I saw the Windows 10 users holding out in Steam and wondered: Is this by choice, or are you priced out of PC gaming upgrades?
According to Valve’s April 2026 Steam Hardware & Software Survey, approximately 25% of Windows users continue to use Windows 10, raising questions about whether this represents a deliberate choice or reflects financial barriers to upgrading hardware for PC gaming.
The monthly survey tracks hardware and software trends among Steam’s user base, providing insights into purchasing patterns and technology adoption rates. While many trends follow predictable patterns—such as increasing RAM capacity over time and discontinued components phasing out—some findings reveal more nuanced details about consumer behavior and upgrade cycles.
The sustained presence of Windows 10 users in Steam’s data suggests either strong satisfaction with the existing operating system or challenges in affording newer PC configurations. This data point is particularly relevant given ongoing discussions about PC hardware costs and their impact on the gaming community’s ability to access newer titles and technologies.