Gamers who are still using Windows 7 or 8 for Steam may need to consider upgrading their operating system. Valve has officially ended support for these older Windows versions, making it impossible for users to download the latest Steam updates. This change follows a trend where most users have migrated to newer systems, with the latest hardware survey reporting only a minuscule percentage of users still on Windows 7 and none on Windows 8. The decision reflects a wider industry shift towards supporting more modern operating systems, such as Windows 11, as companies discontinue support for outdated platforms.

What happens if I continue to use Steam on Windows 7 or 8?

If you continue to use Steam on Windows 7 or 8, you will be unable to download the latest Steam client updates. Additionally, Valve will not provide technical support for issues that arise on these operating systems, which could lead to compatibility and stability problems with new games and updates.

Windows 7 was first released in 2009 and quickly gained a reputation for its user-friendly interface and stability, making it a favorite among gamers. Windows 8, launched in 2012, faced widespread criticism for its dramatic design changes and functionality, leading to most users jumping ship once Windows 10 became available. As of now, transitioning to Windows 10 or 11 will ensure that gamers can enjoy future updates and enhancements from Steam alongside performance improvements from Microsoft.