The big talking point of Steam’s November 5 update was the newly added Game Recording feature. However, the update also ended support for Windows 7 and 8 as well as support for macOS 10.13 and 10.14. Valve gave the reasons for this decision.
“This change is required as core features in Steam rely on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer functions on older versions of Windows,” Valve explained. “In addition, future versions of Steam will require Windows features and security updates only present in Windows 10 and above.”
ALSO READ: Hundreds Of Bethesda Employees Down Tools Due To Remote Work Policy
For those who have the newer version of Windows or macOS, Steam Client will automatically update but that will not be the case for those using older operating systems. Microsoft ended security updates and technical support for Windows 7 in January 2020 and did the same for Windows 8.1 in January 2023.
Microsoft ending the support also means that Valve will be unable to offer users technical support for issues on the older operating systems. They also mentioned that the situation means it can no longer “guarantee continued functionality” on unsupported operating system versions.
“Computers running these operating systems, when connected to the internet, are susceptible to new malware and other exploits which will not be patched,” Steam further explained the need for users of older operating systems to upgrade as soon as possible.
“That malware can cause your PC, Steam, and games to perform poorly or crash. That malware can also be used to steal the credentials for your Steam account or other services.”
It is hard to imagine that anyone will still be using Windows 7 and 8 in 2024. If you are one of those yet to update to newer OS, feel free to let us know in the comment box below why you are holding out. See the full changes that came with the November 5 update here.
