Getting out of Big Picture Mode on Steam Using a Keyboard or Controller

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Simple steps for leaving Steam's Big Picture Mode

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: July 29, 2025 Fact Checked

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Exiting Big Picture Mode

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Disabling on Startup

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Enabling Big Picture Mode

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Compatible Controllers

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Big Picture mode on Steam is designed so that you can easily see and interact with the Steam platform on a TV using a gaming controller. This feature makes Steam more accessible for anyone who doesn't solely use a keyboard and mouse. If you don't want to use Big Picture Mode, turning it off is easy. This guide will teach you how to get out of Big Picture Mode on Steam and how to prevent it from starting automatically.

Getting Out of Big Picture Mode on Steam

If you're using a controller, press A while "Exit" is selected.
If you're using a keyboard, press Alt + Enter.
To disable Big Picture Mode at startup, open your Steam settings, click Interface, and toggle off "Start Steam in Big Picture Mode."

Section 1 of 4:

How to Exit Big Picture Mode

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Using a controller. Press A on your controller while "Exit" is selected to get out of Big Picture Mode. You'll see the "Exit" button in the top right corner of the window.^{[1]
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- If you don't see that, press the menu button and select the Power icon to close Big Picture Mode.
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Using a keyboard shortcut. Press Alt+↵ Enter on your keyboard to leave Big Picture Mode. Big Picture Mode will close and Steam will open normally.^{[2]
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- You can also press ESC then click the Power icon to close Big Picture Mode.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Disable Big Picture Mode on Startup

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Open Settings. If you don’t want Big Picture Mode to start automatically, you can disable it in your settings. You can find "Settings" under the Steam tab in the top left corner of the application.
- Make sure Steam isn't in Big Picture Mode already. If it is, press Alt+↵ Enter on your keyboard to exit it first.
You'll see the option on the left side of the window.
The switch should be grey and pointing left if it's off.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Turn On Big Picture Mode

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It's in the top right corner of the Steam window. The window will close and display an animation for Big Picture Mode.

Section 4 of 4:

Compatible Controllers for Big Picture Mode

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Only certain controllers work in Big Picture Mode. If you want to use your controller to play games in Big Picture Mode, you'll need one of these models:^{[3]
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- The Steam Controller
- Microsoft Xbox One Wired Controller
- Microsoft Xbox One S Controller (wired or wirelessly using Bluetooth)
- Microsoft Xbox One Elite 2 Controller (wired or wirelessly using Bluetooth)
- Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller
- Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows (with wireless receiver)
- Sony DualShock 4 (wired or wirelessly using Bluetooth)
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (wired)
- Logitech Wireless Gamepad F310, F510, and F710
- SteelSeries Stratus Duo
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Check the compatibility tags. Not all games on Steam work with controllers. Use the "Full" and "Partial" tags to see if you need a keyboard and mouse to complete segments of the game.
- Games marked with the "Full Support" tag don't need a keyboard or mouse at all and can be completely played with a controller.
- Games marked with the "Partial Support" tag require a mouse and keyboard for certain aspects of the game.^{[4]
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