Big Picture loses focus after closing game

[JakeDeeJake]

ISSUE
When closing a full screen game application in Big Picture mode through the Big Picture overlay with a controller, the Steam Big Picture client isn’t put back into focus. Resulting in a controller user to either have to use desktop control maps to deselect the window, or alt tab back in on a keyboard. It happens less frequently but still often when the game is in borderless or windowed mode.

OS
Windows 11

STEPS
Launch a game in big picture
Press the guide button to open the overlay
Select close game to close the game
Try to navigate Steam big picture
RESULTS
The client will not respond to input due to it not being in focus.

EXPECTED
Upon detecting the current “running application” being closed, the Steam big picture client should be forced back into focus, allowing a controller to easily navigate without having to tab back in or select the window.

[Hawkiez]

did you fix this issue, when i exit a game controller doesnt work (chord not working either). i have to left click mouse first. Kills couch experience.

[JakeDeeJake]

Originally posted by Hawkiez:

did you fix this issue, when i exit a game controller doesnt work (chord not working either). i have to left click mouse first. Kills couch experience.

No sadly its something something Valve would have to fix with an update

[pXoTaS]

This is an issue since the release of the new Big Picture over a year ago and it ruins the entire purpose. Happens in a lot of games and renders the feature useless as it requires the keyboard or mouse to restore functionality

[Hawkiez]

I even noticed my controller stop working exiting game in normal windows mode until i mouse click. Is there anyway to report this to steam needs be fixed.I have googled but cannot find a solution.

Does this happen in linux as well ? i need windows because of my peripherals but like try steam os at somepoint.

[JakeDeeJake]

Originally posted by Hawkiez:

I even noticed my controller stop working exiting game in normal windows mode until i mouse click. Is there anyway to report this to steam needs be fixed.I have googled but cannot find a solution.

Does this happen in linux as well ? i need windows because of my peripherals but like try steam os at somepoint.

Not without steam bothering to actually address and fix it. If you’re using Steam OS with game mode like Bazzite it wouldn’t be an issue because it’s a part of the OS like on Steam deck but game mode versions of Bazzite and other Steam OS clones don’t support Nvidia cards right now so that sucks.
I wish Valve was more responsive and communicative about… anything really.

[Prizm4]

This is very frustrating. I hate having to use the controller shortcuts (ALT+TAB, etc) to try and get it to focus again, because that means other family members can't just play games, they have to know these stupid workarounds for when this problem happens.

Also, as mentioned, sometimes the controller shortcuts stop working, so I have to plug in a keyboard/mouse just to fix the damn problem. This is extremely annoying when I use this PC for controller-only couch play.

[Hawkiez]

Same for me. Been an issue for long time with no fix,sucks.

[bagel]

im experiencing this because I broke my mouse and have switched to using a controller
being forced to reach forward and alt tab is pretty annoying, it just entirely removes access to the desktop layout thing for thecontroller

[sumopoops]

Also every other time I start BPM it seems not start without focus, and requires being clicked to gain focus before it will accept controller inputs.

[_sngr]

Experiencing the same problem, latest game Split Fiction. Most of games not affected in my case.