Valve's Steam to drop support for Windows 10 (32-bit)

Valve has announced that the Steam client will no longer support 32-bit builds of Windows 10 after January 1, 2026. While the platform may continue to launch for a time, users on legacy 32-bit systems will stop receiving updates, including new features, bug fixes, and security patches.

This shift doesn’t mean 32-bit games will stop working, but it does leave players running older systems vulnerable to issues with no official support. Valve also confirmed that technical assistance will not be offered for affected devices once the deadline passes.

The decision reflects a broader industry move away from 32-bit operating systems. According to Steam’s own hardware survey, 32-bit Windows accounts for only a tiny fraction of its user base. The vast majority of gamers have already transitioned to 64-bit systems, which can handle modern hardware, larger memory pools, and more demanding games.

For the small group still running 32-bit Windows, Valve recommends upgrading to a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or 11 to maintain access to Steam updates and features. Without the switch, players may face security risks and potential compatibility issues down the line.

By 2026, Steam will be fully aligned with the 64-bit ecosystem, a long-expected move that underscores the end of an era for legacy Windows support in mainstream PC gaming which may have started with Valve leaving Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users out in the cold in 2024.