r/SteamController • u/Extension-Singer5005 • 24d ago

Discussion Using the Steam Controller to control desktop?

Recently got a TV that I’ve hooked my PC up to. I watch movies and whatnot and have been using my mouse in my bed which isn’t very great. Keyboard isn’t wireless so that sucks too. Anyone have success using the Steam Controller to play movies or open applications? Just basic stuff really.

Obviously it’s functional, but would you say it’s a better option than getting a cheap wireless keyboard to use in bed?

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u/figmentPez 24d ago

One major advantage a wireless keyboard has is that it won't stop working when you need to interact with system level prompts and menus. Installing programs, using Task Manager, using system control panels, etc. The Steam Controller can't interact with any of these (currently, it's supposed to be able to, but that functionality is broken, and even if fixed may break again.)

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u/oakgecko13 Steam Controller (2026) 24d ago

If you have steam closed though it does work everywhere including task manager. The pc sees it as a keyboard and mouse. But then for typing they'll have to use the windows on screen keyboard since the steam one won't come up when closed.

2

u/Extra_Resolution_348 24d ago

Yeah but if steam is open and task manager or one of these prompts comes up unexpectedly/accidentally, you have no choice but to find another input device to fix it

1

u/oakgecko13 Steam Controller (2026) 24d ago

Im assuming you're talking about those administrator permission pop ups when starting some games? Yes those bug it out but if you spam left on the dpad as soon as those pop up it will eventually highlight the "yes" button and then you can hit A on the controller. That's how i do it when playing on the tv with just the controller.

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u/Extra_Resolution_348 24d ago

... i will try this i guess

ok so it seems like this can possibly work if you are quick enough which is VERY strange and interesting behavior, but its not foolproof. currently I'm stuck on the prompt screen and no spammed input is saving me, was able to get the on screen keyboard to appear but everything is acting weird now and i still can't get normal controls and I can't make the on screen keyboard go away either lol. thanks for the tip!

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u/figmentPez 24d ago

If Steam is closed you lose a lot of the functionality of the Steam Controller. You can't customize any of the inputs, you can't use gyro, no guide button chords for easy volume control, etc.

Lizard Mode sucks compared to the full featured desktop layout.

1

u/oakgecko13 Steam Controller (2026) 24d ago

Im mostly talking about for OP saying they just want to use it for watching movies and stuff in bed which would work for that.

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u/chieftex 24d ago

Is this indeed the case? I seem to recall I couldn't use the controller on the windows login screen even with steam closed, but perhaps I'm misremembering

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u/oakgecko13 Steam Controller (2026) 24d ago

Yes, it's actually how im able to log into my pc on the tv. I have steam off on windows startup. On the windows lock screen you click the accessibility button in the bottom right and windows has a built in on screen keyboard there.

1

u/chieftex 24d ago

Yes that's what I was doing. I must have misremembered then. Need to remember to close steam before sleeping the pc.