Valve has confirmed that it will stop supporting 32-bit versions of Windows for its Steam app from 1 January 2026. The company will continue to support 64-bit versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, ensuring that the majority of users can still access the platform without interruption.
Steam app changes and 32-bit Windows
Currently, Windows 10 is the only 32-bit version of the operating system still compatible with Steam. While Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 next month, Valve will maintain compatibility for the 64-bit version of the OS. Users will still be able to play 32-bit games on Steam, but installing the Steam app on a 32-bit Windows system will no longer be possible.
Interestingly, the current Steam app is itself 32-bit on all Windows versions. This is set to change in the near future, as Valve notes: “Future versions of Steam will run on 64-bit versions of Windows only. This change is required as core features in Steam rely on system drivers and other libraries that are not supported on 32-bit versions of Windows.” The update reflects the increasing reliance of modern software on 64-bit architecture to handle larger memory loads and more complex system processes.
Impact on users
Despite the change, very few users are expected to be affected. According to Valve’s Steam Hardware Survey, only 0.01 percent of reported systems run the 32-bit version of Windows 10. This suggests that the vast majority of Steam users already operate on 64-bit systems, meaning the transition is unlikely to cause significant disruption.
Valve’s move highlights the gradual phasing out of 32-bit computing, which has been standard in many modern applications. As software continues to demand higher performance and more memory capacity, 64-bit systems provide a necessary foundation for continued development and compatibility. For users on older machines still running 32-bit Windows, upgrading to a 64-bit operating system will become essential to continue accessing Steam and its growing library of games.
The decision also aligns with broader industry trends, as both hardware and software developers increasingly focus on 64-bit systems. While nostalgic or legacy systems may still exist, platforms like Steam are moving decisively towards modern standards to ensure smoother performance and support for future technologies.
Valve’s announcement gives users over two years to prepare for the transition, allowing time to upgrade their systems or plan for compatibility changes. While the 32-bit era of Windows on Steam is coming to an end, the company’s support for 64-bit systems ensures that the majority of gamers will experience no interruption to their digital libraries or gaming experience.
