Valve just pulled the plug on Steam for certain Windows users, and if yours is affected, the clock is already ticking

Valve released an update on December 19 that officially made the Steam Windows client 64-bit only. The company stopped supporting the older 32-bit architecture earlier than it first planned. This change means time is running out for anyone still using the 32-bit version of Windows, even though the client still works for now.

According to XDA Developers, this move was not a surprise. Valve announced back in September that it would only support the 64-bit version of Steam starting January 1, 2026. Releasing the final update before that date shows the company is serious about moving to modern architecture.

If you are still running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can keep playing your Steam games right now. However, Valve is warning users not to rely on that old client. You should not keep using the 32-bit Steam client because it will stop getting important updates after January 1, 2026.

Missing security updates puts your data at serious risk

That deadline is very important because your client will not get any new features, security fixes, or bug patches after that date. Running an outdated client that handles purchases, logins, and personal information is dangerous. 

You will also not be able to get any technical support from Valve once the deadline passes. The company made it clear that the 32-bit Steam Windows client will not work forever and will eventually stop working completely.

If you are using Windows 11, you do not need to worry. Windows 11 only runs on 64-bit, so you are already using the updated Steam client and do not need to do anything. This is not the first time Valve has made controversial decisions that affect their hardware and software ecosystem.

However, if you are still using Windows 10, you need to check your system right away. Windows 10 has both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. If you are on the 32-bit version, you will have to upgrade to 64-bit if you want to keep getting new features and security fixes on Steam after January 1, 2026.

Valve explained why they decided to drop support for the older architecture. They said some of the important system drivers and libraries needed to run core Steam features do not support the 32-bit version of Windows anymore. 

You cannot build modern, secure features if the basic foundation does not support them. Similar to how Microsoft has quietly changed features on user devices, tech companies are pushing users toward newer systems.

The usage numbers also supported this decision. Valve reported that their Steam Hardware Survey showed only 0.01% of systems were still running the 32-bit version of Windows 10. When the user base is that small, it does not make sense to spend resources supporting it. 

While you can still play your games on your old machine today, you need to switch to 64-bit Windows before January 1, 2026 if you want the most secure Steam experience.