Game over: Steam won’t run on Windows 7 or 8 after January 1, 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Game over: Steam won’t run on Windows 7 or 8 after January 1, 2024? ›

As of January 1 2024, Steam stopped supporting the Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. Existing Steam Client installations on these operating systems will no longer receive updates of any kind including security updates.

The company decided to end Steam's support for the older versions of the Windows OS as it noticed a lot of users moving away from the older operating systems. Valve takes opt-in surveys on its user's computers to collect data to understand what PC gamers are using to play their games.

Technically, you can still use Windows 7 and Windows Vista in 2024, but it's not recommended. Without security updates, your computer is more vulnerable to viruses, malware, and other security threats.

Problems like corrupt game files, outdated drivers, a cluttered download cache, and interference from other apps can prevent Steam games from launching.

Update drivers for your computer. Verify integrity of game files. Disable non-essential software. Check the game's system requirements.

Is it still safe to use Windows 8.1 in 2024? - Quora. Even though it ended support, you can still use it. But there won't be any security updates or any more upgrades to the operating system itself. If you try to load up Windows 8.1 though, it may take some time.

If you continue to use Windows 7 now that support has ended, your PC will still work, but it will be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Your PC will continue to start and run, but will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.

Microsoft has announced that it is ending support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 operating systems from January 10, 2023. This means that both operating systems will no longer receive any feature or security updates from the company. Windows 7 was first released in 2009 as the successor to Windows Vista.

Yes, Windows 7 can still be used after Jan. 10, 2023. However, since no security updates will be provided to the OS, it can easily be exploited by threat actors if vulnerabilities arise in it.

How do I force a game to launch on Steam? ›

Fix 1: Check system requirements

Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the game, including CPU, RAM, and storage specifications. Verify if your graphics card is compatible with the game and update the drivers if needed.

You can check each game's system requirements and compatible operating systems on that game's Steam Store page by scrolling down to its "System Requirements" section.

Click on the “Steam” menu in the top left corner. In the drop-down menu, select the “Settings” option if you're using a Windows PC or “Preferences…” if you're using a Mac. Select “Downloads” from the left sidebar. In the “Clear download cache” section, find the “Clear cache” button and click on it.

Games are generally housed in the steamapps folder within Steam's directory, which can be found in the Library folders section of your computer's hard drive. Uninstalling the Steam client does not automatically delete this folder; thus, often your game files remain intact.

Windows 7 was first released in 2009 as the successor to Windows Vista. Microsoft has announced that it is ending support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 operating systems from January 10, 2023. This means that both operating systems will no longer receive any feature or security updates from the company.

Network hardware can get into slow/broken state after running for a long time. This can cause the update/login process of launching Steam to fail silently or crash. Make sure your operating system and all hardware drivers are up to date.