Steam Big Picture mode not working [Fix]

If the Steam Big Picture mode is not working for you, then this post is sure to help you fix the issue. Big Picture Mode on Steam is designed for use with your TV and game controller. Once you press a button, Steam will display a full-screen user interface to be used on your usual computer display. But recently, some users have complained that they cannot use this feature. Fortunately, you can follow some simple suggestions to fix it.

Fix Steam Big Picture mode not working

If the Big Picture mode isn’t working in Steam, restart the app and update it to it’s latest version. However, if It is invisible, freezing, or displays a black screen, follow these suggestions:

1. Run Steam as an Administrator
2. Clear Steam’s Cache Data
3. Update Graphics Drivers
4. Modify the executable file
5. Reset all Steam Configuration
6. Disable Steam Beta
7. Unplug all connected hardware devices
8. Reinstall the app

Now, let’s see these in detail.

1] Run Steam as an Administrator

Start by launching Steam with administrator privileges ensures it doesn’t face any errors due to a lack of permissions. To do so, right-click on the Steam.exe shortcut file and select Run as Admin.

2] Clear Steam’s Cache Data

Steam Download cache is used for games that are currently updating or patching. This cache data can sometimes get corrupted and cause errors. Clearing the download cache can help fix the Steam Big Picture mode not working error. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Steam and navigate to Steam > Settings > Downloads.
2. Here, click on Clear Download Cache and see if the error’s fixed.

3] Update Graphics Drivers

Check if the graphics drivers of your device are updated to the latest version available. The drivers can sometimes get corrupted, causing the Steam Big Picture not working. Update the graphics drivers and see if it helps. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Right under it, look for a clickable link—View optional updates.
3. Under Driver Updates, a list of updates will be available, which you can choose to install if you are facing an issue manually.

You can manually download and install drivers on your computer manufacturer’s website or use free Driver Update software tools like NV Updater, AMD Driver Autodetect, and Intel Driver Update Utility.

4] Modify the executable file

Next, try modifying the executable file of Steam. Doing so can help fix the error. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the Steam.exe file and click on Properties.
2. Navigate to the Shortcut tab, and in the Target field, enter -tenfoot at the end.
3. Click on Apply and then on OK to save the changes.
4. Close everything, try opening Steam and see if the error’s fixed.

5] Reset all Steam Configurations

The Big Picture mode not working in Steam can occur due to misconfigured Steam settings. If that’s the case, resetting these can help fix the error. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type steam://flushconfig and hit Enter.
3. Restart your device once done and see if the error’s fixed.

6] Disable Steam Beta

Big Picture may not work if you’re using the Beta version of Steam. Beta versions of applications are not usually reliable and can make them misbehave. Here’s how you can opt out of the app’s beta version:

1. Open Steam and navigate to Settings.
2. Navigate to the Interface tab and select No beta chosen in the dropdown beside Client Beta Participation.
3. Lastly, click on OK to save the changes.

7] Unplug all connected hardware devices

If the error still isn’t fixed, consider unplugging all the hardware devices connected via HDMI, USB, etc., and then reconnecting them. It’s possible the connection is loose or the cable is damaged, causing the error.

8] Reinstall the app

If none of these suggestions were able to help, consider reinstalling Steam. Sometimes, the error may lie in the app’s core files and cannot be fixed manually. Reinstalling Steam has helped most users fix the error.

Read: The Steam install folder is currently not writable

We hope these suggestions have helped you.

How do I force Steam to use big picture mode?

To force Steam to use big picture mode, click the Big Picture button at the top right. However, you can also press the home button on your controller to do the same. To exit the big picture mode, click the Exit button or press A on your controller.

Why is Steam big picture mode not working and displays a black screen?

To fix the big picture mode not working in Steam, update the app to its latest version and close all unnecessary space-consuming applications. However, if that doesn’t help, delete the Steam cache folder and update your graphics card driver.