Windows 11 could get a ‘Handheld Mode’ for Steam Deck – and I couldn’t be more excited

techradar.com:

Windows 11 might get a ‘Handheld Mode’ in the future that could make it perfect for the Steam Deck, or indeed other portable gaming devices.

This exciting revelation comes courtesy of WalkingCat, a regular provider of Microsoft gossip on Twitter (as spotted by Windows Latest(opens in new tab)).

https://t.co/OWiw0f2k2v pic.twitter.com/RdSGMmhgBdApril 13, 2023

The story is that Microsoft just held its Hackathon – where staff get together to explore potential new ideas – and one project discussed was the ‘Handheld Mode’ specifically mentioning the Steam Deck.

The Handheld Mode – which could apply to any handheld gaming device, not just Valve’s – would usher in a redesign of the desktop, making it a launcher-style affair (catering for various different stores, not just Steam) with an interface better suited to a (relatively) small touchscreen.

That would include a better virtual touch keyboard – one that could be operated with the Steam Deck’s controller as well – along with interface optimizations, such as a streamlined taskbar and better UI scaling.

The Handheld Mode could simply be switched on and off as needed (via the taskbar), and it would allow for the OS to be fully and globally navigated using the Steam Deck’s controls.

There’d also be options to choose between better performance or power-efficiency, which in the latter case would help extend battery life on the move for the Steam Deck.

As you likely know, it’s already possible to install Windows 11 (or 10) on the Steam Deck (though it’s a bit fiddly, we’ve got a guide here). However, it’s far from an ideal experience, being very rough around the edges, suffering from, for example, driver issues, and lots of thorny problems around the interface.

This is what all the above