Valve to drop Steam support for 32-bit Windows versions next year — says it's no longer compatible with core client features, only 0.01% of players actually used it

Valve will discontinue support for Steam on 32-bit Windows versions starting January 1, 2026, citing incompatibility with core client features and the fact that only 0.01% of players still use it. While Steam and many games on the platform are 32-bit, the move only affects support for the operating system itself. Windows 11 is exclusively 64-bit and now holds over 60% of the OS share, according to Steam's August 2025 Hardware Survey. Valve advises users to upgrade to 64-bit Windows for continued security updates and support, aligning with Microsoft's plans to end official support for Windows 10 soon.