If you’re still using Windows 7 or 8 for gaming, with Steam being your primary platform, it’s high time to consider making the upgrade.
Software programs today inherently terminate in a definitive outcome. As a double-edged truth, it’s no surprise that companies like Microsoft and Apple refrain from investing in outdated technologies that few people utilize anymore. Builders of software programs, including stalwarts like Valve, have been grappling with similar issues for several years now, alongside giants like Valve, which has been delivering video games via Steam since the Windows XP era. Valve announced in January that official support for Windows 7 and 8 had officially ceased, a move that meant Steam Help would no longer provide technical assistance for issues users encountered on these operating systems.
As reported by PC Gamer, the long-awaited Steam update has finally arrived, but it comes with a caveat: users running Windows 7 or 8 will no longer be able to access it. “This model of the Steam client will not operate on Windows 7 or Windows 8,” the replacement post states. Customers using older operating system variations won’t automatically upgrade to the new Steam Client model; instead, they’ll continue utilizing their existing platforms. There are valid reasons why someone might still be using Windows 7 or 8 – computers can be a significant investment, and not everyone can afford to upgrade at all. However, it’s a sensible solution, as October’s Steam hardware survey revealed that only 0.29% of customers remain on Windows 7.
While the report reveals a surprising finding – namely, that nobody appears to be using Windows 8 in any capacity – it’s actually a blessing in disguise since Windows 8 was widely panned for its numerous shortcomings. As it becomes increasingly evident that a growing number of users are migrating to Windows 11, Valve’s belated decision to conclude support for its products is surprising, considering the timeframe involved; nonetheless, such undertakings often necessitate careful consideration and planning, which may explain the delay.