The popular PC gaming platform Steam is officially being discontinued on Google Chromebooks, with support ending on January 1, 2026. This marks the end of the Steam for Chromebooks beta, which launched in late 2022 as Google’s attempt to bring PC gaming to ChromeOS.
A Short-Lived Beta
Before 2022, Steam wasn’t officially available on Chromebooks. Most models used energy-efficient processors unsuitable for demanding games. That changed when Google and its hardware partners began producing more powerful Chromebooks, capable of handling some modern titles. The Steam beta gave these devices access to Valve’s massive PC game library.
Shutdown Announcement
According to 9to5Google, Chromebook users running Steam have started seeing shutdown notices in the launcher. The message confirms that after January 1, 2026:
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Steam will no longer run on Chromebooks.
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Installed games will not be accessible, even offline.
Google offered no detailed explanation, simply stating that Steam on Chromebooks was an experimental beta and that user feedback would “inform the future of Chromebook gaming.”
Why the Shutdown?
While the official reason remains vague, the move suggests that the beta program didn’t meet Google’s expectations. Several factors may have contributed:
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Portable gaming competition: Devices like the Steam Deck and upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 have captured much of the portable PC gaming market.
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Affordable console options: Budget-friendly consoles like the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition may have been more appealing to gamers than high-end Chromebooks.
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Limited adoption: Despite hardware improvements, gaming on Chromebooks remained a niche market.
What This Means for Chromebook Gamers
If you currently use Steam on your Chromebook:
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You have until January 1, 2026 to play your installed titles.
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Consider migrating your Steam library to a Windows, Mac, or Linux PC.
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Explore alternatives like cloud gaming (GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming), which work well on ChromeOS without requiring powerful local hardware.
The Future of Gaming on Chromebooks
While Steam support is ending, Google’s statement hints that the company still sees potential in gaming for ChromeOS. Whether that future lies in cloud gaming, Android game optimization, or a new partnership remains to be seen.
For now, Chromebook gamers should prepare for the shutdown and explore other platforms to keep their Steam libraries alive.