Steam stopped supporting Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 on January 1, 2024. That does not mean Valve shut down Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), but it does mean those operating systems are outside Steam’s supported client requirements. For current Counter-Strike, the practical target is Windows 10 or later: Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), which Valve describes as a free upgrade to CS:GO, requires at least Windows 10.
Does Steam still work on Windows 7 or Windows 8?
Valve’s cutoff took effect on January 1, 2024. Its Steam notice says, “Starting January 1st, 2024, the Steam Client will only support Windows 10 and later versions.” Valve’s separate notice confirms support ended for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 on that date. See Valve’s Steam support page.
“Unsupported” is the important distinction: the cutoff is Steam’s support policy, not a claim that every existing installation stopped launching at once. Valve no longer supports the Steam client on those systems, so players should not count on reliable client operation or continued compatibility there.
Did Valve kill CS:GO?
No. The cutoff concerns the Steam client’s operating-system support, not a statement that CS:GO was shut down. The old CS:GO support page lists Windows 7, Vista, and XP among the game’s historical minimum operating systems. That legacy requirement does not override the newer Steam-client policy: a PC might meet the old game specification and still be running an operating system Steam no longer supports.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Single-elimination, team-based online shooter
- Completely overhauled with better graphics, new characters, items, and environments
- Package includes Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Day of Defeat: Source
- Real-world physics adds depth the gameplay
- Internet connection required for online play
Valve’s current Steam product page describes Counter-Strike 2 as “A free upgrade to CS:GO.” For players seeking current Counter-Strike through Steam, CS2 is the relevant version and its Windows minimum is Windows 10. Valve’s Counter-Strike 2 page lists the current requirements.
Can an old PC run Counter-Strike 2?
Meeting the Windows requirement alone is not enough. Valve lists these minimum Windows specifications for CS2:
Rank #2
- Operating system: Windows 10
- Processor: Four hardware CPU threads; Intel Core i5-750 or higher
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: At least 1 GB, with DirectX 11 and Shader Model 5.0 support
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 85 GB available space
These are minimum requirements, not a promise of high settings or smooth performance on every system that meets them. Compare your processor, graphics hardware, RAM, and free storage with the list before installing or upgrading the operating system.
Why the old CS:GO requirements can mislead
The historical CS:GO minimum listed by Valve was 2 GB RAM, DirectX 9, and 15 GB storage. CS2’s listed floor is 8 GB RAM, DirectX 11 graphics, and 85 GB available storage. A machine that was adequate for CS:GO under its old requirements may not meet CS2’s requirements, even if its processor can run a newer version of Windows.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
| Requirement | CS:GO historical minimum | Counter-Strike 2 minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 7/Vista/XP listed on the legacy support page | Windows 10 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 8 GB |
| Graphics API | DirectX 9 | DirectX 11 and Shader Model 5.0 support |
| Storage | 15 GB | 85 GB available |
The CS:GO figures describe its historical game minimum; they are not assurances of present-day compatibility with Steam or a current Windows release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you upgrade Windows or replace the PC?
Choose based on the whole system, not just the Windows installer. Microsoft says Windows 7 support ended in January 2020 and Windows 8.1 support ended in January 2023. Its current guidance points owners of eligible hardware toward Windows 11. Microsoft’s end-of-support guidance explains the broader operating-system context.
- Consider an operating-system upgrade if the PC is eligible for the target Windows release, its CPU and graphics meet CS2’s requirements, storage is sufficient, and compatible drivers are available.
- Consider replacing the PC if the machine fails Windows 11 hardware checks, lacks CS2’s required graphics support, or would need several costly upgrades just to reach the minimum. An operating-system-only upgrade cannot make unsupported graphics hardware meet DirectX 11 requirements.
- Decide whether you need current online Counter-Strike or only want to keep an old system for offline or legacy use. The latter does not change Steam’s support cutoff, and the old CS:GO specification is not a guarantee that Steam will work on an unsupported Windows version.
Check Windows 11 eligibility and your PC’s exact components before buying an upgrade or replacement. If you are considering installation media, verify the Windows edition, license, and region; the fact that a listing is for a USB installer does not by itself establish that it is suitable or properly licensed for your system.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
