ValveSoftware
Feature Request: Select Preferred Monitor for Big Picture Mode on (Arch) Linux
Feature Request: Select Monitor for Big Picture Mode on Linux
Description
On Arch Linux, Steam Big Picture Mode always opens on the system’s primary monitor. Unlike on Windows, there is currently no option in Steam’s settings on Linux to select which monitor Big Picture Mode should use.
Proposed Solution
Add an option in the Big Picture settings on Linux that allows users to choose which connected monitor Big Picture Mode will use, independent of the system’s primary monitor.
Why is this important?
- Users with multiple monitors may want to launch Big Picture Mode on a specific screen (e.g., a TV) without having to change system display settings.
- This feature is already available on Windows, so Linux users expect similar functionality.
- Improves the user experience for gaming setups with more than one display.
System Information
- Distribution: Arch Linux
- Steam Version: 1747431473
- Desktop Environment: KDE-Plasma
Thank you for considering this feature!
i second this request. this seems like quite the oversight which is especially frustrating as wayland doesnt seem to have a primary display option at all so I cant exactly force it. im not even sure what is dictating what display it opens on.
Third. For all the above reasons I support this feature being added.
I have my PC hooked up to the TV which I don't want as my primary monitor for hopefully obvious reasons, but would like big picture mode to open on for hopefully even more obvious reasons. This can't be that uncommon of a setup, it seems like a glaring omission to not have an option for what monitor to open big picture mode on.
This is something my setup would greatly benefit from. I don't want to constantly switch the primary monitor in my settings before and after playing, I want my primary monitor to stay... well my primary monitor, but big picture and games launched from big picture to open on my projector's display.
It seems to be (or at least used to be) something available on windows, as seen on this screenshot: https://imgur.com/1xYemzz. Feature parity would be great here
We need this. For now I use keyboard shortcuts (Super+Shift+Arrow) to move windows around, which works fine, but you know, I'd like a seamless Big Picture Mode on the TV (Bazzite Gnome here)
I also want this. My PC is actually under my TV with my desk next to it. I just took the plunge to reformat my Desktop from Windows to Linux and this makes me sad.
I was searching for this too. I have a dual boot system, migrating to Linux, and I found it wierd that the option is on Windows but not on Linux. Also I will be glad if the preferred monitor is reverted when I shutdown the system directly from big picture.
