Tools for Steam 0.3.9 Beta 2 — SDK 1.0 & Community Store

Tools for Steam 0.3.9 Beta 2

This is the first official beta of the complete Tools for Steam platform: controller-first Steam integration, three startup modes, the Community Store, Plugin SDK 1.0, the Home Assistant reference plugin, and the first verified handheld TDP controls.

This is a pre-release for real-world testing. Use Tray Mode first if you do not yet want TFS to change the current user's console startup flow.

Store and controller experience

• Reworked the Store with compact, consistently sized cards, safe inner spacing, contained previews, and responsive 3/2/1-column grids.
• Community plugins stay left-aligned when fewer than three entries are available.
• Added Discover, Built-In, Community, Installed, and Updates sections.
• Added curated-catalog trust disclosure and a visible warning for custom developer catalogs.
• Added controller-friendly review when an update requests new permissions or network hosts.
• Fixed the lower controller bar overlapping plugin cards.
• Fixed cards and artwork being cropped or shifted at Xbox Mode resolutions.
• Fixed snapshot refreshes moving controller focus unexpectedly from tabs or header actions to the first plugin card.

Plugin SDK 1.0.0

• Managed registration and cleanup through window.TfsPluginSdk.register().
• Controller-native screens, commands, toggles, choices, accordions, steppers, sliders, progress, and secret editors.
• Per-plugin settings, write-only secrets, private text/binary files, structured logs, notifications, lifecycle timers, and observable state.
• Proxied HTTP methods with declared host access and protected authorization-secret injection.
• Native bridges for audio, windows/process activation, display modes, themes, artwork, App Start, Store Sync, automation, performance telemetry, overlay control, and confirmed power actions.
• Decky-style native.full-trust support for bundled executable, PowerShell, Python, or Node backends.
• Managed backend JSON-RPC, process lifecycle, captured output, arbitrary Windows files, shell/UAC targets, and selected Steam CEF evaluation/injection.
• TypeScript declarations, JSON schemas, minimal and full-trust templates, a complete developer guide, and a create/validate/pack/sideload CLI.
• Explicit feature-level compatibility: this runtime accepts SDK 1.0.0 and rejects plugins requiring a newer v1 feature level.

New and updated plugins

Handheld Performance / TDP Control

• First verified device: MSI Claw A8 with board product MS-1T8K.
• Direct control from 15 W to 35 W.
• Battery 15 W, Balanced 20 W, and Performance 28 W presets.
• Separate plugged-in and battery targets.
• Automatic per-game profiles, profile notifications, and global-profile restoration.
• Live power, battery, game, and applied-TDP state.
• The plugin remains hidden on unsupported devices. More verified handheld profiles will follow.

Home Assistant 0.2.0

• First official SDK 1.0 community reference plugin.
• Uses TFS storage for the server URL, write-only secrets for the token, and the network bridge restricted to local hosts.
• Lists and controls Home Assistant light entities from a controller-native TFS screen.

Built-in tools

• FPS Overlay, Processes, App Start, Store Sync, SteamGridDB, Audio, Display, CSSLoader, HLTB, Auto SISR, Homey, and Power remain available through the built-in catalog.
• Built-ins can be hidden from Home where safe; recovery actions remain available.

Xbox Mode and installer

• Includes the signed Xbox Host MSIX and public certificate.
• Adds safer suspend/restore behavior when updating during an active Xbox Mode session.
• Adds rollback snapshots before replacing an existing installation.
• Adds installer diagnostics next to the setup executable, with a Desktop fallback.
• Keeps Store installation, permission review, cancel, open, and close flows controller reachable.
• Keeps SDK notifications and plugin UI inside Steam rather than opening desktop dialogs.

Trust and local security

TFS uses a trusted gaming-loader model. Installed plugins execute in Steam's frontend realm and may build deep integrations. Manifest permissions gate and disclose supported SDK bridges, but they are not a hostile-code sandbox. Install full-trust plugins only from publishers you trust.

• Replaced wildcard local-API CORS with trusted Steam/TFS origins.
• Added a strong per-installation API session for protected operations.
• Added package SDK, manifest, catalog permission, network-host, ZIP-path, size, and SHA-256 validation.
• Added explicit warnings for unreviewed catalogs and full-trust backends.
• Stops managed plugin processes on reload, update, uninstall, and TFS shutdown.

Validation

• 136 .NET regression tests passed.
• 4 SDK and Store JavaScript tests passed.
• Minimal, Home Assistant, and full-trust templates pass the official CLI validator.
• Manifest and catalog schemas validate.
• Portable app, signed Xbox Host MSIX, and Inno Setup installer build successfully from main.

The existing AudioSwitcher packages still emit known .NET 10 NU1701 compatibility warnings; builds and tests complete successfully.

Beta installation note

The bundled Xbox Host MSIX is signed by CN=GCM Gaming Console Mode. The outer beta setup executable is not yet Authenticode-signed, so Windows may show an Unknown Publisher or SmartScreen warning. Verify the SHA-256 published with the GitHub release before running it.

For plugin developers

.\scripts\tfs-plugin.ps1 new .\plugins\my-plugin -Id my-plugin -Name "My Plugin"
.\scripts\tfs-plugin.ps1 validate .\plugins\my-plugin
.\scripts\tfs-plugin.ps1 sideload .\plugins\my-plugin

The standalone starter kit is available at https://github.com/toonymak1993/tfs-plugin-template. Submit packages to https://github.com/toonymak1993/tfs-plugin-database after testing install, update, uninstall, controller navigation, Xbox Mode behavior, offline handling, and cleanup.

Download verification

• Asset: ToolsForSteamSetup.exe
• Size: 147529785 bytes
• SHA-256: B8DA7BDD8CE796DA816AD8C07F4E6CA23132646B3FBD7F62A58875BA87F1801E
• Source commit: bba53d73bc156b55263ed7b8aedc2cbb4bfecc2d

The Xbox Host package embedded in the installer is signed by CN=GCM Gaming Console Mode. The outer beta installer is currently unsigned; Windows may show an Unknown Publisher or SmartScreen warning.

v0.3.9-beta.1

first msi claw early tdp integration test, not for user install

v0.3.7-beta.1

Beta Release v0.3.7

This beta release brings major Store Sync updates, new plugin integrations, UI improvements, and a much better startup experience.

Store Sync

New supported stores

• Battle.net
• Amazon Games
• itch.io

Improvements

• Synced games now receive their respective launcher icons automatically. This feature is not final yet, but it is already working.
• Fixed a bug that could abruptly stop the sync process and leave Store Sync in a broken state.

New Plugins and Features

CSS Loader

• Added native integration with the official CSS Loader engine.
• CSS Loader is now managed directly through TFS.
• Added a small built-in store for configurations and themes.
• Themes and configurations can now be enabled or disabled directly inside TFS.

Splash Screen

• Fixed the splash screen, which was broken in the previous version.
• Improved the startup flow overall.
• While the splash screen is active, it now loads artwork from your games and displays it in real time.
• Added loading dots during wait times.
• Improved the transition into the main interface.

Back Button

• Added a back button on every level, so you can always return no matter where you are.
• The B button still works as before.

HowLongToBeat

• HowLongToBeat has received a new design.
• It is now displayed directly on the game page in the top-right corner.
• This layout was chosen so it does not get in the way of CSS Loader themes.
• If you do not like the new design, please let us know.

Performance Tab

• The FPS meter has been significantly improved.
• It now uses a MangoHud-inspired design, making it cleaner, more aesthetic, and more functional.

Sliders

• Sliders now include sound feedback in most parts of the UI.

Beta Testing

If you want to test this non-final release, switch to the Beta channel in TFS Settings or download it directly here on GitHub.

Feedback, suggestions, and criticism are very welcome.

Tools for Steam 0.3.5

Tools for Steam 0.3.5

Launchers

• Added EA App and Ubisoft Connect as supported sync launchers.
• Launcher sync now runs fully automatic and in near real time.
• After a lot of reverse engineering, TFS can now detect launcher changes and keep Steam in sync without relying on the old manual workflow.

Plugins

• The Audio plugin now has a new design, including an Audio Mixer and proper sliders for fine control.
• Added the new Performance plugin.
• It includes TFS’s own built-in FPS meter, which will be expanded further in future updates with a more MangoHud-inspired direction.

Tools for Steam

• Added a new built-in updater with both Release and Beta channels.
• You can now switch to the Beta channel instantly if you want to test upcoming features early.
• Plugins can now be reordered with the new, more compact plugin layout.
• Xbox Mode has been removed so development can stay focused on Shell and Tray mode.

Fixes

• Fixed an issue where SteamGridDB could not apply artwork on some systems because Steam was installed on a different drive.
• You can now set the Steam path directly inside the plugin if auto-detection is not enough.

v0.3.4-beta.1

TFS Update Changelog
This version brings several major improvements to Tools for Steam:
Live Sync for Store Sync
Newly detected games are now synced into Steam automatically, without needing a manual sync.
Removed games are also cleaned up from Steam automatically.

No more unnecessary artwork resets
Already imported games now keep their assigned artwork.
TFS only downloads artwork again when a game is actually added again as a new entry.

Store Sync is much more robust
Better handling for ownership repair, offline stores, retry/backoff logic, stable store IDs, and overall safer sync behavior.

New launcher support
Additional stores such as Ubisoft Connect and EA are now integrated into Store Sync.

Performance tab reworked
The Performance section has been significantly improved and now includes its own TFS FPS Overlay with multiple Steam-style presets.

Overlay controls directly inside the panel
Position, size, transparency, theme, and other overlay settings can now be adjusted much more comfortably directly from inside TFS.

Improved slider system
Sliders now behave more consistently, are more controller-friendly, and visually feel much closer to Steam / Decky.
This new slider behavior is now the foundation for future TFS sliders.

Audio section improvements
The Audio panel has been refined and the mixer behavior has been cleaned up so volume control and process handling work more reliably.

Updater built directly into TFS
Updates can now be detected and installed directly from inside Tools for Steam, without needing to manually manage everything outside the app.

Stable and Beta channels
TFS now supports both a normal release channel and a Beta channel, making it much easier to test preview builds directly inside the app.

General UI/UX improvements
Many panels have been made more compact, cleaner, and closer to a native Steam / Decky feel.

v0.3.3-beta.1

Preview changes

• Improved Xbox Mode installation diagnostics.
• If Windows rejects the Xbox Mode host package, TFS now writes detailed logs to data\xbox-mode-install.log.
• Removed the confusing “Start Tools for Steam” finish option from the installer.
• After installation, the TFS manager opens automatically so users can review startup mode and settings.
• Xbox Mode setup now opens the manager in Xbox Mode context instead of starting the normal tray flow.
• General installer cleanup and stability improvements.

v0.3.3-beta.2

TFS Update Changelog
This version brings several major improvements to Tools for Steam:
Live Sync for Store Sync
Newly detected games are now synced into Steam automatically, without needing a manual sync.
Removed games are also cleaned up from Steam automatically.

No more unnecessary artwork resets
Already imported games now keep their assigned artwork.
TFS only downloads artwork again when a game is actually added again as a new entry.

Store Sync is much more robust
Better handling for ownership repair, offline stores, retry/backoff logic, stable store IDs, and overall safer sync behavior.

New launcher support
Additional stores such as Ubisoft Connect and EA are now integrated into Store Sync.

Performance tab reworked
The Performance section has been significantly improved and now includes its own TFS FPS Overlay with multiple Steam-style presets.

Overlay controls directly inside the panel
Position, size, transparency, theme, and other overlay settings can now be adjusted much more comfortably directly from inside TFS.

Improved slider system
Sliders now behave more consistently, are more controller-friendly, and visually feel much closer to Steam / Decky.
This new slider behavior is now the foundation for future TFS sliders.

Audio section improvements
The Audio panel has been refined and the mixer behavior has been cleaned up so volume control and process handling work more reliably.

Updater built directly into TFS
Updates can now be detected and installed directly from inside Tools for Steam, without needing to manually manage everything outside the app.

Stable and Beta channels
TFS now supports both a normal release channel and a Beta channel, making it much easier to test preview builds directly inside the app.

General UI/UX improvements
Many panels have been made more compact, cleaner, and closer to a native Steam / Decky feel.

Tools for Steam 0.3.1

Tools for Steam 0.3.1 is a patch release focused on compatibility, stability, startup options, and Shell Mode polish.

Changes

• Made the CSS and Steam UI integrations available on English Steam clients while keeping German client behavior intact.
• Fixed several bugs and improved general stability across the injected Steam UI, themes, HLTB, and artwork integrations.
• The installer now lets users define how Tools for Steam starts:
  • Tray app mode
  • Shell Mode, like SteamOS
  • Manual mode
• These startup settings are also available inside the Tools for Steam menu in Steam.
• Added splash screen theme settings for Shell Mode, including wallpaper/icon customization and preview support.

Notes

• Shell Mode is still the closest SteamOS-style boot flow.
• Tray app mode keeps the regular Windows shell and runs Tools for Steam from autorun.

Tools for Steam 0.3.0

Tools for Steam 0.3.0 is a bigger feature release focused on making the living-room Steam experience feel more complete on Windows.

New integrations

• SteamGridDB plugin: change Steam artwork directly from Big Picture. Supports cover, hero, logo, icon, and wide artwork with controller-friendly LB/RB category switching.
• App Start: add favorite Windows apps and launch them later from the Tools for Steam panel.
• Auto SISR for Steam Controller: watches selected non-Steam games and starts SISR marker mode automatically while the game is running.

Fixes and improvements

• General stability improvements across the Quick Access panel, controller focus handling, and background host.
• Store Sync is more reliable and now keeps better detected-title metadata for later plugins such as Auto SISR and artwork tools.
• The installer now closes Tools for Steam and Steam before replacing files, so Steam UI cache state is less likely to keep old injected code alive after an update.

Store Sync behavior and requirements

• Epic Games: reads Epic Launcher metadata from LauncherInstalled.dat and Epic manifest files. Games need to be installed through Epic with valid install metadata; executable paths are resolved from the install folder and launch executable hints.
• GOG Galaxy: reads installed games from GOG registry entries under the normal Windows and WOW6432Node registry locations. Classic GOG installs work as long as the registry contains the install path and executable metadata.
• Xbox / Game Pass: scans fixed, ready local drives for common Xbox library roots such as XboxGames, ModifiableWindowsApps, and Program Files\ModifiableWindowsApps. It uses Xbox install/config metadata where available and imports entries only when a launchable executable can be resolved.
• Custom Locations: scans the configured folder recursively, filters helper tools, redistributables, launchers, uninstallers, and other obvious non-game executables, then prefers game-looking executables using folder names, file metadata, and executable scoring. This is useful for standalone games, emulator folders, and manually installed PC titles.
• Artwork: SteamGridDB artwork download has improved matching and supports the built-in default key plus an optional user-provided API key.

Notes

Tools for Steam is still moving quickly. If something behaves differently on your Windows/Steam setup, please report it with logs and the game/store involved so the detection rules can keep improving.

Tools for Steam v0.2.0-preview.1

First public Tools for Steam release.

Tools for Steam adds a controller-first Quick Access toolkit to Steam Big Picture on Windows. This release includes the TFS side panel, console startup flow, launcher sync, audio controls, display controls, processes, power/recovery actions, themes, HLTB, the desktop manager, GitHub update support, and the Inno Setup installer.

Important: TFS can change the current user's Windows shell so it starts before Explorer and brings Steam Big Picture to the front, similar to a SteamOS-style living-room flow. This can be disabled from Tools for Steam > Settings, and recovery actions are available from the Power plugin and desktop manager.

Install: download ToolsForSteamSetup.exe and run it. The portable ZIP is included for testing, but the installer is the recommended path for normal users and future updates.