Despite Windows 10's approaching end-of-life in October 2025, nearly half of Steam users are still using the operating system, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. While Windows 11 adoption is slowly growing, it still sits significantly behind Windows 10, leaving a large portion of PC gamers potentially facing security risks and a lack of support in the near future.
A recent report analyzing Steam's hardware and software survey data reveals a significant portion of the platform's user base continues to utilize Windows 10, despite the operating system's impending end-of-life. The data, collected in August 2024, indicates that 47.32% of Steam users are currently running Windows 10. This represents a substantial number of gamers, considering Steam's massive global reach and its position as a leading digital distribution platform for PC games. While Windows 11 usage is steadily increasing, currently holding a 32.72% share, the prevalence of Windows 10 remains noteworthy, particularly as Microsoft prepares to cease extended support for the operating system in October 2025. This impending deadline means that Windows 10 will no longer receive crucial security updates and patches, potentially leaving users vulnerable to emerging threats. The article underscores the potential security risks associated with continuing to use an unsupported operating system, highlighting the importance for users to consider upgrading to a more current and supported platform like Windows 11 before the October 2025 deadline. The statistics also provide insight into the broader PC gaming landscape, demonstrating a gradual but continuing adoption of Windows 11 within the gaming community, albeit at a pace that still leaves a considerable number of users reliant on its predecessor. The report further details the distribution of other operating systems amongst Steam users, noting the relatively small but persistent presence of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and various Linux distributions. However, the primary focus remains on the substantial Windows 10 user base and the implications of its impending end-of-life status for PC gaming security.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43050350
Hacker News users discussed the implications of nearly half of Steam users still running Windows 10, despite its approaching end-of-life. Some questioned the statistic's accuracy, suggesting the data might include Windows Server instances or older, unsupported Windows builds lumped in with Windows 10. Others pointed out the apathy many users feel towards upgrading, especially gamers who prioritize stable systems over new features. Several commenters mentioned the potential security risks of staying on an unsupported OS, while others downplayed this, arguing that games often run in sandboxed environments. The cost of upgrading, both in terms of hardware and software, was also a recurring theme, with some suggesting Microsoft's aggressive upgrade tactics in the past have led to distrust and reluctance to upgrade. Finally, some users speculated that many "Windows 10" users might actually be running Windows 11 but misreported due to Steam's detection methods.
The Hacker News post titled "Nearly half of Steam's users are still using Windows 10" generated several comments discussing the implications of the statistic and user behavior regarding operating system upgrades.
Several commenters pointed out that the "end of life" for Windows 10 doesn't mean the operating system will suddenly stop working. They emphasized that security updates will cease, making the OS increasingly vulnerable over time. One commenter drew a parallel with Windows 7, highlighting how it continues to function despite being unsupported. This suggests a common user behavior of sticking with familiar operating systems even after official support ends.
Some commenters speculated on the reasons behind the slow adoption of Windows 11. Hardware requirements, particularly TPM and Secure Boot, were cited as a significant barrier. Others mentioned perceived instability or lack of compelling features in Windows 11 as reasons for users staying with Windows 10. One commenter noted the potential cost implications of upgrading, both in terms of new hardware and software licenses.
There was discussion about the accuracy and interpretation of Steam's hardware survey. Some questioned whether the survey accurately represented the broader PC gaming population. Others pointed out that the survey includes versions of Windows 10, some of which are already out of support. This nuance complicates the simple narrative of "nearly half of Steam users on an unsupported OS."
One commenter proposed that the statistic might reflect a savvy user base waiting for the initial bugs and issues of a new OS to be ironed out before upgrading, a common practice in the tech community. This contrasts with the perception of users clinging to older operating systems out of inertia or ignorance.
The prevalence of gaming on Windows in general was also touched upon, with a commenter suggesting the gaming ecosystem is largely locked into Windows, limiting the appeal of alternatives like Linux.
Finally, some comments offered practical advice, such as the possibility of bypassing Windows 11's hardware requirements through unofficial methods. This highlights the tension between security recommendations and user desire to retain existing hardware.