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Steam’s client requirements and a game’s requirements are different. A computer may be able to install and run Steam but still fall short of the operating system, processor, memory, graphics, or storage needed by a particular game. Check the game’s own Steam store listing before buying or upgrading.
Steam client requirements by operating system
Valve does not publish one complete set of hardware minimums for the Steam client across Windows, macOS, and Linux. The available official information is more specific for Linux and for operating-system support cutoffs on Windows and macOS.
Windows
Valve supports Steam on Windows 10 and later. Support for 32-bit Windows ended on January 1, 2026. Existing 32-bit installations may continue to work, but they no longer receive Steam updates, including security updates, and Valve does not guarantee that they will keep functioning. Both the Windows version and whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit matter. Valve’s Windows support information does not give a current consolidated client minimum for processor, RAM, graphics, or disk space.
macOS
Steam support for macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) and 10.14 (Mojave) ended on February 15, 2024. Valve’s available support information does not establish a current Steam client minimum for Mac processor, memory, or graphics. Confirm that your Mac can run a supported macOS release, then verify the operating-system compatibility of each game you want to play. Valve’s macOS support information covers the cutoff.
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Linux
Valve’s Steam for Linux Client README lists the following client requirements:
- Operating system: The latest Ubuntu or Ubuntu LTS, with a 64-bit x86_64/AMD64 Linux kernel. Valve warns that older Ubuntu LTS releases are unsupported and may stop working in a future client release.
- Processor: 1 GHz Pentium 4, AMD Opteron equivalent, or better. x86_64/AMD64 processors must support CMPXCHG16B and SSE3.
- Memory: 512 MB RAM.
- Graphics: NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics with current 64-bit and 32-bit graphics drivers.
- Storage: 5 GB of available space.
- Internet: Required for initial installation.
- System library: glibc 2.31 or newer has been required since August 15, 2025. Valve notes that this affects older distributions, including Ubuntu 18.04.
These are requirements for the Linux client, not a guarantee that any particular game will run.
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Why game requirements are different
Steam is a storefront and client, not one game with a universal gaming-PC specification. Each game sets its own supported operating systems and hardware requirements. Valve’s platform compatibility guidance directs users to check whether a title supports their operating system.
For example, the Counter-Strike 2 Steam listing specifies these minimums:
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| Requirement | Windows | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Ubuntu 20.04 |
| Processor | Four hardware CPU threads; Intel Core i5 750 or higher | Four hardware CPU threads; Intel Core i5 750 or higher |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | At least 1 GB graphics memory; DirectX 11 and Shader Model 5.0 support | AMD GCN+ or NVIDIA Kepler+ graphics with current Vulkan drivers |
| Available storage | 85 GB | 85 GB |
Those figures apply to Counter-Strike 2, not to the Steam client or to every game in the store. Listings can change, so check the current store page for the specific title you plan to play.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check whether your computer can run a Steam game
- Open the game’s Steam store page and find its system requirements.
- Compare the listed operating system and architecture with your computer’s OS. Confirm the game supports that platform.
- Compare your processor and installed RAM with the listed CPU and memory requirements.
- Check the graphics requirement, including any specified graphics API, feature level, or driver. A GPU name alone may not establish support for a required API.
- Make sure you have at least the listed available storage. This is free space needed for the game, separate from the space required by the Steam client.
Minimum requirements describe the game’s stated floor; meeting them does not establish how smoothly it will run or what settings it will support. If any listed component or platform requirement is unclear, consult the game’s store page and the computer or graphics manufacturer’s specifications rather than relying on Steam’s client requirements.
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