Steam steals focus multiple times on startup

[kristenisshe]

Using Windows 11 on most recent update.

Since a month or so ago, the Steam window steals focus several times in a row when launching the program. Even if you alt-tab away each time - it steals focus when the autologin window pops up, then when the main window loads, then when the library loads, and again when the special offers window loads.

It's redundant and extremely annoying - would love a fix or workaround for this!

[Grumf]

They got rid of the start minimized option. It's bs.

[4K_240hz_MLED]

this happens to me too on Windows 10

[The Hidden Ninja]

Sometimes the special offers window takes focus *after the actual game I want to play*

[bely_0_0]

р

[equalizerbot]

Valve, please stop this. You are a MULTI BILLION $$$ company but your app behaves like its from aliexpress. This multiple focus stealing needs to stop. It shouldnt even steal focus once!

[BOBTOMAS]

Originally posted by kristenisshe:

Using Windows 11 on most recent update.

Since a month or so ago, the Steam window steals focus several times in a row when launching the program. Even if you alt-tab away each time - it steals focus when the autologin window pops up, then when the main window loads, then when the library loads, and again when the special offers window loads.

It's redundant and extremely annoying - would love a fix or workaround for this!

+1

[Grumf]

Problem still persists, fix it !

[joridiculous]

Originally posted by Robert De Nitro:

They got rid of the start minimized option. It's bs.

Mine start minimised (systemtray), does not steal any focus. (cant find the option easily under settings so either its gone or buried somewhere stupid as so many other "Old" settings) probably some setting in some config files somewhere or / and registry settings.

Problem: Often it want load at all at startup (the loading /check for updates/installing updates box shows and dies),
but if i reset the PC steam loads fine when windows loads again.
Also some stupid admin right crap for some reason hinders Steam too load if i try to run it manually and there is an update.

[joridiculous]

Under (\Program Files (x86)\Steam\)
check if you have this file or create it:
.cef-dev-tools-size.vdf (the DOT is mandatory)

"DevToolsRestoreData"
{
	"DevToolsSetting: DisableAutoMinimize"		"0"
} 

This should keep steam starting minimised (in system tray)

[KoTz]

+1

[Floob]

+1

[duck nuckem]

Originally posted by joridiculous:

Under (\Program Files (x86)\Steam\)
check if you have this file or create it:
.cef-dev-tools-size.vdf (the DOT is mandatory)

"DevToolsRestoreData"
{
	"DevToolsSetting: DisableAutoMinimize"		"0"
} 

This should keep steam starting minimised (in system tray)

I have this file, it's exactly as you have specified, Steam still starts maximised. Anything else I can try?

[lsdninja]

Originally posted by baam:

I have this file, it's exactly as you have specified, Steam still starts maximised. Anything else I can try?

How are you starting Steam? If you’re using the “Start with Windows” option then it should be adding the -silent switch which, while not eliminating this behaviour entirely, tones it down somewhat. If you aren’t, then adding that parameter to whatever shortcut(s) you use to start Steam will have the same effect.

For launching games from shortcuts without Steam already running, it gets a little tricky. This guide outlines how to add the -silent parameter to the Steam URI handler, but you have to go through all that permission stuff otherwise Steam will overwrite that registry entry the moment you launch it:

https://leo3418.github.io/2023/07/15/minimize-steam-for-game-shortcuts.html

[joridiculous]

Originally posted by baam:

Originally posted by joridiculous:

Under (\Program Files (x86)\Steam\)
check if you have this file or create it:
.cef-dev-tools-size.vdf (the DOT is mandatory)

"DevToolsRestoreData"
{
	"DevToolsSetting: DisableAutoMinimize"		"0"
} 

This should keep steam starting minimised (in system tray)

I have this file, it's exactly as you have specified, Steam still starts maximised. Anything else I can try?

Sorry, i have no clue. All i know is mine is always starting minimised to system tray on windows start and it have done so at for as long i have been using windows 11. Now that feels weird it would be any difference, but i do know on win10 it usually loaded "normal" with the store window and the "news" window if any. So it might be some setting somewhere for minimise.

As a side note: Im not loading steam via any shortcuts (on startup), its just the Steam Settings for "Load Steam when my computer start"

[lsdninja]

Originally posted by joridiculous:

As a side note: Im not loading steam via any shortcuts (on startup), its just the Steam Settings for "Load Steam when my computer start"

Setting Steam to start with Windows correctly sets the "-silent" parameter, it's regular shortcuts and the URI handler (the latter being important for when you launch games without Steam running first) that don't.