Steam Deck beta: quick chat and direct Desktop access on the login screen

Steam Deck beta update brings quick chat, Switch To Desktop option on the login screen, and adjustments to the Preview channel.

Steam Deck Beta Client News

On March 19th, besides the launch of Crimson Desert and Death Stranding 2 and the preview of SteamOS 3.8.0, the Steam Deck received a noteworthy beta update. The main delivery was allowing the user to switch to Desktop directly from the login screen, in addition to making the Preview channel more stable.

You can download the update from the Steam Deck System Settings, keeping the channel set to Beta or Preview.

Steam Deck Beta Client Changelog 3/19/26

• General - Added the option to enable Switch To Desktop on the login screen. Located in System Settings.
• General - Fixed an instance where joining the Preview channel could fail silently.

• Chat - Steam chat has been moved to the quick access menu, making it easier to use during gameplay.
• Chat - New quick chat feature for Steam Deck and Big Picture Mode.
• In chat, press and hold the view button to open quick chat options.
• Slide the thumbstick and release the view button to send a quick chat.
• Quick chats can be edited in Settings > Keyboard.
• When scrolling through chat history, focus no longer jumps to room effect replay buttons.
• Bug fix that sometimes prevented chat history from loading when scrolling up.

If you liked it, dive into the Steam Deck HQ content for more news, guides, and reviews that help optimize your gaming experience.

Which feature did you test first: quick chat or Switch To Desktop in practice? Tell us in the comments!

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