- Steam will no longer support 10-bit Windows 32 starting January 1, 2026.
- It affects 0,01% of users; the 32-bit client will not be updated in the future.
- 32-bit games will continue to run on 64-bit Windows with no noticeable changes for users.
- Options: migrate to 64-bit, upgrade hardware, use Linux, or remain unsupported.
Valve has made its move with an announcement that, on paper, barely touches a tiny portion of its user base, but is worth keeping in mind if you play on very old devices. Starting January 1, 2026, Steam will no longer support the client for 32-bit versions of Windows.. Today, that basically translates to 10-bit Windows 32, which is currently running—according to Steam's own hardware survey—on just 0,01% of PCs running the platform.
It's not the end of the world for almost anyone... but it is a point of no return: From 2026 onwards, Steam will be, de facto, a 64-bit only application.
What exactly changes on January 1, 2026
From that date, The Steam client on Windows 10 32-bit will stop receiving updates.: No new features, no fixes, no security patches. Valve warns that, "in the short term," existing installations will continue to run, but without maintenance. In parallel, Windows 10 64-bit will continue to be fully supported, and Valve has not communicated an end-of-support date for that variant.
The vast majority will not notice anything: If your Windows 10 is 64-bit, continue as before.. Only You should be concerned if you are using Windows 10 32-bit. To check:
- press Start > type “System Information” > open it.
- Search for “System Type”.
- x64-based PC → you are in 64-bit (no change).
- x86-based PC → you are in 32-bit (takes action).
What about my 32-bit games?
Important nuance: Just because the Steam client is 64-bit doesn't mean 32-bit games won't work.. Valve confirms that 32-bit games will continue to run on 64-bit Windows as before. The Change affects the client on 32-bit operating systems, no support for 32-bit binaries within 64-bit Windows.
But why is Valve closing the door on 32-bit? Because client's nuclear parts —drivers, system libraries, and third-party dependencies— are no longer supported in 32-bit environmentsMaintaining two lines in parallel complicates development, reduces security, and hinders new features. With a market share of 0,01%, the technical and cost decision is obvious.
So, If you are still on Windows 10 32-bit, your options are as follows::
- Upgrade to 64-bit on the same computerIf your CPU supports x64 (almost all of them have for over a decade) and you have 4GB of RAM or more, the recommended route is a clean install of Windows 10/11 64-bit. It requires a backup and reinstalling programs, but it should leave you ready to continue using Steam.
- change hardwareIf your processor is so old that it doesn't support x64 (a rare case), you'll need to consider upgrading. If you look around, any used PC from the last 8-10 years will easily upgrade to 64-bit.
- Modern Linux (64-bit) + Steam: On older computers, a lightweight 64-bit distro (Mint, Fedora, Ubuntu, etc.) with Proton can be a lifeline for the classic and AA catalog.
- Stay on 32-bit (not recommended)The client might "continue working" for a while, but without security patches. Connecting to the Internet like this isn't a great idea.
Migration calendar and checklist
The decision particularly affects retro rooms, home arcade systems, and very old PCs that were stuck with 32-bit due to inertia or outdated drivers. If you fit that profile, The jump to 64-bit Windows or Linux is, besides being inevitable, an improvement in compatibility and security. For delicate setups (old card drivers, custom front-ends), Test on a separate disk or new partition first before migrating your main environment.
- Today: Check if your Windows is 32 or 64-bit.
- This quarter: schedule backup (games on another drive, Steam libraries properly located), Download the 64-bit ISO and locate your computer's drivers..
- Before the end of 2025: run the migration.
- January 1, 2026: Steam 32-bit no longer supported (will continue to run for a while, but without updates).
A quick tip to avoid re-downloading the entire catalog is that If you're reinstalling to 64-bit, move your Steam libraries to a secondary drive. (or keep the same path on another partition). After installing the new OS, Install Steam, go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders and add the existing folder: will validate games without having to download hundreds of GB.
Valve aligns Steam with the present of the PC: 64-bit as standardFor 99,99% of users, there will be no consequences. For the remaining 0,01%, it's the final push to migrate. Doing it now, with time and a backup, avoids rush and headaches when the calendar reaches 2026.
I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.
If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.