With the recent December update, Valve has made a significant leap forward by transitioning the Steam client on Windows 10 and Windows 11 to a fully native 64-bit architecture. This marks the conclusion of a lengthy transition period during which the platform operated either as a 32-bit application or in a hybrid form. Given that the underlying operating systems have been designed for 64-bit architecture for several years, this change is both timely and necessary.
Streamlined User Experience
The transition to a 64-bit system will occur seamlessly in the background for most users, requiring no manual intervention. This strategic move aims to enhance the stability of the software and streamline the ongoing development of the client.
In conjunction with this update, Valve has announced the official end of support for 32-bit Windows installations. Users of these systems can expect to receive security updates and bug fixes only until January 1, 2026. Post this date, the operation of the Steam client on native 32-bit systems will be deemed insecure, as known vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed. This decision aligns with the broader evolution of the Windows ecosystem, where Microsoft has significantly diminished the relevance of 32-bit architectures in its latest versions.
Rationale Behind the Shift
Valve’s rationale for this transition is grounded in the minimal prevalence of pure 32-bit systems among its user base. Internal statistics reveal that less than one percent of active Steam users are affected by the end of support. Maintaining two different architectures has proven to be an inefficient use of resources, prompting the company to focus its development and quality assurance efforts on the modern client version.
From a technical standpoint, the shift to native 64-bit code offers numerous advantages. The Steam client can now directly access a significantly larger amount of RAM, which is particularly beneficial for the integrated Chromium-based web browser. This component, responsible for store displays, community functions, and overlays, is known for its memory-intensive nature. Enhanced addressability also contributes to improved stability for concurrent background tasks, such as downloads and chat functionalities, while eliminating the need for the WoW64 compatibility layer that was previously necessary for running 32-bit applications on 64-bit systems.
Additional Technical Enhancements
The update also introduces further technical adjustments to accommodate current and future hardware. A notable fix addresses a bug related to H.265 game recording on systems equipped with Nvidia 50 series graphics cards, a crucial improvement for users engaged in gameplay recording or streaming. Additionally, Steam Input now officially supports Nintendo Switch 2 controllers when connected via USB and GameCube adapters in Wii U mode, including vibration function support. Improvements have also been made in chat moderation, allowing users to report suspicious messages directly without disrupting their current context.
For those still utilizing older test systems or intentionally running 32-bit installations, the deadline of January 1, 2026, serves as a clear and non-negotiable cutoff. While some unofficial community solutions exist to maintain modern software on unsupported systems, these options lack reliable security assurances. With Valve already having ceased support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 at the end of 2024, transitioning to current hardware or a modern operating system is essential for the secure and stable operation of Steam.
