Guide: Launch Steam Big Picture Mode on Startup (Xbox Ally X / Windows Handhelds)

This process was done on the Xbox Ally X, but the steps are the same for any handheld using the Xbox Fullscreen Experience or standard Windows 11.

Step 1: Exit Fullscreen Experience

If you are currently in the Xbox Fullscreen Experience, switch to the desktop first.

Method:

• Press the Xbox button to open the Command Center
• Scroll to the right
• Select Exit Full Screen Experience

Step 2: Enable Steam Startup + Big Picture Mode

1. From the desktop, launch Steam
2. In the top left corner, open Settings
3. Go to Interface
4. Toggle on:
   • Run Steam when my computer starts
   • Start Steam in Big Picture Mode
5. Close Steam

Step 3: Enable Steam in Windows Startup

1. Open the Start Menu
2. Go to Settings
3. Select Apps
4. Open Startup
5. Find Steam in the list
6. Set it to Start at login
7. Restart your system

Optional: Revert the Change

To stop Steam from launching on startup:

1. Go to Start Menu > Settings > Apps > Startup
2. Locate Steam
3. Toggle it Off

Troubleshooting: Steam Not Launching

If Steam does not start automatically after reboot:

1. Right-click the Start Menu
2. Open Task Manager
3. Go to the Startup tab
4. Locate Steam
5. If disabled, right-click and select Enable
6. Close Task Manager
7. Return to Settings > Apps > Startup
8. Confirm Steam is set to Start at login
9. Restart again

Once configured, the system will boot directly into Steam Big Picture Mode. Hold the Xbox button at any time to switch back to the Xbox app, then return to Steam as needed.