Nearly half of Steam's users are still using Windows 10

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Why many Steam users remain on Windows 10

  • Several cite hardware lockouts: otherwise-capable CPUs (e.g., pre–8th gen Intel, some 7xxx series) or motherboards without enabled/working TPM/fTPM fail Windows 11’s requirements. Gamers often upgrade GPU/RAM but keep older high-end CPUs/boards.
  • Some deliberately bought Windows‑11‑capable hardware but then chose Windows 10 after hearing about more telemetry, Start-menu ads, and Edge lock‑in.
  • Others say serious gamers usually upgrade rigs frequently, so most Steam systems should meet 11’s requirements; they argue Steam’s user base is more hardware‑current than the general Windows population.

Windows 11 experience and perceptions

  • Many describe 11 as “almost the same as 10” with minimal compelling features; some can’t name a single upgrade reason beyond continued support.
  • Reported annoyances: Start menu and taskbar regressions (no vertical taskbar, worse pinning), removed shortcuts, fragmented settings vs Control Panel, ads/promotions, stronger push to Microsoft accounts/OneDrive, and random rebooting for updates.
  • Others report smooth usage: no visible ads after turning options off, better snapping (especially with ultrawides), improved multi‑monitor behavior, snipping tool enhancements, and better performance on newer AMD CPUs.
  • There’s disagreement on how intrusive ads and nags actually are; some never see them, others find them pervasive and a primary reason to avoid 11.

EOL timing and Microsoft’s strategy

  • Debate over whether ending Windows 10 support ~4 years after 11’s release is unusual.
    • One side: Windows versions have long had ~10‑year lifecycles; 10 ending now is “as planned.”
    • Other side: historically you could comfortably skip at least one major version; the short overlap between 10 and 11 feels like pressure to move people to a more locked‑down, monetized platform.
  • Speculation on what happens when a majority are on unsupported 10: extending EOL, loosening 11’s requirements, or more aggressive nudging/crippling behaviors; no consensus.

Linux, SteamOS, and alternatives

  • Multiple commenters already game primarily on Linux (Mint, Pop!_OS, Arch derivatives, Bazzite, Steam Deck). Proton is widely praised; many say most of their library “just works,” with issues mainly around some online/anti‑cheat titles or niche peripherals.
  • Some plan to abandon Windows entirely when 10 loses support or when Steam drops it, accepting that they’ll skip incompatible titles.
  • Others still see desktop Linux as a “hobby” with fragile edges (NVIDIA, HDR, mixed-refresh setups), and explicitly reject switching.
  • There’s interest in a “just works” gaming distro; some pin hopes on Valve/SteamOS, while others worry Proton’s success reduces incentives for native Linux ports.

MacOS and other notes

  • A subset has moved to macOS to escape Windows’ ads/bloat, accepting reduced game choice.
  • Others dislike macOS for needing third‑party (often paid) apps for behaviors Linux/Windows users expect to tweak natively.
  • One game developer shared their own telemetry: roughly mid‑50% Windows 11, mid‑40% Windows 10, tiny fractions on Wine/Steam Deck/older Windows.