If you have an older Windows device there’s some bad news, as a new update may leave you no choice but to buy a brand-new PC to continue enjoying popular services. Older models of Windows, including Windows 7 and 8 continue to be popular, despite Microsoft ending all support for the operating system. But now, the millions of users around the globe who have devices powered by this ageing software have been warned that they will need to make an upgrade soon, as a fan favourite service announced that it too would no longer support these Microsoft platforms.
Steam, a very popular PC gaming service, has confirmed that from January 2024, the company will block Windows 7 and Windows 8 systems.
This means that gaming fans who use these older operating systems will immediately lose access to thousands of blockbuster titles like FIFA, Counter-Strike and Hogwarts Legacy.
As a result, those who want to continue playing games may be forced to part ways with their old PCs or update to a newer Windows system if they can.
From next year, the only way to play via Steam will be to switch to Windows 10 or make the jump to Windows 11, however, they both have problems.
Microsoft no longer sells copies of Windows 10, which means that you’ll likely have to dig around other sites to get a hold of a copy of the operating system.
If you can’t find one, then your only option is to buy Windows 11.
Although that may sound like the perfect solution, this newest OS isn’t compatible with many older laptops and that means a trip to the shops to buy something new.
If you cannot update your laptop to the latest Windows OS, you may be left with no choice but to splash out on a new laptop or PC.
Fortunately, the block will only come into effect on January 1, 2024, which means that you’ll still have some time to enjoy Steam on Windows 7 and Windows 8 before making an upgrade.
In a statement, Steam said: “As of January 1 2024, Steam will officially stop supporting the Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. After that date, the Steam Client will no longer run on those versions of Windows.
“In order to continue running Steam and any games or other products purchased through Steam, users will need to update to a more recent version of Windows.
“This change is required as core features in Steam rely on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer functions on older versions of Windows.
“In addition, future versions of Steam will require Windows feature and security updates only present in Windows 10 and above.”
Aside from losing access to popular services like Steam, another reason you should consider updating your Windows is because of security risks.
Given that Microsoft no longer supports these systems, users no longer receive any new bug fixes or software updates, leaving their devices vulnerable to hackers looking to exploit cracks in the system.
Explaining more about the issues of not upgrading, Microsoft said: “While you could continue to use a PC running Windows 8.1, without continued software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malware.
“We recommend upgrading to a version of Windows that is still supported. A new device that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and a great experience.”
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