For those who have remained loyal to Windows 7 and 8 while indulging in their favorite Steam games, it may be time to consider an upgrade. The evolution of software inevitably leads to the retirement of older operating systems, a reality that both Microsoft and Apple have embraced. As technology advances, companies prefer to focus their resources on systems that are widely adopted, leaving behind those that have fallen out of favor.
Valve, the company behind Steam, has been a key player in the gaming industry since the days of Windows XP. In January, Valve made a significant announcement: official support for Windows 7 and 8 had come to an end. This decision means that users on these platforms will no longer receive technical assistance for any issues they encounter while using Steam.
Transitioning to Newer Platforms
Fast forward to now, and a recent update has confirmed that users on Windows 7 and 8 will be unable to download the latest version of the Steam client. The update post clearly states, “This version of the Steam client will no longer run on Windows 7 or Windows 8.” Consequently, those operating on these older systems will not automatically receive updates to the new client.
While there are valid reasons for sticking with Windows 7 or 8—such as the high cost of new computers—data from October’s Steam hardware survey reveals that only 0.29% of users are still on Windows 7. Even more striking is the finding that no users reported utilizing Windows 8, a testament to its poor reception among consumers.
It may seem surprising that Valve took this long to discontinue support for these older operating systems, especially as the gaming community increasingly transitions to Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest offering. However, the pace of change in technology can often be unpredictable, and companies must weigh their decisions carefully.
