Nearly Half of Steam Gamers Still Use Windows 10

Even though Windows 10 will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, many Steam users are still using the operating system. A survey from January 2025 found that over 40% of Steam users are running Windows 10, while Windows 11 is the most popular version at 53%.

This means that nearly half of Steam users are still using Windows 10. When October 2025 comes around, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates or support from Microsoft, putting these users at risk of security issues.

Many Steam users continue to use Windows 10 for a number of reasons. One major issue is that Windows 11 requires certain hardware that older computers can’t handle. For example, if someone’s computer has a processor that was manufactured before 2018, it may not be able to run Windows 11.

This means that those users may have to buy new hardware just to upgrade, so many people choose to stay on Windows 10, especially if they don't see a compelling reason to switch to Windows 11.

While Windows 10 can still be used after the end of service, the lack of security patches leaves the operating system vulnerable to malware and viruses. As a result, users may need to focus on upgrading their systems or buying new hardware to protect their data, as Microsoft will not be lowering hardware standards.

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 requires specific hardware, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip, for added security. They won't be easing up on these requirements, though some people want it to work on older devices.

This means that many Steam users will need to decide whether to upgrade their current systems, buy new hardware compatible with Windows 11, or accept the security risks. With malware being released as a game on Steam, this is a pretty dangerous situation.