How to open Steam Big Picture when you connect a controller
Create a KeyRoutines routine with a Device connected trigger for your controller. An If with Monitor connected checks for the TV and Set default audio device moves sound to it, then Open game page opens Steam Big Picture and Show banner confirms.
Steps
- 1
Watch for the controller
Add a Device connected trigger and type part of the controller's name as Windows shows it, such as Xbox Wireless Controller or DualSense. It fires once per real connection.
- 2
Check whether the TV is plugged in
Add an If with Monitor connected and pick your TV, so the routine only changes the sound when you're on the couch.
- 3
Send sound to the TV
Inside the If, add Set default audio device and choose the TV's HDMI audio.
- 4
Open Big Picture
Add Open game page and choose Steam Big Picture. It opens Steam's controller-friendly mode without starting any game.
- 5
Confirm it
End with Show banner, for example "Big Picture ready", so you can see it worked from across the room.
Tips
- A controller that's already connected when you turn the routine on doesn't count; it fires the next time it connects.
- Add a second routine with Device disconnected to move the sound back to your desk speakers when the controller turns off.
Questions
- Does it work with a wired controller?
- Yes. Device connected covers USB devices and paired Bluetooth devices, so plugging in the cable works too.
- Can it open a specific game instead?
- Yes. Replace Open game page with Open app and pick the game from your library; it starts through its own launcher.