Steam Is Ending Support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 in January 2024: Details
Steam, the popular digital distribution platform for video games, has announced that it will end support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 operating systems from January 1, 2024. This decision has been made due to the fact that Microsoft ended mainstream support for these operating systems back in 2015 and 2018, respectively, and as such, they are becoming increasingly outdated and insecure.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the details of this announcement and what it means for gamers who still use Windows 7, 8, and 8.1.
Why Is Steam Ending Support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1?
As mentioned earlier, the main reason for this decision is that Microsoft ended mainstream support for these operating systems several years ago. This means that they are no longer receiving security updates and patches, leaving them vulnerable to security threats and exploits.
In addition, supporting older operating systems can be a drain on resources for companies like Steam, as it requires them to maintain compatibility with multiple versions of Windows. By ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, Steam can focus on providing the best possible experience for users on newer operating systems, such as Windows 10.
What Does This Mean for Gamers on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1?
If you’re a gamer who is still using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you will still be able to use Steam until January 1, 2024. After this date, however, you will no longer be able to access Steam or any of its features, including the Steam store, your library of games, and community features.
It’s worth noting that this change only affects the Steam client itself. If you have games installed on your computer, they will still be playable after January 1, 2024, as long as they don’t require the Steam client to run. However, you will no longer be able to download new games or updates for existing games through Steam.
What Should Gamers Do if They’re Still Using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1?
If you’re still using one of these older operating systems, it’s recommended that you upgrade to a newer version of Windows before January 1, 2024. Windows 10 is the most recent version of Windows and is currently supported by Steam, so it’s a good choice if you want to continue using the platform.
To upgrade to Windows 10, you’ll need to purchase a license from Microsoft and then follow the instructions for installation. It’s important to note that upgrading your operating system can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with certain games or software, so it’s a good idea to check with the developers of any games you play regularly to ensure that they will still work on Windows 10.
Conclusion
In summary, Steam is ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 operating systems from January 1, 2024, due to the fact that they are becoming outdated and insecure. Gamers who are still using these operating systems will no longer be able to access Steam after this date, and it’s recommended that they upgrade to a newer version of Windows, such as Windows 10, in order to continue using the platform.
While this change may be inconvenient for some users, it’s ultimately a necessary step to ensure the security and stability of the platform. By focusing on newer operating systems, Steam can provide the best possible experience for its users and ensure that it remains a reliable impact on gamers and game developers
The end of support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will have a significant impact on both gamers and game developers. For gamers, it means that they will need to upgrade their operating system if they want to continue using Steam after January 1, 2024. This could be a costly and time-consuming process, especially for gamers who have a large library of games and want to ensure that they are all compatible with the new operating system.
For game developers, the end of support for these operating systems means that they will need to focus their efforts on developing games for newer operating systems, such as Windows 10. This could lead to a decrease in the availability of games for older operating systems, as developers may not see it as worthwhile to continue supporting them.
However, it’s worth noting that most game developers have already shifted their focus to newer operating systems, and the majority of new games released in recent years are designed to run on Windows 10. As such, the impact of this change may not be as significant as some gamers and developers fear.
Alternatives to Steam
While Steam is one of the most popular digital distribution platforms for video games, it’s not the only one. There are several alternatives to Steam that gamers can use if they don’t want to upgrade their operating system.
One of the most popular alternatives is GOG.com, which is owned by CD Projekt, the developer behind the popular game series, The Witcher. GOG.com offers a similar range of games to Steam, as well as a DRM-free option for many titles.
Another alternative is the Epic Games Store, which has gained popularity in recent years due to its exclusive game titles and free game giveaways. The Epic Games Store is also supported on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, making it a good option for gamers who don’t want to upgrade their operating system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the end of support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 by Steam is a necessary step to ensure the security and stability of the platform. While it may be inconvenient for some users, there are alternatives available for those who don’t want to upgrade their operating system.
Ultimately, the shift towards newer operating systems is inevitable, and game developers and distributors must adapt to ensure that their products remain accessible and compatible with the latest technology. As such, it’s important for gamers and developers alike to stay informed about these changes and to prepare accordingly to ensure a seamless transition.