Steam Ditches Support for 32-bit Windows Versions in a Year Ahead: Citing Incompatibility with Main Client Features, a Miniscule 0.01% of Users Actually Utilized It
Headline: Steam to Stop Supporting 32-bit Versions of Windows from January 2026
Subhead: A shift towards 64-bit systems as Windows 11 and the majority of users move in that direction
Windows 11, which exclusively supports 64-bit systems, currently holds more than 60% of the operating system (OS) market share, according to Steam's August 2025 Hardware Survey. This shift towards 64-bit systems is mirrored in the gaming world, with the majority of Steam users (65%) currently using 64-bit versions of Windows.
Valve, the developer of the Steam platform, has announced that starting from January 1, 2026, Steam will stop supporting 32-bit versions of Windows, specifically Windows 10 32-bit. This decision is due to the very low usage among Steam's users, with just 0.01% still using the outdated version.
The Steam client will continue to operate for a while after January 1, 2026, but it will no longer be compatible with 32-bit versions of Windows 10. This move by Valve aligns with Microsoft's plans for Windows 10, as the tech giant is set to end its own support for the 32-bit version next month.
Steam itself is a 32-bit application, but its lightweight nature means it doesn't need to be updated to a 64-bit instruction set. However, continued support for 32-bit Windows is deemed unfeasible due to incompatibility with the required drivers and libraries for the Steam client.
Gamers are advised to upgrade to 64-bit Windows to continue receiving updates and support. While a lot of games on Steam are also 32-bit, their continued operation won't be affected by the sunsetting of 32-bit Windows support.
Valve has stated that 32-bit Windows is no longer compatible with the drivers and libraries required for the core features of the Steam client. Every modern computer is 64-bit, with compatibility layers to support older 32-bit apps. As such, the phase-out of support for 32-bit operating systems by Valve is a natural progression.
The Steam client will stop receiving security updates starting January 1, 2026. While the client will continue to operate for a while after this date, users are encouraged to upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows to ensure their continued access to updates, support, and the best possible gaming experience on Steam.
