Steam ends support for Windows 7 and 8

Steam ends support for windows 7 and 8
Image source: store.steampowered.com

If you’re using Steam on an older Windows version, it’s time to upgrade to Windows 10.

Steam ends support for Windows 7 and 8

Steam is putting an end to the support for Windows 7 and 8, forcing anyone still using older versions to upgrade in order to access their games. This is despite a huge range of older games refusing to operate on anything beyond Windows 7, with many remaining tied to the Games for Windows Live.

When is this happening?

Publishers of video games will have plenty of time to save their older titles because the changes won’t take effect until January 1, 2024. However, people are worried that the respective titles will be forgotten, as they might be struggling to run on modern systems.

This was posted on Steam’s official page, stating the following:

“As of January 1 2024, Steam will officially stop supporting the Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. After that date, the Steam Client will no longer run on those versions of Windows. In order to continue running Steam and any games or other products purchased through Steam, users will need to update to a more recent version of Windows.
The newest features in Steam rely on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer functions on older versions of Windows. In addition, future versions of Steam will require Windows feature and security updates only present in Windows 10 and above.”

Steam ends support for windows 7 and 8
Image source: store.steampowered.com

As Steam ends support for windows 7 and 8 there are a few options for the ones affected, and the most recommended one would be to simply upgrade to Windows 10. If not, you can still access your library on the Steam Deck.