In an era where technology is constantly evolving, software and platforms must adapt and stay up to date. Valve, the company behind the popular gaming platform Steam, has announced its decision to discontinue support for older Windows versions starting January 1st, 2024.
This change affects users still running Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 and may prompt them to upgrade their systems to maintain access to Steam’s gaming features.
Steam to End Support for Older Windows Versions
Valve’s Announcement
Valve has announced that beginning January 1st, 2024, its Steam gaming platform will no longer support Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1. The decision is due to the integration of Google’s Chrome browser in Steam’s latest features, which ceased supporting these operating systems in February.
Valve also stated that upcoming Steam versions for Windows will require OS updates exclusive to Windows 10 and later releases.
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Minimal Impact on Steam Users
According to Valve’s recent survey, only about 1.9% of Steam users are on the affected Windows versions. However, this still represents a considerable number of people who may need to upgrade their OS or purchase a new PC with a supported platform.
Challenges for Retro Gamers and Work Compatibility
The withdrawal of support could create difficulties for those who rely on older Windows versions for work or retro gaming systems.
Other Companies Phasing Out Support
There has been a growing trend of companies discontinuing support for older Windows versions. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020 and Windows 8.1 at the start of 2023.
Similarly, Epic Games no longer supports these platforms for running Fortnite. The change in Steam’s compatibility could be the final push for users to upgrade their systems.
If you’re considering alternative gaming platforms due to Steam’s discontinuation of support for older Windows versions, you might be interested in how Nintendo is boosting its Switch Online gaming experience with new additions to Game Boy, SNES, and NES services.
“Incoming versions of Steam for Windows will also require OS updates that are only available in Windows 10 and newer releases.”
Valve’s official statement
Conclusion
The decision by Valve to end support for older Windows versions on Steam highlights the importance of staying current with technology updates. As more companies phase out support for outdated operating systems, users must adapt to ensure compatibility, security, and access to the latest features.
By upgrading their OS or investing in new hardware, Steam users can continue to enjoy their gaming experience while staying up to date with modern technological advancements.
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