[Discussion] Steam Ends Support for Windows 7 & 8: Time to Upgrade or Adapt

[Uncrowned Guard]

End of Support: Steam to Phase Out Windows 7 and 8

There's a significant shift in the wind for gamers holding on to older versions of Windows. Valve, the creator of the popular Steam gaming platform, recently announced its decision to end compatibility for Windows 7 and 8 with the recent roll-out of its updated Steam client. Impacted users must now upgrade to a newer version of Windows, or resort to operating systems like Linux or Mac to maintain their gaming activities.

Moving with the Times: The Steam Client Update

This move shouldn't cause too much surprise, as it echoes the broader industry trend. The Steam Client Update, as reported by PCGamesN, explicitly stated, "This version of the Steam client will no longer run on Windows 7 or Windows 8. Users on these OS versions will not automatically update to this new version of the Steam Client." It's a clear message to gamers: It's time to update or adapt.

End of an Era: The Shift Away from Windows 7 and 8

Microsoft has discontinued support for these operating systems for some time. Windows 7 reached its end-of-life in January 2020, with Windows 8 following suit in January 2023. Steam stayed committed to these platforms until January 1, 2024, releasing updates and offering non-technical support. However, with the latest update rolled out on November 5, the use of the Steam platform on Windows 7 and 8 will be severely restricted. Gaming can continue without upgrading Steam, although how long this workaround will last is uncertain.

Old Habits Die Hard: The Loyal Windows 7 Userbase

Despite being more than a decade old, Windows 7 still boasts a small but loyal user base. As per the October 2024 Steam Survey, 0.28% of Steam users, approximately 350,000 out of 132 million active users, continue to use Windows 7. Resistance against the shift to Windows 10 or 11 can circumvent the update by switching to Linux, SteamOS, or a Mac.

Alternatives on the Horizon: Linux, macOS, and SteamOS

Steam's latest Client is compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina and newer versions. Apple generally supports updates for several years, so any Mac device from 2013 or later should be sufficient. As an alternate route, users could install a Linux version, ideally based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or newer, on their old Windows 7 or Windows 8 PC. Linux also provides an easy and free upgrade process to their new OS versions.

The Final Curtain: The Iconic Windows 7

There’s no denying the impact of the robust and reliable Windows 7, which has retained a strong user base. However, the current digital climate demands adaptability and the end of Steam support for Windows 7 is a bold reflection of that fact. Moreover, given the known security vulnerabilities of Windows 7, discontinuation isn't just a firm nudge for upgrades, but also a necessary step towards safer internet usage.

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