According to Steam’s latest survey, as of January 2025, 42.87% of its users were still running Windows 10. This is significant, considering that Microsoft will officially end support for the OS on October 14, 2025. With no security updates after that date, Windows 10 could become vulnerable to malware and performance issues, pushing many gamers to upgrade in the coming months.
Despite this, most Steam users have migrated to Windows 11, which accounts for 53.46% of the platform’s active user base. Meanwhile, older systems like Windows 7 have nearly disappeared, with only 0.15% of users still relying on it.
When it comes to alternative operating systems:
- MacOS users comprise 1.40% of Steam’s audience, reflecting a slight 0.2% drop from December 2024.
- Linux users remain steady at around 2%, showing some persistence in the gaming community.
With Windows 10 support ending later this year, a mass migration to Windows 11 (or other alternatives) is expected, although some gamers remain hesitant about making the switch.
Windows 11 Still Faces Resistance, But Users Will Soon Have to Upgrade
Even four years after its launch, Windows 11 has failed to win over most users, with many preferring to stick with Windows 10—as highlighted by Steam’s latest survey. However, with Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, users will soon have no choice but to upgrade if they want to keep their data and files secure.
One of the biggest challenges preventing widespread adoption is Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements. Many CPUs released before 2018 are incompatible with the new OS, forcing users to upgrade key components—or in the case of laptop users, even replace their entire device.
As the deadline approaches, many gamers and general users must decide whether to upgrade their hardware or switch to an alternative operating system.
Migratory movement
Windows 10 Users May Migrate Soon, But Impact on Steam Gamers Is Uncertain
With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, many users are expected to upgrade to Windows 11 in the coming months. However, how this transition will affect Steam gamers remains unclear.
One thing is certain: players will still be able to access Steam and their games, even if they continue using Windows 10. However, with no future security updates, their PCs will become more vulnerable to malware and cyber threats. Users must be extra cautious when browsing the web, downloading files, or using community mods and ROMs from unofficial sources.
Meanwhile, Steam’s latest survey provides insight into the most popular gaming hardware among users.
- The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 remains the most widely used GPU.
- 1TB of storage is the most common setup among gamers.
As the Windows 10 end-of-life date approaches, users must decide whether to upgrade, switch operating systems, or take extra precautions to keep their PCs secure.
