How to Turn Off Big Picture Mode in Steam

Steam’s Big Picture Mode is an alternative interface designed to be controller-friendly in order to emulate the console experience. However, players who are used to the regular desktop Steam client’s interface often find that this new console-like interface is not to their liking, especially if they’re exclusively using Keyboard/Mouse.

Luckily, Steam’s Big Picture Mode is completely optional, and players can freely switch to the regular desktop client whenever they wish. This guide covers the exact methods players can use to turn off Big Picture Mode and return Steam to its normal view. Here’s the breakdown.

How to Turn Off Big Picture Mode in Steam

Method #1: Using Keyboard/Mouse

To disable Big Picture mode on Steam using KB/M, you need to take the following steps:

1. Open Steam’s Big Picture Mode.
2. Click on the Steam menu in the bottom left corner of the screen.
3. Select Power.
4. Click on Exit Big Picture Mode from the menu on the screen.

Alternative Method for KB/M: Press Alt + Enter while in Big Picture Mode in Steam to instantly revert to desktop client mode.

Method #2: Using Xbox/PS5 Controller

If you’re using an Xbox or PS5 controller to use Steam, here’s how you can turn off Big Picture Mode:

1. Open Steam’s Big Picture Mode.
2. Press the Xbox or PlayStation buttons on your controller.
3. Scroll down and select Power.
4. Select Exit Big Picture Mode.

If you own a Steam Deck, you can check out our guide on how to activate desktop mode on the Steam Deck.

How to Disable Big Picture Mode Permanently in Steam

If your Steam is switching to Big Picture Mode on startup, this is an option you can manually toggle in the client’s Settings. Here’s how:

1. Open Steam and exit Big Picture Mode using the method described in the previous section.
2. Click on the Steam icon in the top left corner of the client window.
3. Select Settings from the context menu.
4. Open the Interface tab from the left column.
5. Toggle off the option that says "Start Steam in Big Picture Mode."

Now, when you start up Steam the next time, it will open the regular desktop client window instead of booting up in Big Picture Mode.

How to Turn On Big Picture Mode in Steam

If you want to turn Big Picture Mode back on again in Steam, here’s how you can do so:

Method #1: Monitor Icon

1. Open Steam’s desktop client.
2. Click on the monitor icon in the top right corner of the client, next to the Account Name.
3. Big Picture Mode will be toggled on.

Method #2: View

1. Open Steam’s desktop client.
2. Click on View in the top left corner of the screen.
3. Click on Big Picture Mode.