Steam, one of the most popular gaming platforms for PC, has recently announced that it will no longer support Windows 7 and 8 starting from January 1, 2024. This decision has come as a blow to many gamers who still rely on these outdated operating systems. While some PC gamers may be hesitant to upgrade their operating systems, it’s important to note that continuing to use unsupported operating systems can leave them vulnerable to security risks.
Valve, the company behind Steam, has stated that this change is necessary to ensure that Steam’s core features, which use Google Chrome, can run on the platform. Since Chrome is no longer supported on older operating systems like Windows 7, Valve has no choice but to discontinue support for these systems. This means that after January 1, 2024, users of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will no longer be able to access Steam’s services.
The decision by Valve to discontinue support for Windows 7 and 8 is not entirely unexpected, as Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in 2020 and Windows 8.1 in 2018. Continuing to use these operating systems can lead to issues like system instability, data loss, and security breaches. Upgrading to a newer operating system like Windows 10 is not only necessary to continue using Steam but also to ensure the overall security and stability of your computer.
For those who still use Windows 7 or 8, upgrading to Windows 10 may seem like a daunting task. However, there are many resources available online to help with the process, and upgrading can bring many benefits beyond just being able to continue using Steam. Windows 10 offers improved security features, better performance, and access to new features like the Microsoft Store and DirectX 12.
In conclusion, if you are a PC gamer who still uses Windows 7 or 8, it’s time to start considering upgrading your operating system to ensure that you can continue to use Steam and protect your computer from security risks. Valve’s decision to discontinue support for these older operating systems is just another reminder that using outdated software can have serious consequences. So, take the necessary steps to upgrade your operating system and continue enjoying all that Steam has to offer.
