per game and are synced across to any other PCs (or Steam Decks!) you are logged into. They are also accessible outside the in-game overlay, on the game details page.
Pin to game
We've also added the ability to pin windows from the overlay, so that they can appear on top of the game - while in-game. The opacity level of these windows is adjustable, and only the contents of the window will be pinned, excluding the title bar and other extraneous UI. This new functionality is available for Notes, Guides, Discussions, Achievements, and the web browser. This feature is perfect for keeping track of progress or guides while in-game, or for multi-tasking maniacs who love to have a movie on in the background while they game.
And more...
And that's not all! The overlay now includes a Game Overview panel: your one-stop shop to see what's going on with the game since you last played it. It shows what achievements you have in progress, which friends are also playing, top guides, news, and more. In addition, the browser, achievements, and screenshot manager windows have been updated (both in the overlay and in the desktop client).
The controller experience has been improved as well. The updated controller configurator from Steam Deck is now part of the overlay when a gamepad is connected, and virtual menus can now be used while gaming on Desktop.

Mac and Linux
The technical work in this update makes it possible to enable hardware acceleration for the Mac & Linux versions of Steam, bringing them up to par with Windows. You should see snappier animations, scrolling and more responsive UI.

That's about it. You can see all of the updates and improvements in the full patch notes. As always, we love to hear from you so please let us know what you want to see next.
Sources: Steam Community News #1, Steam Community News #2
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34 Comments on Valve Releases Major Steam Desktop Client Update

#26
csendesmark
mechtechIs it a bigger resource hog or has that been improved?
It is 0% CPU and 0% GPU while using ~500+MB of RAM when looking on the library tab
Goes to 1,2% CPU (R9 3950X) and 0,1% GPU and ~600+ RAM when switched to the store tab
When I browse the community tab it is similar CPU GPU utilization and some more RAM
Posted on Reply
#27
mechtech
csendesmarkIt is 0% CPU and 0% GPU while using ~500+MB of RAM when looking on the library tab
Goes to 1,2% CPU (R9 3950X) and 0,1% GPU and ~600+ RAM when switched to the store tab
When I browse the community tab it is similar CPU GPU utilization and some more RAM
Ya. I think it’s a big jump in watts because the cpu and gpu is constantly going from idle to on?
Posted on Reply
#28
nomdeplume
@Pumper

I manually looked for updates this morning it downloaded a patch for the latest release. Would be interesting if you noticed any changes from it.

Or anyone else interested who cares to respond to an article fast moving into the archives.
Posted on Reply
#29
INSTG8R
Vanguard Beta Tester
I hate it…I just use Small Mode now they messed with it….
Posted on Reply
#30
csendesmark
mechtechYa. I think it’s a big jump in watts because the cpu and gpu is constantly going from idle to on?
Do you have an external Wattage meter before the PC-s plug?
I only checked the windows' process monitor.
Posted on Reply
#31
mechtech
csendesmarkDo you have an external Wattage meter before the PC-s plug?
I only checked the windows' process monitor.
Yes. On the ups.
Posted on Reply
#32
Pumper
nomdeplume@Pumper

I manually looked for updates this morning it downloaded a patch for the latest release. Would be interesting if you noticed any changes from it.

Or anyone else interested who cares to respond to an article fast moving into the archives.
Seems like whatever it was that was loading the CPU with Steam scaling ON has been fixed. It's now showing the same watts with both on and off.
Posted on Reply
#33
csendesmark
mechtechYes. On the ups.
Cool,
Well I have a Wattage meter like this

I would check it happily, but my problem is that the plug is in a very inconvenient place for my rig, might to it sometime...
Posted on Reply
#34
mechtech
csendesmarkCool,
Well I have a Wattage meter like this

I would check it happily, but my problem is that the plug is in a very inconvenient place for my rig, might to it sometime...
could use an extension cord from the wall so its in a more accessible place?
Posted on Reply
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