Xbox mode steam open on log in

On the ROG Ally X, the “Xbox mode” experience is implemented using Windows’ full screen experience (FSE). When FSE is configured, OEMs can set a default full‑screen gaming app (for example, the Xbox app) that always launches at startup and suppresses other apps and standard Windows experiences.

In this mode:

• The default full‑screen app (Xbox app) is designed to be the primary shell.
• Many startup apps and services are suppressed to free memory and improve performance.
• The default app automatically launches when the device is powered on from a shutdown state.

Because of this design, when FSE is active and configured to start into the Xbox app, Windows will prioritize that app at login and may override or delay other startup apps such as Steam. This is why Steam keeps reverting to starting only when exiting to the desktop instead of at initial sign‑in.

To change this behavior, FSE must be turned off or reconfigured so that the device does not start directly into the Xbox full‑screen app. Once FSE is disabled, startup apps can be managed from:

• Windows Settings > Apps > Startup where each app can be set to “Start at log in” or “Off.”

However, as long as the OEM configuration keeps the Xbox app as the default full‑screen experience at startup, Steam cannot reliably replace it as the primary app that launches immediately at sign‑in.

References:

• Game launchers and handhelds
• Windows Gaming: Full screen experience