Steam does not reopen on Cinnamon after first use on AMD (RDNA3), unless library view is set as default

Distribution

Linux Mint 22.1

Package version

Default

Graphics hardware in use

AMD Radeon RX 7900XT / RX 9070 (RDNA3 architecture)

Frequency

Always

Bug description

After installing Steam on a system using AMD RX 7900XT or RX 9070 GPUs, the application works fine on the first launch. However, on subsequent launches, Steam opens as a background process or minimized window that cannot be restored or interacted with.

The window appears briefly or shows up in the taskbar but doesn't open correctly. The issue persists until the user manually changes Steam settings to open directly into the Library tab on launch.

This was confirmed on multiple systems:

• My friend using a RX 7900XT
• A popular YouTuber with millions of followers using a RX 9070 had the same issue while reviewing Mint. The problem disappeared when he switched to an NVIDIA 3080.

This bug is serious because it directly affects gaming usability on Linux Mint and creates a bad first impression, especially for new users trying Linux for gaming.

Steps to reproduce

1. Install Linux Mint on a system using AMD RX 7900XT or RX 9070 GPU.
2. Install Steam (via Software Manager).
3. Launch Steam — it opens and works normally the first time.
4. Close Steam.
5. Launch Steam again — it remains minimized or unresponsive, and won't reopen.
6. Go to ~/.steam or use terminal to ensure Steam is closed, then:
7. Launch Steam again — issue persists.
8. The only fix is:
   • Open Steam (if possible)
   • Go to Settings > Interface
   • Set "Start Steam in Big Picture Mode" or directly into "Library"
   • Restart Steam — now it opens correctly.

Expected behavior

Steam should reopen normally every time, without needing manual configuration changes. The default behavior should not result in the app being stuck minimized or unusable, especially on supported GPUs like the AMD RX 7900 series.

Additional information

No response

Start by reproducing the second-launch failure on Cinnamon with an AMD Radeon RX 7900XT or RX 9070, using Steam's default startup view and then the Library or Big Picture setting. No source file or test is named; a useful investigation should first identify whether Cinnamon or Steam owns the window-state problem and define successful repeated launches as the completion check.