Gamers Shift Gears as Windows 10’s Days Are Numbered
With less than two months until Microsoft officially sunsets support for Windows 10, a major shift is underway across the gaming landscape. This isn’t just a moment of software transition—it’s the dawn of a new era in PC gaming.
And if you’re wondering whether gamers really care, Steam’s latest data offers a clear answer: yes, and they’re switching fast.
From Skepticism to Standard: Windows 11 Tops Steam Usage
According to Steam’s July 2025 Hardware and Software Survey, 59.9% of Steam users now run Windows 11, while Windows 10 has dropped to 35.19%. This growing gap signals a decisive migration among gamers as they prepare for what’s next.
Just a few months ago, Windows 10 still held over 40% of the Steam market. But the recent surge in upgrades shows that users are increasingly confident in Windows 11’s performance and stability—once major points of hesitation.
The Push from Hardware and Driver Support
Gamers aren’t switching just for aesthetics. A major driver of the shift is Nvidia’s announcement that it will stop providing new driver updates for Windows 10 within the next year.
For gamers using newer GPUs—or planning to maximize performance in AAA titles—Windows 11 is fast becoming the only viable option. Game developers, too, are focusing optimization efforts on Windows 11-exclusive technologies like DirectStorage, AutoHDR, and DirectX 12 Ultimate.
Popular Gaming Builds: RTX 3060 and 6-Core CPUs Lead the Pack
Hardware trends also reflect a steady evolution. The desktop RTX 3060 remains the most popular GPU on Steam at 4.62%, with Nvidia dominating the market at 73.94%, followed by AMD (17.83%) and Intel (7.86%).
Most gamers are sticking with 6-core CPUs, 16GB of RAM, and 1080p monitors—offering a balance of performance and value in an increasingly expensive hardware market.
Windows Still Reigns Supreme Among Steam Gamers
Despite minor monthly shifts, Windows still powers 95.53% of Steam users, with Linux (2.89%) and macOS (1.88%) trailing far behind. While tools like Proton and the Steam Deck have boosted Linux’s gaming profile, Windows remains the de facto platform for serious PC gamers.
Conclusion: Windows 11 Becomes the New Standard
As Microsoft phases out support for its decade-old Windows 10, Windows 11 is stepping up with modern enhancements, reliable performance, and future-facing hardware compatibility.
For gamers—especially those on Steam—upgrading to Windows 11 is quickly becoming less of a choice and more of a necessity to stay in the game, literally and figuratively.
If you’re still clinging to Windows 10, now might be the perfect time to upgrade—before both your system and your gameplay fall behind.