For millions of PC gamers, the new year has delivered a stark digital ultimatum. As of January 1st, 2024, Steam, the world’s most popular PC gaming platform, no longer supports Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. This means that the familiar Steam client – the gateway to thousands of games and communities – will no longer receive updates, bug fixes, or even security patches on these operating systems.
Steam will no longer supports legacy Windows Operating Systems
While the January 1st date marks the official end of support, Steam acknowledges that older installations might “continue running for some time” without immediate issues. However, the company unequivocally states they “cannot guarantee continued functionality” beyond that date. Essentially, you might still be able to access your beloved library for a while, but it’s a game of Russian roulette with an ever-increasing risk of crashes, bugs, and even security vulnerabilities.
Reason why Steam is discontinuing support for Windows 7 and 8/8.1
The driving force behind this drastic move lies in Steam’s core technology. Valve, Steam’s developer, explains that key features of Steam client rely on an embedded version of Google Chrome. Unfortunately, this specific Chrome variant doesn’t play nice with older Windows versions. To keep Steam chugging along smoothly and securely, embracing the advancements of Windows 10 and later becomes a necessity.
Security Concerns for Outdated PCs
Beyond mere functionality, the security implications are chilling. Microsoft ceased security updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 in 2020 and 2023, respectively. This essentially leaves these operating systems like unguarded fortresses against a constantly evolving landscape of malware and digital threats.
Steam’s withdrawal only amplifies this vulnerability, as unpatched vulnerabilities could potentially be exploited to steal Steam accounts or wreak havoc on vulnerable PCs.
The Upgrade Dilemma For Gamers on Older Systems
For many gamers, particularly those with older but cherished rigs, this news stings. Especially the ones who are running retro setup. Upgrading to a new Windows version means new hardware costs, learning a potentially unfamiliar interface, and possibly even compatibility headaches with beloved older games. It’s a choice between cherished digital spaces and embracing the unknown.
Thoughts: A Necessary Push, With a Glimmer of Hope for the Future
While the immediate pain of this decision is undeniable, it’s crucial to recognize the long-term benefits. For Steam, retiring these outdated systems allows them to focus on delivering a more stable, secure, and feature-rich experience for the majority of users. For gamers, the push towards a more modernized environment could pave the way for performance improvements, better security, and access to innovative features that simply wouldn’t be possible on Windows 7 and 8/8.1.
This end of an era certainly feels bittersweet. For now its a choice Between Nostalgia and Progress for thousands of Gamers. The nostalgia for simpler times clashes with the reality of progress. However, while saying goodbye to these legacy systems might be tough, remember: it’s not goodbye to your games, your communities, or your passion for gaming. It’s simply a step towards a more secure, vibrant, and exciting future for Steam and its millions of users.
As for those still clinging to the past, the choice is clear: upgrade or accept the gradual fading of a once-cherished gaming landscape. The decision, ultimately, rests in your hands and whether the familiar charm of your vintage PC outweighs the allure of a secure, modernized gaming future.
Official statement from Valve on their decision to drop support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1
As of January 1 2024, Steam will officially stop supporting the Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. After that date, existing Steam Client installations on these operating systems will no longer receive updates of any kind including security updates. Steam Support will be unable to offer users technical support for issues related to the old operating systems, and Steam will be unable to guarantee continued functionality of Steam on the unsupported operating system versions.
In order to ensure continued operation of Steam and any games or other products purchased through Steam, users should update to a more recent version of Windows. We expect the Steam client and games on these older operating systems to continue running for some time without updates after January 1st, 2024, but we are unable to guarantee continued functionality after that date.
This change is required as core 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.
We strongly encourage all Windows 7/8/8.1 users to update sooner rather than later. Microsoft ended security updates and technical support for Windows 7 in January 2020 and for Windows 8.1 in January 2023. Computers running these operating systems, when connected to the internet, are susceptible to new malware and other exploits which will not be patched. That malware can cause your PC, Steam and games to perform poorly or crash. That malware can also be used to steal the credentials for your Steam account or other services.
What are you thoughts about Steam no longer supporting legacy Windows OS 7 and 8. Let us know.