Valve has released a new version of the Steam app for Windows with some important changes, particularly for those still using 32-bit Windows installations. With the latest release, Steam became a 64-bit application, as Valve is dropping 32-bit support. As such, users with 32-bit Windows 10 are now forced to upgrade their systems if they want to continue receiving Steam updates on their PCs.
The change only affects Windows 10 users, as Windows 10 is the only supported version with a 32-bit variant. Windows 11, released in late 2021, became the first 64-bit-only release, and Windows 7 support was dropped quite a long time ago. In the release notes for the update, Valve says that the 32-bit version of the Steam client will continue receiving updates until the end of 2025, and the company will pull the plug on January 1, 2026.
The Steam client is now 64-bit on Windows 11 and Windows 10 64-bit. Systems running 32-bit versions of Windows will continue receiving updates to the 32-bit Steam client until January 1, 2026.
As usual, the end of support does not necessarily mean an abrupt platform cut-off. Most likely, the app would continue working and allow you to purchase and install games for some time. However, should you stay on a 32-bit Windows 10 for whatever reason, expect service degradation in the future as Valve updates its platform and leaves unsupported installations behind.
Besides dropping 32-bit support, the latest Steam update introduced support for Nintendo Switch 2 controllers in wired mode, GameCube adapters in Wii-U mode with rumble, made the new gyro modes the default (no longer in beta), and fixed plenty of various bugs. You can find the complete changelog in the support article on the official Steam website.
21 Comments
Load the comments and join the conversation!
Read the comments, ask the editors questions, show respect and join the conversation.