News article overviewNintendo Switch games overviewPlayStation 5 games overviewAll games overviewRead our Reviews
cover image $news_headline

Upgrade Now: Steam Games on Windows 7 or 8 Are at Risk

Nov 24, 2024 12:02 PM

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.



Samira Khan avatar
Written by:

Samira Khan

Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.

Read more articles from: Samira Khan

Follow us

Login or register to join the conversation
Rolling R!ck Rolling R!ck commented on: 2024-11-24 12:24:03
It’s wild how quickly the gaming landscape shifts, and Valve’s decision to end support for Windows 7 and 8 underlines the importance of keeping our systems up to date. Looks like it’s time for those holdouts to finally embrace the future and upgrade their OS if they want to keep enjoying the latest games and features
Sephiroth Sephiroth commented on: 2024-11-24 12:18:03
It's about time, right With the gaming world evolving so fast, sticking to outdated systems just holds you back from all the cool new features and games waiting out there
N3rdo N3rdo commented on: 2024-11-24 12:12:03
It’s about time for gamers on Windows 7 and 8 to level up their OS game; being stuck on outdated systems is like trying to play the latest titles on a potato. As the industry moves forward, clinging to the past just leaves you out of the loop on all the exciting updates and features that come with modern systems
See the complete videogame news list