Valve has released an update for the Steam Client Beta that automatically applies the Proton compatibility layer to non-Steam Windows programs added to Linux libraries. The adjustment eliminates a manual configuration step previously required when integrating third-party Windows software into the Steam client on Linux desktop and SteamOS environments.
Automated Proton Layer Selection
Under the updated Linux client behavior, Windows executables registered as non-Steam games default to launching through Proton immediately upon being added to the library. Users no longer need to open individual software properties to manually force Proton compatibility before their first launch attempt, leaving manual configuration necessary only if a program requires specific troubleshooting or alternative launch options.
According to TechPowerUp, the change reflects Valve's broader efforts to streamline SteamOS and Linux desktop gaming by shifting setup and optimization tasks away from end users toward platform automation and developer tooling.
Big Picture and Linux Runtime Fixes
Alongside default Proton integration, the Steam Client Beta includes several bug fixes for platform operation and library management. Big Picture mode gains a dedicated toggle allowing players to disable the system screensaver while a game is active.
The update also addresses two specific execution bugs on Linux: one that caused non-Steam software to fail to launch after changing its target executable path via the Browse button, and another where the client's Stop button failed to terminate games launched through external secondary tools. Additionally, Valve resolved a general client bug that caused library playtime totals to temporarily display incorrect values.
Controller Input and Firmware Adjustments
Input stability and controller management received updates across both client software and hardware firmware. On Linux systems, Valve fixed a bug within the Reorder Controller interface that previously prevented swapping connected controllers.
For hardware users, the update resolves a Steam Controller firmware issue where attempting to switch to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mode would cause the controller to become stuck if the host device was not actively detected.
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Source: Steam Beta Update Automatically Sets Non-Steam Windows Binaries To Launch Under Proton
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