this post was submitted on 21 Dec 2025
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What's the benefit, besides having older 32-bit libraries installed and be dependent on them? I mean is there any other technical benefit of 64-bit only? It could use more than 4gb of RAM, but for Steam itself this shouldn't be needed.
Benefit of 64-bit only? They don't have to develop and test everything for two architectures, and if there are CPU extensions only available on 64-bit processors, they can start using them now.
They don't need to test two architectures, if there is only 32-bit. So that's not a real point. And CPU extensions for a basically shop? Alright the Steam app is not just a store, that's true, but it's not like a game or low level library itself. So I am not sure if additional 64-bit only CPU extensions is a great reason.
I'm not convinced at the moment that this is a huge win. The biggest reason is being dependent on the older libraries, which in some environments is just nasty. I am also not against 64-bit only. It is just surprising how much demanding some users are and how hugely celebrated this is, if it actually doesn't matter much in real world. As said, besides the library thing.
With windows 11 not supporting 32 bit the librarys will slowly start become stale and more work would need to be done to upgrade or patch issues that arise. In theory any program should be forward compatible but steam is still active and needs to be a moving target. but what would be the point supporting an architecture that the os isn't even supporting.
That is not what i was asking. I'm not negative here (if it sounds like). Besides supporting legacy old 32 bit libraries, are there reasons why someone want to go 64-bit only?
https://helpdesk.microsurvey.com/article/1072-benefits-of-a-64-bit-application
But what part does apply to the Steam app itself? I am aware of benefits of 64-bit. If you guys don't know or don't want to answer, then why even bother with replies like these? What is the 64-bit executable worth for the Steam app specifically? Besides getting rid of old libraries. Does the steam app has any benefits from 64-bit?
You did not ask about steam specifically, I'll Google that for you as well. Why is Steam moving to full 64-bit and dropping 32-bit OS support?
Future versions of Steam will only support 64-bit OS’ moving forward. Why? The simple answer is that planned platform upgrades and core features of Steam rely on drivers and other libraries that only support 64-bit OS’. Future versions of Steam will only support 64-bit OS’. That means that users of 32-bit OS’ should upgrade their systems. Valve recommends that users do this “sooner rather than later”.
You can join the discussion on Steam’s 64-bit upgrade on the OC3D Forums. https://overclock3d.net/news/software/steam-has-finally-upgraded-to-64-bit/
Some bug and issues only appear on 32-bit architectures, so you do have to test for both. Which is a strain, for only such a amall userbase.