Nearly half of Steam users are sticking with Windows 10, even as Microsoft gears up to end support for the operating system in October 2025. This surprising statistic has kicked off conversations about the future of PC gaming and the challenges of upgrading to Windows 11.
The reluctance to switch isn’t without reason. Windows 11 comes with strict hardware requirements, including the need for TPM 2.0, which leaves many older but still capable machines in the dust. This has left a sour taste in the mouths of gamers who aren’t ready to shell out for new hardware just to run the latest OS.
But it’s not just about the hardware. Windows 11 has faced criticism for its new interface and functionality changes. Some users report stability issues, while others simply prefer the familiar environment of Windows 10. This hesitation mirrors past Windows releases, where every other version seems to face an uphill battle for acceptance.
For those unwilling to make the leap to Windows 11, alternatives are being explored. Some are eyeing Linux, which has become more gaming-friendly in recent years. Others are considering Windows 10 LTSC, a version that promises security updates until 2032.
The situation is particularly significant for the gaming community. Steam’s massive user base makes it a bellwether for PC gaming trends. The platform’s statistics suggest that a large portion of gamers might soon face a tough decision: upgrade, switch to an alternative, or risk using an unsupported OS.
This reluctance to upgrade could have broader implications. Game developers might need to support older systems longer than anticipated. Anti-cheat systems that rely on Windows 11’s security features could lock out players on older hardware. And the economic impact of forced upgrades could be substantial for gamers who’ve invested heavily in their current setups.
