Do you still play Steam games on Windows 7 and 8? Valve has just announced that it will be dropping support for both operating systems next year. The move means you’ll have to upgrade to Windows 11 or 10, but it could be an opportunity for PC gamers to try out Linux and SteamOS.
Valve Steam news reminds us that even the best gaming PC can’t keep legacy software alive forever. Windows 7 and 8 are already with Internet Explorer on the big hard drive in the sky, and there’s reason to believe that Windows 10 will soon bite the dust. However, the event means you’ll have to install Windows 11 or find another operating system, and you only have the rest of the year to find out.
When will Steam support for Windows 7 and 8 end?
In a statement, Valve says that Steam support for Windows 7 and 8 will end on January 1, 2024. The retail giant partly blames Google Chrome, as it says the new features require a built-in version of the browser that “works longer on older versions of Windows.” Of course, the underlying effect is due to the lack of security updates and features that are now only present in Windows 10 and above.
Naturally, most long-time users of the Microsoft operating system will probably upgrade to Windows 11 or 10, but the latter is arguably also on borrowed time. That being said, 62.33% of Steam users are still playing the 2015 operating system, so anyone who opposes the update is probably safe for now.
If you’re looking for a fresh start, you can turn your desktop platform into something that surpasses the eventual Steam Deck 2 by installing SteamOS. Linux fans will say it has better driver support and better VRAM usage, but Microsoft counters that with Windows 11 features like autoHDR and its speedy DirectStorage API.
Of course, the lack of compatibility with Windows 7 and 8 means that all Steam games will technically require a newer operating system to run. This could have big implications in terms of recommended PC specs for older versions, as the system requirements for CSGO include the older operating system.
So if you have a rickety rig that you’re using to play a specific old game, you’ll want to change your operating system sooner rather than later. You can even install the best gaming SSD while you’re at it and breathe new life into it, but we understand why you might want to keep your old time capsule PC.