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| This version will be tested first before Valve moves it to the Stable channel. |
Valve is rolling out a fresh SteamOS Beta update, with version 3.8.26 now available for users who have opted into the Beta or Preview channel on their devices. As with all beta releases, this update will be put through its paces by early adopters before Valve eventually pushes it to the Stable channel for all users.
What's Fixed in SteamOS Beta 3.8.26?
The latest version zeroes in on squashing bugs that cropped up in previous beta builds, with a particular focus on performance hiccups that had been frustrating some users. One of the standout fixes addresses degraded performance when composition is required—like when you're using FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). According to Valve, the previous beta could tank performance in certain scenarios, but this update gets things back on track.
For the full rundown of changes, check out the official announcement here:
👉 SteamOS Beta 3.8.26 Official Changelog
Gaming and Desktop Improvements
Beyond the performance tweaks, SteamOS Beta 3.8.26 brings a handful of quality-of-life improvements for both gaming and desktop use. VR enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that an issue causing Unreal Engine 5 VR games to display a blank image in the right eye has been worked around. Meanwhile, Bluetooth instability that was affecting the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (v1) has also been resolved—good news for anyone who prefers using that controller for their Steam Deck or other handheld gaming sessions.
Desktop mode users aren't left out either. The update fixes a bug where Firefox in Desktop Mode would sometimes freeze when going fullscreen, and it also addresses an issue that allowed resolutions below 640x480 on certain displays—which could render the desktop essentially unusable.
Handheld-Specific Fixes: MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go
Valve hasn't forgotten about the wider handheld PC ecosystem. The update includes several fixes tailored for other popular handheld devices:
- MSI Claw A1M: A Wi-Fi connectivity issue that was introduced in a previous beta has been fixed, along with a nasty bug that could cause the device to freeze when resuming from sleep with an SD card inserted.
- Lenovo Legion Go models: Battery display problems have been addressed, so you should now see accurate battery readings on these devices.
Additionally, Valve fixed a general bug where the system would freeze on resume if an SD card was removed while the device was suspended.
Full Changelog
Here's the complete list of fixes and changes introduced in SteamOS Beta 3.8.26:
- Fixed an issue present in previous beta builds causing degraded performance in some cases when composition is required (such as when having FSR enabled)
- Fixed Firefox in Desktop Mode sometimes freezing when fullscreen
- Worked around an issue where Unreal Engine 5 VR games could display a blank right eye
- Fixed Bluetooth instability with Nintendo Switch Pro (v1) controller
- Fixed Desktop Mode allowing resolutions below 640x480 on certain displays, rendering it unusable
- Fixed a regression from previous beta breaking WiFi connectivity on the MSI Claw A1M
- Fixed issues with battery display on Lenovo Legion Go models
- Fixed a bug where the MSI Claw would freeze on resume if an SD card was present during suspend and resume
- Fixed a bug where the system would freeze on resume if an SD card was removed while suspended
What's Next?
As with any beta release, Valve will be monitoring feedback from users before rolling this update out to the Stable channel. If you're eager to get your hands on these fixes early, you can opt into the Beta or Preview channel through your device's settings. Just remember—beta software can sometimes introduce new issues, so proceed with caution if you're relying on your device for daily use.
For more details, be sure to read the full announcement over on the Steam Community page. Happy gaming!