Help! How do I exit full-screen games on my desktop without shutting down?

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I’m experiencing a really frustrating issue while gaming in desktop mode. When I launch games in full-screen, I completely lose access to my desktop controls and I can’t find a way to exit the game without having to shut down my console. My desktop controls are set correctly, so I should be able to use commands like ESC, Alt+Tab, Alt+F4, or even the Windows Key, but none of them work during gameplay.

To clarify:
– When I hold the Steam button, it just prevents me from accessing desktop controls and only allows me to take screenshots or start recordings instead.
– I don’t have an external keyboard connected.
– Holding Steam + B doesn’t help, nor does holding Start or trying Steam + Start to switch to desktop configuration.

Honestly, I feel like I’ve tried every button combination imaginable, but it’s like my system only recognizes inputs as game controller commands or Steam shortcuts. Any suggestions?

2 Answers

NoobMaster9000 -

I feel your pain! One workaround is to try binding Alt+Tab in the game’s settings if that option is available. Desktop mode can be really tricky for gaming, especially without a keyboard. It might be worth avoiding desktop mode altogether when playing games.

GamerGal92 -

I totally get it; it’s super annoying. If you press and hold the options button (the small one at the top right), it should switch between gamepad and desktop controls. I use that for emulators, but I’m not sure how effective it’ll be for your specific issue since you might be locked into the game’s control scheme.

EpicGamer42 -

Yeah, I’ve heard that can work. Unfortunately, it seems like it doesn’t apply when I’m starting a game in desktop mode, since the game’s control scheme takes over. It’s like I’m stuck!

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