Steam, Windows 7 - 2025

[Master.Constructor]

We're almost finished 2024 and we've had several Steam client updates as well as Windows 7 updates via UpdatePack7. So far Windows 7 seems to be running well and will carry me into 2025 at the very least.

I've been running Windows 7 since transitioning from XP after bypassing (and watching the fallout from) Vista. So far so good aside from DirectX12 and some driver restrictions.

I closely followed the roll-out of Win8, 8.1 and 10 waiting for a good time to transition to a newer OS, testing a few other options while I've been waiting (Linux, Windows Server, Tiny/Lite Windows). So far I haven't found anything that seems to worth the effort or privacy risks / compromise.

Windows 7 SP2/3?

In 2021 I found UpdatePack7 which is a monthly security pack for all editions of Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008R2 (seems to be in development since 2013) and have had very good results with it. There is a small ~1MB downloader program (v1.5.0.0) which will download and/or verify the update pack (~800MB). The latest release was three days ago (24.6.12) and no issues to report. It's a significant saving of bandwidth, time and drive space and I am very grateful for it's consistent and diligent development. It is essentially the SP3 that Win7 users were always waiting for.

If you're having issues on Windows 7 SP1, try running the following from CMD (as administrator) and post your results here.
chkdsk
sfc /verifyonly

Hint:
I find starting Steam offline is much faster and smoother. Here's my steps to starting Steam Offline:
1 - edit the file loginusers.vdf
... mine was located here: \Steam\config\loginusers.vdf
2 - change "WantsOfflineMode" from 0 to 1
3 - save and set file [Properties] to [Read-only]
4 - start steam to check

Also, to remove the red banner at the top I added this to my steam.exe shortcut:
-pretendeol-w10


Updates
=======
UpdatePack7 25.5.17 (Windows 6.1.7601.27717)
- Added KB5061196-x64 with disabling telemetry and checking processors (replaces KB5058430-x64)

UpdatePack7 25.4.10 (Windows 6.1.7601.27666)
UpdatePack7 25.3.12 (Windows 6.1.7601.27615)
UpdatePack7 25.2.12 (Windows 6.1.7601.27566)
UpdatePack7 25.1.15 (Windows 6.1.7601.27520)
UpdatePack7 24.12.12 (Windows 6.1.7601.27412)

Steam Beta Branch: Stable Client
Steam Version: 1730853000
Steam Client Build Date: Thu, Nov 7 7:55 PM UTC -08:00
Steam Web Build Date: Wed, Oct 9 5:44 PM UTC -08:00
Steam API Version: SteamClient021

- Steam Version: 1726604483 (Tue, Sep 17, 2024)

[Ontrix_Kitsune]

Postat inițial de Master.Constructor:

Just to update ... I've been using UpdatePack7 for many years now and have yet to find or experience any issues. Every so often I actively look to see if I can find something but nothing has come up yet. This thread was created partially due to that searching for information and experience. So if anyone has had any issues I'd appreciate hearing about them.

I've updated four of my Win7 PCs so far this month and everything is working great, I think I have another 3 or 4 to go. I'll look into the issues addressed in this Microsoft security rollup as sometimes there's some neat stuff in there.

Another update: UpdatePack7 still does not update Windows 7 with any new updates as there are still no new updates released for Windows 7 that it could possibly apply to a computer running Windows 7.

[Master.Constructor]

MajorGeeks usually keeps an updated list of Windows updates & utilities. I was reminded of this a while ago when looking for Windows 7 SP1 for an old PC. Neat!

Their page for UpdatePack 7 is usually kept up to date with the latest release but really, the base information hasn't changed in many, many years.


"Simplix UpdatePack enables you to update your live Windows 7 system and integrate hotfixes into a Windows 7 distribution. This is the full download. A 2MB downloader is available here.

This update pack allows you to update Windows 7 SP1 (x86 x64) and Server 2008 R2 SP1 live operating systems and integrate the updates in the distribution (Install.wim). It can be installed in any language. Includes all critical, recommended, and security updates and updates for all versions of Internet Explorer.

To install updates on a Live Windows 7 System:

Key /Reboot to automatically restart if it is needed.
Key /S for a fully silent install with no windows and messages. The case is significant.
Key /Silent for passive installation - you can see the progress, but the installation is fully automatic.
Key /IE11 installs Internet Explorer 11 and its localization (optional).
Key /Temp= allows you to specify a work location (optional).
Key /SmartFix integrates the Smartfix program by Simplix in the System Restore. File SmartFix.exe must be placed together with the Pack."

"MajorGeeks: Setting the standard for editor-tested, trusted, and secure downloads since 2001."

Good guys they are. Many thanks to those who keep old systems ticking, safe and secure.

[Ontrix_Kitsune]

Remember everyone: There is no program or software that can update Windows 7. Since 2024 there has not been a single new update released for Windows 7 from Microsoft. New updates for Windows 7 do not exist today. All programs or apps that claim to be able to update Windows 7 are 100% completely false and lying.

[Crashed]

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

Remember everyone: There is no program or software that can update Windows 7. Since 2024 there has not been a single new update released for Windows 7 from Microsoft. New updates for Windows 7 do not exist today. All programs or apps that claim to be able to update Windows 7 are 100% completely false and lying.

There is 0patch which hooks vulnerable functions to block known vulnerabilities. It might make some DRMs and anti-cheats grumpy however.

[Weird Pumpkin]

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

Postat inițial de MonkehMaster:

linked the comment for ya

This may come as a surprise to you but just because you write something in the steam forums does NOT mean that other people have to respond to your entire message. You can't make people respond to all the words that you write. Everyone is completely free to respond to what ever they wish to respond to and you can't change that.

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

Micsrosoft commonly makes mistakes.

By the way it's spelled M-I-C-R-O-S-O-F-T.

Please keep the discussion civil. Pointing out typo's and not responding with a proper explanation isn't helpful.

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

Remember everyone: There is no program or software that can update Windows 7. Since 2024 there has not been a single new update released for Windows 7 from Microsoft. New updates for Windows 7 do not exist today. All programs or apps that claim to be able to update Windows 7 are 100% completely false and lying.

I've actually listed a few. VxKex and Legacy. There's plenty of post-life apps and software that can extend its function. I feel as though you're intentionally not including them based on bias. Please be more transparent.

[Ontrix_Kitsune]

Postat inițial de Crashed:

There is 0patch which hooks vulnerable functions to block known vulnerabilities. It might make some DRMs and anti-cheats grumpy however.

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

I've actually listed a few. VxKex and Legacy. There's plenty of post-life apps and software that can extend its function. I feel as though you're intentionally not including them based on bias. Please be more transparent.

I guess I need to repeat myself (again.. ??) seeing as y'all quoted me but didn't read my words: 3rd-party random apps that "claim" to be able to update Windows 7 can not update Windows 7 when there are no updates released from Microsoft that could be applied to Windows 7.

There's nothing that could possibly be applied by those apps when no updates exist.

[Weird Pumpkin]

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

Postat inițial de Crashed:

There is 0patch which hooks vulnerable functions to block known vulnerabilities. It might make some DRMs and anti-cheats grumpy however.

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

I've actually listed a few. VxKex and Legacy. There's plenty of post-life apps and software that can extend its function. I feel as though you're intentionally not including them based on bias. Please be more transparent.

I guess I need to repeat myself (again.. ??) seeing as y'all quoted me but didn't read my words: 3rd-party random apps that "claim" to be able to update Windows 7 can not update Windows 7 when there are no updates released from Microsoft that could be applied to Windows 7.

There's nothing that could possibly be applied by those apps when no updates exist.

The apps I mentioned do claim to update windows 7 to a more functional state and do in fact work. Just because Microsoft is not behind the apps doesn't invalidate their effectiveness.

[Ontrix_Kitsune]

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

The apps I mentioned do claim to update windows 7 to a more functional state and do in fact work. Just because Microsoft is not behind the apps doesn't invalidate their effectiveness.

I'm still waiting for you to show us where Microsoft "made mistakes" in the past. So let's add one more to the list: Please tell us EXACTLY what those apps you mentioned are installing into our computers. They sure aren't installing any Windows Updates from Microsoft so then what is it that they DO install?

[Weird Pumpkin]

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

The apps I mentioned do claim to update windows 7 to a more functional state and do in fact work. Just because Microsoft is not behind the apps doesn't invalidate their effectiveness.

I'm still waiting for you to show us where Microsoft "made mistakes" in the past. So let's add one more to the list: Please tell us EXACTLY what those apps you mentioned are installing into our computers. They sure aren't installing any Windows Updates from Microsoft so then what is it that they DO install?

I'm not going to run over why there is public distrust of Microsoft. They have a long history of breaches and security leaks.

https://www.virtru.com/blog/industry-updates/microsoft-data-breaches-2024#:~:text=In%20the%20past%20three%20years,time%20of%20writing%2C%20April%202024.

This was just a quick google search. It's a timeline of multiple Employee user errors and mistakes. There's a lot of history and distrust. But that's aside the point and I don't feel like discussing it will actually go anywhere towards the topic of Windows 7 rather than Microsoft as a whole. People can freely choose to discuss Windows 7 post support with Steam and their experiences with it.

My point is that you can objectively install unofficial updates and they can objectively work. To what extent and how they function is its own story. But they do exist. If you feel as though they shouldn't that's fine. However this does not remove their existence and they can be openly discussed.

As towards what they do, VxKex allows certain Apps that are exclusive to later Windows OS's to still function on w7.
LegacyUpdate restores the update delivery for older OS's. Here's a full video showcasing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5faA4ph4Fo8

The site also has an extensive update history. If you want to know more then feel free to look.

[Ontrix_Kitsune]

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

I'm still waiting for you to show us where Microsoft "made mistakes" in the past. So let's add one more to the list: Please tell us EXACTLY what those apps you mentioned are installing into our computers. They sure aren't installing any Windows Updates from Microsoft so then what is it that they DO install?

I'm not going to run over why there is public distrust of Microsoft. They have a long history of breaches and security leaks.

This is what I referred to in the past as "Moving the goal posts": You're dodging my question and instead of responding to what I wrote you decided on your own to respond to something else COMPLETELY different that has nothing at all to do with my question. You specifically said that Microsoft "made mistakes" in the past. No one said anything about public distrust, breaches, or security leaks. I will try repeating again: Where did microsoft "make mistakes" as you claimed?

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

My point is that you can objectively install unofficial updates and they can objectively work. To what extent and how they function is its own story. But they do exist. If you feel as though they shouldn't that's fine. However this does not remove their existence and they can be openly discussed.

I have no issue with unofficial updates to windows, as long as they are described as such. My issue is when people are just blanket pointing to something like UpdatePack7 and claiming it "Updates Windows 7". That will lead people who don't know better to think this program has new official updates from Microsoft for Windows 7 when it does not. As long as folks make a note that unofficial updates are unofficial and from 3rd party people then I wouldn't be saying a word about it.

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

LegacyUpdate restores the update delivery for older OS's.

That's interesting. Are you trying to say that there are still updates for older versions of windows avilable on microsoft's servers today? Microsoft just turned off the updating for older OS's? If we just re-enable the updating in the OS will they download all older official updates again from Microsoft?

[Crashed]

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

LegacyUpdate restores the update delivery for older OS's.

That's interesting. Are you trying to say that there are still updates for older versions of windows avilable on microsoft's servers today? Microsoft just turned off the updating for older OS's? If we just re-enable the updating in the OS will they download all older official updates again from Microsoft?

It's actually a mirror of the Windows Update servers, with an installer that pre-installs the necessary updates to restore Windows Update functionality and use the WSUS settings to point to the Legacy Update servers.

The service does not bypass any restrictions on ESU or install updates that don't match the SKU, as it leaves the Windows Update client fully intact.

[MonkehMaster]

Postat inițial de Weird Pumpkin:

LegacyUpdate restores the update delivery for older OS's.

nice, didnt know about that program, think ill check it out.

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

speaking of, i am still waiting on that proof, i have been asking for, for months.

https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6725643788915522918/?ctp=124#c601901836224499631

bye, have a nice day

[Ontrix_Kitsune]

Postat inițial de MonkehMaster:

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

speaking of, still waiting on that proof, i have been asking for.

https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6725643788915522918/?ctp=124#c601901836224499631

bye, have a nice day :gk_smile:

I've already provided it to you. Why do you continue asking for it? You already have your answer and it's the only answer you will get, no matter how many times you ask for it a different way.

Repeating the same comment at me repeatedly multiple times is harassment. Please stop doing that.

[Ontrix_Kitsune]

Postat inițial de Crashed:

It's actually a mirror of the Windows Update servers, with an installer that pre-installs the necessary updates to restore Windows Update functionality and use the WSUS settings to point to the Legacy Update servers.

The service does not bypass any restrictions on ESU or install updates that don't match the SKU, as it leaves the Windows Update client fully intact.

Ahh I see. Thank you for explaining. Do you happen to know if there is any way to verify that the updates they distribute are actually the originals from Microsoft?

[MonkehMaster]

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

Postat inițial de MonkehMaster:

speaking of, still waiting on that proof, i have been asking for.

https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6725643788915522918/?ctp=124#c601901836224499631

bye, have a nice day

I've already provided it to you. Why do you continue asking for it? You already have your answer and it's the only answer you will get, no matter how many times you ask for it a different way.

you have provided nothing, not a shred of proof i asked, where is the proof for "all" the things you have claimed.

not only about windows and NT kernels, but the nonsense you specifically targeted me with.

https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6725643788915522918/?ctp=124#c601901836224499631

Postat inițial de Ontrix_Kitsune:

Postat inițial de MonkehMaster:

speaking of, still waiting on that proof, i have been asking for.

https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6725643788915522918/?ctp=124#c601901836224499631

bye, have a nice day

I've already provided it to you. You already have your answer and it's the only answer you will get from me no matter how many times you ask for it a different way.

Repeating the same comment at me repeatedly multiple times is harassment. Please stop doing that.

so is spamming the thread and harassing the forum users in win 7 threads (of which, you have insulted, hassled them over their use of the OS, even claims of legality), as well as following me around the forums, because i didnt answer a question.

how about, you stop doing that and stop demanding proof, when you wont provide your own.

"rules for thee, but not for me"?

have a nice day