The Steam platform will stop running on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 in 250 days! Valve announced that this was due to Chrome integration and security risks.
Introduction
Shocking news for the gaming community as Steam announced that it would stop running on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 operating systems. The notification appears on the Steam application in red color, and it’s hard to miss.
This plan will take effect in 250 days from now or as of January 1, 2024.
Why will Steam Client stop running on my PC?
Apparently, the Steam Client relies on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer functions on older Windows versions. Additionally, future versions will only work on Windows 10 and above, which have essential security features and updates.
Additionally, Steam Support suggests that although the support for these operating systems will end in 2024, it is recommended that users update to a newer version of Windows as soon as possible. This is because Microsoft has already ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020 and for Windows 8.1 in January 2023. Without these security updates, computers running these operating systems are vulnerable to malware and other exploits that can harm the PC, cause Steam and games to function poorly or crash, and even steal credentials for Steam and other services.
What can I do to prevent that?
For the time being, you should relax and enjoy your gaming sessions. There is plenty of time for you to think about it and upgrade your system. Your games won’t go anywhere either. All of them will be in your Steam Library.
Truth be told, there are still machines out there that are unable to run Windows 10 or 11, and this would make it for them impossible to enjoy the Steam platform after January 2024. If that relates to you, then you should consider upgrading the components that hinder you from installing the newer Windows operating systems.
But what if that is too costly for you? Then keep in mind that you can save each month some money until then, or start looking for a used computer that is in good working condition.
Other reasons to consider upgrading your computer
Generally, software development is moving away from older Microsoft operating systems as they no longer receive any updates and pose security threats and bugs. So, this problem is not Steam exclusive.
Chrome browser and Google Drive have also stopped receiving updates on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 machines for the same reasons. Graphics drivers and games won’t be available either. Hence, it makes sense that at some point in the future, you will be forced to upgrade, or completely stop using your PC.
Was this shocking news to you or did you expect it to happen?
Please, let us know in the comments below.
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