Tuesday, January 2nd 2024

Steam Ends Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 Support

As of January 1st, 2024, Steam has officially stopped supporting the Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 operating systems. After that date, existing Steam Client installations on these operating systems will no longer receive any updates, including critical security updates. Steam Support will be unable to offer technical assistance to users still on these older operating systems. Steam also cannot guarantee the continued functionality or security of the Steam client and games purchased through Steam on unsupported Windows versions. Users are strongly encouraged to update to a newer Windows 10 or 11 version to ensure Steam and its games continue functioning properly beyond the January 1st cutoff date.

This change is necessary because core Steam features rely on an embedded version of Google Chrome that no longer functions on older Windows. Future Steam versions will also require Windows features and security updates only present in Windows 10 and later. With Microsoft having ended security updates and technical support for Windows 7 in 2020 and Windows 8.1 in 2023, these older operating systems are increasingly vulnerable to new malware exploits when connected to the internet. This malware can negatively impact PC performance, cause Steam and games to crash, or be used to steal Steam account credentials. Updating to a supported Windows version is highly recommended for all Windows 7/8/8.1 users to continue securely running Steam.
Source: Steam FAQ
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89 Comments on Steam Ends Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 Support

#51
lexluthermiester
konyif it was indefinitely updated I would probably keep using it. I feel like Windows 7 was the most practical OS ever made.
THIS!! 1000X This! Right there with you good sir!
Posted on Reply
#52
A Computer Guy
ThrashZoneHi,
I've tried mint several times and have been underwhelmed every time.
I only have one game on steam so lol that's not enough to swap os's doubt batman could fix linux either :laugh:
Epic might be but still the rest of linux even mint is not cutting the mustard verses pita parts.
I was going to try Linux Mint with Steam last weekend but the install didn't recognize the x470 chipset on my ITX. So it was a fail. :-(
Will have to try a different distro I guess.
Posted on Reply
#53
xorbe
Win7 + FireFox + Netflix is also a no-go these days, and Chrome gives a warning. I've been moving everything to Win11. I enjoy Linux but I run Tumbleweed like an application using VirtualBox.
Posted on Reply
#54
lexluthermiester
A Computer GuyI was going to try Linux Mint with Steam last weekend but the install didn't recognize the x470 chipset on my ITX. So it was a fail. :-(
Will have to try a different distro I guess.
Mint should have support for the X470.
Posted on Reply
#55
Unregistered
SOAREVERSORLinux is really common if you work with servers and other high performance systems it's unavoidable to anyone with an IT job above basic helpdesk. Even there most basic helpdesk type jobs now put it as good to have, but are going to demand Mac OS experience along with Windows.

The world is also swimming as fast away from upgradable Windows/x86 and local software towards SOCs non Windows and cloud based stuff faster than a pool clears out with a floater in it so we all might as well get used to it.
Humans are creatures of habit. For some, a habit is to ingrained in them (like - using Windows or OSX) - so changing that habit is more challenging than hatting the change (hating/bashing Linux - in this case). Quite a lot of people - even struggle to maintain what they already use (Windows - for example) - while lacking an inclinations for this type of learning (tweaking their OS), while others are simply to old to be bothered with changes. And then there's fanaticism.

Last year, had to check a Laptop with Fedora Linux - which supposedly - became unusable all of a sudden. The thing is - the father doesn't understand English - and the kid (owner of the laptop) - didn't know what that warning meant - cause the OS was telling them what's wrong: Disk was Full (around 98%). Now... here's the catch: the dad bought him a laptop with Linux - cause his kid was failing at 3 classes while spending most of his time playing video games on his former desktop (which broke). Apparently - the the seller managed to convince him that a system with Linux is good just for school. Yet, the kid manage to fill it with games - to the point where the system couldn't function. Funny thing is - the kid is 11 year old - so was pretty sure the kid couldn't manage that (judging a book by its cover). So i asked him and to my surprise - he managed that with the help of google and YouTube - even had Lutris installed. So hey, kudos to the younger generations.
#56
R-T-B
ThrashZoneSorry but eol means different things to myself and frankly anyone else using an eol os
"valid secure"

And no that's not something you can really debate in several fields of compliance for business use. For a personal user it varies what they consider secure of course but I was speaking for all fields. I personally won't touch an OS that isn't getting security updates in the modern world. It's not because it can't be secured, it's because you are just adding holes to your security footprint you don't need.
Posted on Reply
#57
A Computer Guy
lexluthermiesterMint should have support for the X470.
It's either that or it had a problem with the 4750G but it was spitting out an error message about chipset unknown and refused to boot the USB stick in normal or safe mode.
Posted on Reply
#59
A Computer Guy
ThrashZoneHi,
Hell is this where you got the os
www.linuxmint.com/rel_victoria_cinnamon_whatsnew.php
Yes. Usually I use a utility in a Linux VM to make a bootable USB but I used Rufus in Windows this time. Maybe something went wrong using Rufus?
I know I've booted older Linux Mint before on my deceased Master SLI/ac X470 with a Ryzen 3800X so I was surprised it didn't work.
Posted on Reply
#61
lexluthermiester
A Computer GuyIt's either that or it had a problem with the 4750G but it was spitting out an error message about chipset unknown and refused to boot the USB stick in normal or safe mode.
I have never seen Mint do that. You might have had an issue with the install media. Perhaps a fresh start is needed. Go grab the latest ISO and use Rufus to write it to the USB drive of your choice.

linuxmint.com/download.php

rufus.ie/en/
Super Firm TofuWhen I have to create a boot USB from windows I'll use

pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/
That will work too!
Posted on Reply
#62
ThrashZone
A Computer GuyYes. Usually I use a utility in a Linux VM to make a bootable USB but I used Rufus in Windows this time. Maybe something went wrong using Rufus?
I know I've booted older Linux Mint before on my deceased Master SLI/ac X470 with a Ryzen 3800X so I was surprised it didn't work.
Hi,
yeah I use the pendrive linux app as tofu posted.
Posted on Reply
#63
chrcoluk
I do wonder if I never got my RTX 3080 (or any other PC upgrade after that) would I still be on Win 8.1. I had already decided to upgrade to 10 prior to getting the 3080 but just couldnt be bothered to do the OS upgrade, brought the 3080, it had no 8.1 drivers (had 7 oddly enough), which basically forced me to do the OS update there and then, originally to 1809 LTSC, but now on 21H2 LTSC (which I did prior to installing my 13700k).
Posted on Reply
#64
A Computer Guy
ThrashZoneHi,
yeah I use the pendrive linux app as tofu posted.
I figured it out. The chipset error had to do with Linux and my 4060LP card. I set the display in UEFI to my iGPU and it booted no problem.
Posted on Reply
#65
ThrashZone
A Computer GuyI figured it out. The chipset error had to do with Linux and my 4060LP card. I set the display in UEFI to my iGPU and it booted no problem.
Hi,
Nice detective work :cool:
Posted on Reply
#66
WonkoTheSaneUK
For fresh OS installs, I have Ventoy installed on a USB drive.
It's a bootable multi-distro installer, just add your chosen ISO files.
Posted on Reply
#67
notinuse
DavenThe best windows is always related to your age at the time. Whenever you were 18-24, thats the best version of windows for you.

For me, the best version of windows was Windows 95. I was 19 at the time. Lots of nostalgia effects user judgement of things.
MS Windows didn't exist when I was 18-24. :)
(I run linux)
Posted on Reply
#68
lexluthermiester
notinuseMS Windows didn't exist when I was 18-24. :)
(I run linux)
So you're retirement age then? Those were heady times!

BTW, a belated Welcome to TPU to you sir!
Posted on Reply
#69
notinuse
lexluthermiesterSo you're retirement age then? Those were heady times!
Yep, now I have more time at home to play with computers. My first access to a computer was using a Teletype model 33 ASR.
lexluthermiesterBTW, a belated Welcome to TPU to you sir!
Thank you sir!
Posted on Reply
#70
csendesmark
DavenThe best windows is always related to your age at the time. Whenever you were 18-24, thats the best version of windows for you.

For me, the best version of windows was Windows 95. I was 19 at the time. Lots of nostalgia effects user judgement of things.
Nah, I am being objective
using windows since 3.1 and it got progressively better, tho I skipped Me and Vista, since Win 7 - we getting crappy bloatware
Your opinion on win95 is super subjective, only a few would say w 95 is better than w98 or XP
Posted on Reply
#71
iameatingjam
DavenThe best windows is always related to your age at the time. Whenever you were 18-24, thats the best version of windows for you.

For me, the best version of windows was Windows 95. I was 19 at the time. Lots of nostalgia effects user judgement of things.
Yeah I dunno about that. I think windows 11 is my favourite. I mean, at first there was some problems... but they seemed to be ironed out. The only thing I don't like is the new right click menu and thats easy enough to fix. At this point it just feels like windows 10 but better looking. Then again I still use classic mac os (for old console emulation, looks best on crts) which is what I grew up on, so maybe you do have a point after all.
ThrashZoneHi,
I've tried mint several times and have been underwhelmed every time.
Mint is my favourite linux distro, but I will still use windows over that most of the time, unless I get into a particular kind of mood. I hate to admit it but Windows still consumes the least amount of time troubleshooting, for me at least. But I haven't used linux daily in a few years.

Anyway yeah, idk how I feel about the whole steam thing. I hope it doesn't hurt compatibility with older games.
Posted on Reply
#72
TheFighterJetDude
Latest steam beta build as of now (07/16/2024 build) still works great on vanilla 7. Valve basically lied about it having to do with Chromium, they literally switched from 85 to 109 back in January after 3 years...
Posted on Reply
#73
64K
TheFighterJetDudeLatest steam beta build as of now (07/16/2024 build) still works great on vanilla 7. Valve basically lied about it having to do with Chromium, they literally switched from 85 to 109 back in January after 3 years...
I'm not clear about what it meant that Steam would no longer support Win 7 and Win 8. There are still some gamers using those OS there according to their survey. Granted it's about 1/2 of 1% but that still possibly represents several hundreds of thousands of gamers. Also, why is Steam even still reporting these OS in their survey?
Posted on Reply
#74
TheFighterJetDude
64KI'm not clear about what it meant that Steam would no longer support Win 7 and Win 8. There are still some gamers using those OS there according to their survey. Granted it's about 1/2 of 1% but that still possibly represents several hundreds of thousands of gamers. Also, why is Steam even still reporting these OS in their survey?
I guess because technically people still use them, including myself. I hardly play games these days as it is, so I have 0 reason at all to use anything newer than 7. In fact, I have a windows 2000 computer running with the extended kernel where I use where possible. So basically I am either on Windows 7 or 2000 99% of the time.
Posted on Reply
#75
Melvis
My brother still runs Steam no issues at all on Windows 7, that been said he hasnt bought any new games in along time.......and He does know Linus very well.
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