With the anticipated release of Windows 12, Microsoft’s Windows 11 will no longer be the latest operating system and older versions will become obsolete. In alignment with this trend, Steam, the world’s largest online game store, announced in March 2023 that it would cease support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, effective January 1, 2024. Users are urged to transition to Windows 10, Windows 11, or the forthcoming Windows 12.
As the deadline approaches, with less than 15 days remaining, Steam’s November 2023 Hardware and Software Survey revealed that only 1% of its users still operate on older Windows versions. While this may seem insignificant at first glance, considering Steam’s estimated total user base of 1.2 billion, this 1% represents approximately 12 million people.
The urgency for users to upgrade is emphasized, especially for gamers, as certain games, like PUBG: Battlegrounds, have already announced incompatibility with older Windows versions. The move by Steam aligns with a broader industry trend, where companies are discontinuing support for legacy Windows systems. Despite potential reasons for clinging to older versions, such as nostalgia or financial constraints, users are advised to upgrade promptly to ensure continued access to their favorite games and avoid disruptions in the evolving landscape of operating system compatibility.
