Steam has confirmed that it will end support for Windows 32-bit operating systems starting January 1, 2026. This decision affects the small portion of players still running Windows 10 in its 32-bit configuration, which, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey from August 2025, accounts for only 0.01 percent of active systems. Windows 10 64-bit and other 64-bit platforms will continue to be supported, ensuring stability for the vast majority of users.
Once the change takes effect, the Steam client on Windows 10 32-bit will remain functional for a limited period but will stop receiving updates, including important security fixes. Valve has also stated that Steam Support will no longer provide technical assistance for issues on unsupported systems. While 32-bit games will still run, the company cautioned that core features of the client rely on drivers and system libraries that are no longer compatible with the 32-bit architecture.
Valve’s guidance to players is straightforward: upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows to maintain access to updates and security patches. The move aligns with broader industry trends, as hardware and software developers increasingly move away from legacy support to optimize performance and resources.
The August 2025 Steam Hardware Survey highlights the reality behind this decision. Windows 11 64-bit currently holds the largest share with 60.39 percent, followed by Windows 10 64-bit at 35.08 percent. In contrast, older operating systems such as Windows 7 64-bit remain at just 0.07 percent. With such a negligible share of 32-bit users left, Valve’s move comes as a natural progression.
Although this change may inconvenience a very small subset of players, it reflects the platform’s commitment to evolving alongside modern technologies. For most users, the transition should be seamless, but for those clinging to outdated systems, the countdown to January 2026 has already begun.
