Desktop Mode has better multitasking than Gaming Mode

At launch the Deck had zero task switching in Gaming Mode, and people posted asking for this by the dozens.

The problem with gaming mode is that it was designed with single-app fullscreen to cut some performance penalties that traditional desktop environments, window management and etc cause. (see articles on GameScope)

It's not impossible to add task switching in that context but it is non-trivial.

That being said, Valve is also a bit clumsy with bugs that have been making this harder than it needed to be, eg: an unrelated bug causing ocasional full system freezes when opening the steam menu (which where the task switching option is in)

Originally posted by FuManschue:

Anyone else find that app switching on Steam OS or steam deck doesn't really work like you expect it to? For instance, why can't I simply open a web browser window while I'm playing a game to look up guides or other information and switch back to the game I'm playing? Not sure if I'm uneducated on any plugins or modes that allow this but it would really be nice if Steam OS had a more user friendly method for accomplishing this. Would love to hear any suggestions anyone has one this.

Linux works differently than windos.
It consists of pieces that you can freely combine.

Under windos you have one desktop, but under Linux you have any number of programs that are desktops.

Steam deck (which I do not have) has one desktop that is similar to a game console. And one desktop that is similar to a computer desktop.
From what it seems to me you do not switch to the desktop, but something like reboot windos and turn it back on with another desktop.

(Probably) If you want to have a browser in the background, start deck in computer pc mode and run the game from the desktop there. Then you will have your desktop available and any programs you are running. This will be slightly less performance in the game. That is why such a solution was used.