Windows 10’s End Looms as Its Successor Struggles on Steam
▼ Summary
– Valve’s 44 consecutive Steam Hardware Surveys reveal PC gamers are slow to adopt Windows 11, with it only surpassing Windows 10 in August 2024 (58% vs 37%).
– Windows 11’s slow adoption is partly due to hardware restrictions like UEFI BIOS, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0, blocking upgrades for older systems.
– Windows 10 may take nearly 7 years to decline to Windows 7’s current 0.1% share, but Microsoft ending support in October 2024 could accelerate this drop.
– Linux’s share on Steam grew from 1% to 2.5% in three years, influenced by the Steam Deck, but remains small compared to Windows due to lower device sales.
– Valve’s SteamOS could gain more traction if it becomes a viable desktop option, given Steam users’ reluctance to switch to Windows 11.
The gaming community continues to cling to Windows 10 despite Microsoft’s upcoming end-of-support deadline, with Steam’s latest hardware survey revealing surprising trends about operating system adoption rates. Valve’s monthly data tracking shows Windows 11 only recently surpassed its predecessor in usage share, nearly three years after launch, highlighting gamers’ hesitation to upgrade.
Digging into the archived Steam Hardware Survey results paints a clear picture. Windows 11 finally overtook Windows 10 in August 2024, claiming 58% of users compared to 37%. While that gap seems substantial, the slow adoption rate suggests many players remain reluctant to switch, even as Microsoft prepares to halt major updates for Windows 10 this October.
Hardware limitations play a significant role in this reluctance. Microsoft’s strict requirements, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, block upgrades for older but still capable systems. Gamers with pre-built PCs or laptops often can’t justify purchasing new hardware solely for an OS update, especially when their current setup runs games smoothly.
Projecting current trends suggests Windows 10 could linger for years, but reality may differ. Once security updates cease in late 2025, a sharp decline in usage is likely. For comparison, Windows 7 still appears in Valve’s survey at 0.1%, proving some users never abandon older systems despite security risks.
Microsoft should take note of these trends when developing its next OS. Windows 11’s struggle to dominate Steam, even with years of updates and new hardware, indicates accessibility and perceived value matter more than forced upgrades. If Windows 12 follows the same restrictive path, history may repeat itself.
Beyond Windows, Linux’s growth on Steam remains modest but noteworthy. Since the Steam Deck’s 2022 launch, Linux usage has climbed from 1% to 2.5%, a small but steady increase. While dwarfed by Windows, its growth rate outpaces early Windows 11 adoption relative to user base size. As SteamOS expands to more devices, this trend could accelerate, especially if desktop compatibility improves.
Valve’s data doesn’t capture every gamer’s preferences, but it underscores a key takeaway: players prioritize stability and convenience over forced upgrades. Whether Microsoft adjusts its strategy for future OS releases remains to be seen, but for now, Windows 10’s extended stay proves change isn’t always welcome, or necessary.
(Source: PCGAMER)
