Steam bows out for good: no more updates on Windows 7 and 8, it's the end of an era

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IN BRIEF

🛑 Steam no longer works on systems Windows 7 et 8marking the end of an era for these users.
🔄 Valve's decision is motivated by the inability to update essential components like Google Chrome.
📉 Alone 0,28% of Steam users remain on Windows 7, with no users on Windows 8.
🆕 Users should consider upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 to continue using Steam without restrictions.

The world of PC video games is experiencing a major turning point. Steam, the famous game distribution platform, will no longer work on Windows 7 and 8. This decision marks the end of an era for many users still attached to these old operating systems. A change that could well push the last diehards towards an inevitable upgrade.

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The end of an era for Windows 7 and 8

In November, Valve rolled out an update to the Steam client that no longer runs on Windows 7 and 8 systems. This announcement follows last January's statement, where Valve planned to cease support for these outdated operating systems .

Microsoft had already turned the page on these versions, leaving users to their fate. Now, it's Steam's turn to bow out, forcing a final farewell to these aging OSes.

A necessary measure

Valve's decision is not without reason. Technological evolution and modern software requirements have made integrating these legacy systems difficult. The built-in version of Google Chrome, necessary for many Steam features, no longer supports these versions of Windows.

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This inability to update essential components of the Steam client precipitated the choice of Valve. Affected users will therefore have to consider alternatives to continue enjoying their favorite games.

Limited impact on users

According to the latest Steam statistics, only 0.28% of users continue to use Windows 7. For Windows 8, the figure is even lower, with no users recorded in recent surveys.

This limited impact clearly shows that the majority of players have already migrated to newer systems. However, for the few remaining users, this change marks the end of an era.

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Alternatives for the diehards

For those who persist in using these systems, there are solutions. Migrating to a newer operating system like Windows 10 or 11 is an obvious option. These versions offer full compatibility with Steam and the latest technologies.

For those reluctant to abandon Windows 7 or 8, there remains the possibility of playing games offline that do not require updating the Steam client. However, this alternative remains limited and impractical in the long term.

A question of evolution

The removal of Steam from Windows 7 and 8 raises a fundamental question: how long can users ignore technological developments? Software compatibility with older systems is becoming increasingly rare, making the transition inevitable.

Faced with this reality, users must ask themselves if they are willing to sacrifice access to the latest innovations to maintain outdated habits. What will be the next step for those who still resist this development?

Operating system	Percentage of users
Windows 7	0,28%
Windows 8	0,00%

Ultimately, this change for Steam highlights the constant need for adaptation in the digital world. Users will need to answer this question: are they ready to evolve with the times or are they at risk of falling behind?