Valve, the popular gaming platform, recently announced that it has officially stopped providing support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. This decision implies that users on these older versions of Microsoft’s operating system will eventually lose the ability to access Steam. In a post on the Steam support site, Valve stated that while the Steam client and games on these older operating systems may still run for some time without updates until January 1st, 2024, the company cannot guarantee continued functionality beyond that date.
Windows 7, released in 2009, gained substantial popularity and continued to be widely used even after the launch of Windows 8. This longevity is impressive considering the fast-paced nature of the software industry. To give you some perspective, in 2003, when Steam was introduced, maintaining the same level of backward compatibility would have required support for Windows 2.1. Although Windows has evolved significantly since then, it is worth acknowledging the remarkable journey Windows 7 has had.
Valve’s decision to withdraw support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 comes after Microsoft’s own termination of extended support for the enterprise version of Windows 7 in January 2023 (regular editions ended in 2020). Ironically, Steam has outlasted Microsoft’s support for the operating system, demonstrating the robustness and longevity of the gaming platform.
Valve explained that the shift is necessary due to the reliance of core features in Steam on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer functions on older versions of Windows. As a result, future Steam updates will require security updates specific to Windows 10/11. Valve strongly encourages users of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 to update to the latest versions of Windows. Failure to do so leaves these computers vulnerable to new malware and other exploits, which will no longer be patched. This malware could negatively impact the performance of PCs, Steam, and games, and even lead to the theft of Steam account credentials or other services.
While Valve’s decision affects a small portion of the overall Steam userbase, it still has implications for those who have not yet upgraded their operating systems. According to the December 2023 hardware survey, a mere 0.15% of Steam users are currently on Windows 8.1, and only 0.06% continue to use Windows 7. Nevertheless, considering the massive user count of 132 million monthly active users back in 2021, there are potentially hundreds of thousands of gamers who are still operating on outdated Windows machines.
Valve’s ending of support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 marks a significant turning point for gamers who have not yet made the switch to newer versions of Windows. While it is a testament to the endurance of Windows 7, it is crucial for users to understand the potential risks associated with using these outdated operating systems. Upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 ensures continued access and support for Steam, as well as improved security against malware and other vulnerabilities. As technology advances, it is essential for gamers to stay up to date and embrace the latest software updates for a seamless and secure gaming experience.
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