Valve to Remove Steam Client Support on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1

Last Updated on June 3, 2023

Valve’s Steam Client will no longer run on older versions of Windows from January 2024.

The main reason for this is an incompatibility with Google Chrome on older versions of Windows. Chrome is required for several new features in Steam, the introduction of which has necessitated this decision.

Here is the full announcement, as published on Steam Support:

Windows 7 and Windows 8 Support

As of January 1 2024, Steam will officially stop supporting the Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. After that date, the Steam Client will no longer run on those versions of Windows. In order to continue running Steam and any games or other products purchased through Steam, users will need to update to a more recent version of Windows.

The newest features in Steam rely on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer functions on older versions of Windows. In addition, future versions of Steam will require Windows feature and security updates only present in Windows 10 and above.
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Now, if you’re still using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, it’s presumably because Windows 10 won’t run on your computer, or because there is software – perhaps a game – that won’t run on later versions. If none of those explanations apply, you should upgrade to a later Windows version.

Given that Windows 7 was released in 2009 and Windows 8 in 2012, they both qualify as retro operating systems. They no doubt have games that won’t run on more recent Windows versions, and many of those titles may be hosted on your PC via a Steam download. Your solution for continued use of Steam is to upgrade; if you just need the games, it might be time to crack open those DVD cases…