Valve has released a new Steam Client Update, which will be automatically downloaded for all users. This update brings several improvements, ranging from chat security to controller support and accessibility. Here’s a detailed look at everything included in this release.
Friends & Chat Updates
The Steam Client Update introduces enhanced chat safety features:
- Users can now report suspicious or harassing 1-on-1 messages directly from the chat window. Right-click the message or use the suspicious chat warning to submit a report, with options to block or unfriend the sender.
- A new suspicious chat warning appears at the top of the chat window when a potentially malicious message is detected. Links in chat are disabled while this warning is visible.
These updates aim to make chatting on Steam safer and give users more control over their interactions.
General Fixes
Several general fixes were included in the Steam Client Update:
- Collections that became unavailable after reinstalling Steam or moving to a new machine have been fixed.
- DLC content no longer disappears when switching users in certain cases.
- Steam Play settings now launch correctly for newly installed titles after purchase.
- Client and chat windows now retain their location when moved.
Accessibility Improvements
The update also improves accessibility:
- High contrast support has been enhanced in the settings dialog, making Steam easier to navigate for all users.
Steam Input Enhancements
Controller support sees notable improvements in this Steam Client Update:
- Gyro sensitivity issues from the previous beta release have been fixed.
- PS5 controller gyro functionality over Bluetooth has been corrected, and Nintendo controllers now offer more stable gyro performance.
- Switching modes between left and right-hand sources no longer breaks bindings for mode-shifts.
- Guide button functionality now respects controller settings, preventing accidental overlay activation.
- Various fixes improve controller compatibility, including Xbox 360 on Linux 6.17+, 8BitDo Pro 3 mapping, and PlayStation light bar settings.
- Support has been added for the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller.
Big Picture Mode Fixes
Users will notice several improvements in Big Picture Mode:
- Alerts now display correctly on Steam web pages.
- Hidden games no longer appear in the All or Library tabs—they now appear in their own dedicated tab if applicable.
Remote Play and Remote Play Together
The Steam Client Update enhances Remote Play functionality:
- A new “Connect” button in Remote Play settings simplifies streaming to a remote desktop.
- VR streaming now hides the mouse cursor and adjusts the view to match client resolution.
- Streaming to Steam Deck no longer triggers Big Picture mode automatically.
- Mouse position issues with multiple monitors and different display scales have been resolved.
- Remote Play Together now properly saves player input settings per game, and mouse cursor sharing prioritizes the local player.
Game Recording Fixes
Several recording-related issues have been addressed:
- Timeline markers now appear consistently when viewing recordings.
- Opening the Recordings & Screenshots dialog no longer risks losing content in the main window.
SteamVR Updates
SteamVR users will benefit from fixes that reduce or eliminate bugs where the dashboard bar occasionally went missing.
macOS Improvements
- The Steam app icon has been updated for macOS 26 (“Tahoe”) users.
Conclusion
The Steam Client Update provides a mix of security enhancements, controller improvements, and bug fixes across the Steam ecosystem. Whether you’re using Steam for chatting, gaming, or streaming, this update brings noticeable improvements to usability and stability.
