43% of Steam Users Remain on Windows 10, Despite Support Ending in 7 Months

“With Windows 10 support ending soon, it’s crucial for gamers to make the upgrade. Windows 11 promises better optimization for modern hardware and gaming, and sticking with Windows 10 might soon become a security risk.”

As of 2025, a significant portion of the Steam gaming community—43%, to be precise—is still running Windows 10, despite the upcoming end of support for the operating system in just seven months. This statistic raises concerns as the clock ticks down toward Microsoft’s official discontinuation of security updates and patches for Windows 10, scheduled for October 2025.

For gamers, this news could mean potential vulnerabilities and a lack of critical updates, leaving those still on Windows 10 exposed to security risks. With Windows 11 already in full swing and offering various enhancements in terms of gaming performance, security, and UI improvements, the shift to the newer OS is becoming increasingly necessary for long-term stability.

However, many users have been slow to transition, citing reasons such as hardware compatibility, personal preference, or simply the desire not to deal with the hassle of upgrading. This shift is also challenging for some gamers who may have older machines that are not capable of running Windows 11 smoothly or at all.

The reality of Windows 10’s end-of-life status has prompted discussions among both gamers and developers. Some are urging for a faster push to Windows 11, while others worry about the impact on performance and access to the latest gaming technologies on older systems.

“While 43% of Steam users are still on Windows 10, it’s clear that a transition to Windows 11 will become unavoidable as support for the older OS winds down in just a few months.”