Valve will end support for 32-bit versions of Windows on its Steam gaming platform from Jan. 1, 2026, completing its transition to a fully 64-bit client on compatible PCs, the company said, a move that will affect only a small fraction of its users.
The company has already begun running Steam as a native 64-bit application on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, while users on 32-bit versions of Windows have been moved to a separate branch that will stop receiving updates after the deadline. Valve first announced plans to drop 32-bit Windows support in September, citing incompatibility with newer Steam features and security requirements.
See also: Steam Machine Release Timing Uncertain as Component Costs Rise
“As of 1 January 2026, Steam will stop supporting systems running on 32-bit versions of Windows,” Valve said in its Steam Support FAQ, adding that future versions of the client will require a 64-bit operating system. After that date, affected users will no longer receive client updates, security patches or customer support, and new games may not function reliably.
Valve said the change will impact a tiny minority of its user base. According to the company’s data, about 0.01% of active Steam systems still run 32-bit Windows, while the vast majority of Windows users are on 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or Windows 11, based on the latest Steam Hardware Survey.
See also: Indie Studio Showcases AI-made Game With Steam Demo
The company stressed that the move will not affect 32-bit games available on Steam, which will continue to run on 64-bit Windows through existing compatibility layers. Users with hardware capable of running 64-bit operating systems can continue using Steam by upgrading their OS, though those limited to legacy 32-bit processors will lose access to the platform after support ends.