Steam Deck Beta Update: February 14th Brings Battery Life Improvements and Fixes
Valve has released a new Steam Deck Beta Client update for users in the Preview/Beta channel. This update primarily focuses on improving battery efficiency and fixing errors related to game downloads and Steam Input settings.
PATCH NOTES
2/14/20251 min read


Steam Deck Beta Update: February 14th Brings Battery Life Improvements and Fixes
Valve has released a new Steam Deck Beta Client update for users in the Preview/Beta channel. This update primarily focuses on improving battery efficiency and fixing errors related to game downloads and Steam Input settings.
General Fix: Free-to-Play Game Installation Error Resolved
A significant fix in this update addresses an error on the Downloads page that occurred when a Free-to-Play game was removed during installation. Previously, this issue could cause confusion or interruptions in the installation process. With this fix, Steam Deck users can now expect smoother handling of Free-to-Play game installations.
Steam Input Fixes and Power Efficiency Improvements
This update brings an important optimization for users looking to extend their Steam Deck’s battery life. Valve has reduced the polling rate while the Steam Frame Limiter is active, leading to additional power savings. Specifically, this can save up to 6% of battery life when running at 30fps in a low-power game like Half-Life 2.
Another fix addresses an issue with the virtual menu settings when bound to gyro. Players who rely on gyro controls should now experience more consistent performance without encountering errors in the virtual menu settings.
How to Access the Beta Update
For those who want to try out these fixes and improvements, the update is available through the Preview/Beta channel. To enable beta updates on your Steam Deck:
Go to Settings > System
Under Beta Participation, select Preview/Beta
Restart your Steam Deck to apply the update
Valve’s Continued Commitment to Steam Deck Improvements
Valve continues refining the Steam Deck with regular updates that enhance user experience, improve efficiency, and fix reported bugs. The latest battery optimization demonstrates Valve’s dedication to maximizing the device’s potential, particularly for gamers looking to extend playtime on the go.
Stay tuned for more Steam Deck updates and improvements!
Discover the best games for Steam Deck today.