#valve

Valve announced that starting January 1, 2026, Steam will no longer run on Windows 10 32-bit systems. Valve explained that Steam depends on newer system drivers and libraries that 32-bit Windows can no longer support. Valve recommends that players update their systems before the cutoff date to avoid problems. Valve has announced that Steam users in the United Kingdom will now need to link a credit card to their account if they want to access games or pages marked with “mature content.” This move is part of Valve’s compliance with the UK’s Online Safety Act, which enforces stricter age verification for online platforms. Instead of using selfies or ID scans like Reddit, Discord, and Bluesky, Valve chose credit cards as the main verification tool. According to Valve, this method protects user privacy while ensuring that underage players do not easily bypass age restrictions. Since only people aged 18 and above can own credit cards in the UK, the responsibility for verification shifts to banks instead of Valve itself. Jez Corden of Windows Central previously reported that Xbox has been in talks with PC storefront owners, including Valve, about potential integration with future hardware. Read more in our articles including "Steam Will Stop Supporting Windows 10 32-Bit in 2026" and "Steam UK Blocks Mature Games Without Credit Card".