In a significant shift for gamers, Valve has officially announced that its latest Steam client update, released on November 5, 2024, will no longer support Windows 7 or Windows 8. This marks a pivotal moment for users still clinging to these older operating systems, as Microsoft itself ceased support for them nearly two years prior.
Transitioning Away from Legacy Systems
The documentation accompanying the update clearly states, “This version of the Steam client will no longer run on Windows 7 or Windows 8.” Users operating on these platforms will not receive automatic updates to the new client, effectively locking them out of future enhancements and features.
Valve’s decision stems from the necessity of an embedded version of Google Chrome that is integral to the core functions of the Steam client. Unfortunately, this version does not support older Windows systems, prompting the company to take this decisive step.
According to the latest Steam hardware survey from October, a mere 0.28% of users remain on Windows 7, while Windows 8 has been reported as having no active users at all. This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the declining relevance of Windows 8, which has long been criticized for its touchscreen-centric design. Interestingly, the Windows 7 figure is somewhat surprising, as it surpasses the combined percentage of both Windows 7 and 8 users reported in December 2023.
For those still gaming on Windows 7 in 2024, particularly if Steam was installed within the last year, there is an invitation to share your experience. Your situation is certainly intriguing. And for those who may still be using Windows 8, it might be time to consider upgrading that trusty college laptop; after all, you’ve certainly made the most of your investment.
