The valve has announced that its steam digital distribution service will leave support for 32-bit versions of Windows starting from January 2026.
Two years ago, in January 2024, Steam also dropped support for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, recommended to users to upgrade to a new operating system.
Although Steam will soon stop walking on the Windows 10 32-bit (only 32-bit Windows version still supported), it will continue to support Windows 10 64-bit, and 32-bit games will be playable.
While the number of affected users is likely to be minimal, given that the latest steam hardware survey indicates that only 0.01% gamers are using a 32-bit operating system, the valve has still urged gamers to update the 64-bit version of Windows as soon as possible to maintain compatibility and get updates.
“By January 1, 2026, Steam will stop the system running 32-bit versions of Windows. Windows 10 is only 32-bit version that is currently supported by steam and only in use on the 0.01% system reported through Steam Hardware Survey,” the company said. Said This week. “The existing steam client installation Windows 10 will continue to work for a close period at 32-bit, but will no longer receive any type of update including security updates.”
“This change is required as the main features in the steam, depending on the system drivers and other libraries, which are not supported on 32-bit versions of Windows. The future versions of the steam will only run on 64-bit versions of Windows. We encourage all 32-bit Windows users to update sooner instead.”
Microsoft reminded customers earlier this month that all versions of Windows 10 would also reach the end of their support in 30 days on 14 October, and advise them to upgrade the eligible systems to Windows 11 or migrate to the cloud with Windows 365.
Those who cannot upgrade due to incompatible hardware can delay to switch to Windows 11 Extended Safety Update (ESU) enrollment in the programWhich is $ 30 for home users and $ 61 per device per year for enterprise customers. This ESU program is also available for free to home users who want to enable Windows backup to sink their data on clouds or use Microsoft Rewards points.
Stimolically August 2025 Hardware & Software Survey60.39% of gamers use Windows 11, while only 35.08% use Windows 10.
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