The Final Countdown: Valve Moves Steam to 64-Bit and Sets January 2026 Cutoff

Valve has completed its plan to move Steam to a 64-bit client, with 32-bit Windows editions gradually phased out and new releases only supporting 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11. According to Valve, all Steam builds for Windows 10 and Windows 11 are now 64-bit, and users on 32-bit Windows will continue to receive updates only until 1 January 2026, after which updates stop even for critical issues.

For those already using 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, nothing changes and automatic upgrades will migrate any remaining 32-bit installations to the 64-bit client through the normal update process. The shift means that 32-bit Windows 10 users will not be able to receive updates after 1 January 2026, and, if necessary, must upgrade to a 64-bit operating system to continue using Steam.

Importantly, a 32-bit edition of Windows cannot be upgraded in place to 64-bit; users should back up data, perform a clean installation of Windows 10 64-bit, and then upgrade to Windows 11 where applicable.