You can still play your games if you run any of these operating systems for the time being.
It has been officially announced that Valve will no longer provide support for previous versions of Windows for Steam. Beginning on January 1, 2024, users of Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 will no longer be eligible to receive updates for Steam that are intended to enhance the client’s functionality or security. Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the only versions that will be supported.
On New Year’s Day, Valve made the announcement about the change in a post that was published on Steam Support. The business claims that critical Steam functions are dependent on an integrated version of Google Chrome, which is not compatible with earlier versions of Windows. Additionally, upcoming editions of Steam will include specific security options that are only available on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Because to this, even the most obstinate users of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will have a less-than-desirable experience when using Steam. This is especially true now that Valve has stopped providing technical assistance for those older editions of Windows.
In the event that you are unable to update the operating system on your personal computer, there is no need to worry: Valve has stated that it is anticipated that your Steam library would continue to function “for some time” without the upgrades that are readily available on Windows 10 and 11. On the other hand, the games that you have accumulated might not be available for a very long time. According to Valve, “users should update to a more recent version of Windows in order to ensure continued operation of Steam and any games or other products purchased through Steam.” Valve also makes the statement that it is “unable to guarantee continued functionality” after January 1. All users of Windows 7/8/8.1 are highly encouraged to update as soon as possible rather than waiting till later.
Valve contends that changing the operating system on your personal computer is beneficial to more than just your Steam experience. Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 over the course of the past few years, with the earliest version losing even its extended security support option. The company Valve warns that using any of these operating systems exposes your personal computer to security risks that could otherwise be avoided. These risks have the potential to disrupt your gaming experience as well as pretty much anything else you do on your computer.
After Microsoft addressed that loophole in September, upgrading to Windows 10 is no longer free of charge. To put this into perspective, the cost of updating the operating system on your own computer can range anywhere from $139 to $199, depending on whether you want a “home” or “pro” license. It’s not exactly a nice experience to have to pay so much just to keep access to your own games library, but in the world of digital media, there aren’t many other options available.