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 25.4.10 (Windows 6.1.7601.27666)
- Added KB5055561-x64 with disabling telemetry and checking processors (replaces KB5053620-x64)
- Added KB5056456-x64 (replaces KB5050681-x64)

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

- UpdatePack7 2024.10.10 (Windows 6.1.7601.27366)
- Steam Version: 1726604483 (Tue, Sep 17, 2024)

[Meatflaps]

Opprinnelig skrevet av MonkehMaster:

we don't need to move on, you are the one creating arguments that don't need to be created, also if it's no concern of yours (as you stated in another comment) then why are you here creating arguments over it.

Incorrect again! I have not argued with anyone. Stating facts is not arguing.

[bidulless]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Meatflaps:

Opprinnelig skrevet av bidulless:

je te l'ai déjà répéter un certain nombre de fois ici même je crois :
les mises à jours disponibles depuis le catalogue windows et destinées à windows 7 embedded ou même windows server 2007r2 sont compatibles avec windows 7 home et pro et ,non seulement fonctionnent parfaitement, mais remplissent le rôle pour lequel elles ont été créées, à savoir corriger des problémes de sécurité.
Car oui les fichiers windows 7 embedded et windows server 2008r2 sont absolutements identiques :
si tu veux t'en convaincre, il te suffit de les télécharger et de calculer leur SHA512/256 respectifs ,qui sont bien évidement identiques - à fichier identique , sha identique.

Translated so everyone can actually read your words:

Opprinnelig skrevet av bidulless:

the updates available from the windows catalog and intended for windows 7 embedded or even windows server 2007r2 are compatible with windows 7

That is not true. You just wrote fictional words that are completely false. I'm surprised to hear you write this now after you just admitted in a previous comment a moment ago that the updates inside of UpdatePack7 are actually not intended for Windows 7.

In one comment you say they are not supposed to be in Windows 7 then here in your very next comment you are writing that they are supposed to be in Windows 7. I have no idea what it is that you're trying to communicate here but your words are certainly very confusing! You're directly contradicting yourself with your very own words two comments apart.

hello

je n'ai jamais dis que les mises à jour contenues dans l'updatepack n'étaient pas à destination de windows 7 home ou pro , ni même qu'elles ne fonctionnaient pas sur windows 7 car ce n'est absolument pas le cas :
elles fonctionnent et l'update pack à rendu et rend encore service à ces utilisateurs quoique tu puisses en penser.

As tu au moins la peine de télécharger une des mises à jour que tu as TOI MÊME linkée et pris le temps de la dézipper afin d'en explorer son contenu ?
Bien sûr que tu l'as fait mais même aprés avoir vue de tes propres yeux le contenue du fichier .prooperties.pkg , tu n'arrives évidement toujours pas à comprendre comment cela est possible ....
https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6725643788915522918/?ctp=7#c4843149419128365159
Qui plus est, comme tu sembles trés intérréssé par le suject voici un lien qui te permettra de comprendre, si tu en es capbable et disposé à le faire , le fonctionnement de dism et des fichiers pkgProperties.txt
https://woshub.com/manually-install-cab-msu-updates-windows/
Il ne tient qu'à toi d'acquérir des connaissances mais encore faut il que tu veuilles en faire l'effort.

[Meatflaps]

Opprinnelig skrevet av bidulless:

I never said that the updates contained in the updatepack were not intended for Windows 7 Home or Pro, nor that they did not work on Windows 7

Yes you did. Right here in your own words:

Opprinnelig skrevet av bidulless:

their are labelled for a different sku or windows version.

In this comment here: https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6725643788915522918/?ctp=26#c4843149419131110868

[bidulless]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Meatflaps:

Opprinnelig skrevet av bidulless:

I never said that the updates contained in the updatepack were not intended for Windows 7 Home or Pro, nor that they did not work on Windows 7

Yes you did. Right here in your own words:

Opprinnelig skrevet av bidulless:

their are labelled for a different sku or windows version.

In this comment here: https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/6725643788915522918/?ctp=26#c4843149419131110868

hello
Pourquoi choisir de couper la phrase et non de la reprendre dans son entiéreté?

theses update from the mikeysoft catalogue are working under windows 7 despite their are labelled for a different sku or windows version.

[Weird Pumpkin]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Meatflaps:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

You've spent more time typing these statements than it would have taken you to learn and discover methods of gaining proof to your argument.

You appear to be quite confused. I'm not sure how you got so confused but I'll try to help straighten it out for you: I'm not arguing with you or anyone else in this thread or any other thread. I'm just sharing true and factual information. It's not my fault that people like you (and a couple others in here) choose to completely ignore this information and/or don't like hearing the truth.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

More so, you antagonized yourself against people who are doing this.

No? I haven't antagonized anyone.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

When they're the first people you should have been trying to cooperate with coming to a more concise conclusion in the first place.

I would love to cooperate with people if they would take the first step and acknowledge the truth about UpdatePack7 and what it is really doing. As long as they continue denying what it's doing and then masquerading around the steam forums claiming UpdatePack7 is doing things that it does not do then I'm unable to cooperate with them, sadly.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

If these are serious claims you're making then you should treat it seriously instead of dancing around the core of the problem.

I'm not "dancing around" anything. I'm sharing true and factual information directly with everyone else in this thread.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

Stop posturing, start acting.

I am acting already: I'm doing what I can to make sure anyone who finds this thread is informed as to the true nature and function of UpdatePack7 along with what it does (and does not) do. I'm sorry you don't like to hear the truth about your beloved program, and that you fail to acknowledge what it is actually doing (and not doing). Ultimately that is entirely your problem and no actual concern of mine. I will continue to do my part to ensure everyone is informed as long as is necessary, and as long as people like you continue to write false claims about UpdatePack7 into the steam forums.

You still have not run the program. You still have not showcased proof. You can't claim something as a fact if you have not shown the results from those claims.

And yes, you absolutely are antagonizing people. You've been banned, you came back anyway. You're not being morally honest and won't put effort into researching this "to ensure everyone is informed as long as is necessary" when you won't actually run the software to see if you are actually correct. You state things like "I'm sorry you don't like to hear the truth about your beloved program" when you absolutely know you're being snide and discouraging instead of actually helping the problem. And I know for a fact if I spent 5 minute slooking through your post history on these threads you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. You're a provocateur and are engaging in this just because you're emotionally invested. Do some work for once and show me some actual evidence from the program itself. And actually listen and do what the OP's in this thread are telling you so we can confirm you're not intentionally doing it incorrectly.

[bidulless]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Meatflaps:

You appear to be quite confused. I'm not sure how you got so confused but I'll try to help straighten it out for you: I'm not arguing with you or anyone else in this thread or any other thread. I'm just sharing true and factual information. It's not my fault that people like you (and a couple others in here) choose to completely ignore this information and/or don't like hearing the truth.

No? I haven't antagonized anyone.

I would love to cooperate with people if they would take the first step and acknowledge the truth about UpdatePack7 and what it is really doing. As long as they continue denying what it's doing and then masquerading around the steam forums claiming UpdatePack7 is doing things that it does not do then I'm unable to cooperate with them, sadly.

I'm not "dancing around" anything. I'm sharing true and factual information directly with everyone else in this thread.


I am acting already: I'm doing what I can to make sure anyone who finds this thread is informed as to the true nature and function of UpdatePack7 along with what it does (and does not) do. I'm sorry you don't like to hear the truth about your beloved program, and that you fail to acknowledge what it is actually doing (and not doing). Ultimately that is entirely your problem and no actual concern of mine. I will continue to do my part to ensure everyone is informed as long as is necessary, and as long as people like you continue to write false claims about UpdatePack7 into the steam forums.

You still have not run the program. You still have not showcased proof. You can't claim something as a fact if you have not shown the results from those claims.

And yes, you absolutely are antagonizing people. You've been banned, you came back anyway. You're not being morally honest and won't put effort into researching this "to ensure everyone is informed as long as is necessary" when you won't actually run the software to see if you are actually correct. You state things like "I'm sorry you don't like to hear the truth about your beloved program" when you absolutely know you're being snide and discouraging instead of actually helping the problem. And I know for a fact if I spent 5 minute slooking through your post history on these threads you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. You're a provocateur and are engaging in this just because you're emotionally invested. Do some work for once and show me some actual evidence from the program itself. And actually listen and do what the OP's in this thread are telling you so we can confirm you're not intentionally doing it incorrectly.

hello

I am completly agree with you @Weird Pumpkin.
I do not use updatepack or script to update my home windows with theses security update.
Nonetheless, i was curious to understand how it was possible and made research under a vm.
And finally it did not wasted time as i've learned many things like how the msu update are working, how dism is working and be used to apply update , on some file format and their content and meaning ,etc ...

[Meatflaps]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

You still have not run the program. You still have not showcased proof. You can't claim something as a fact if you have not shown the results from those claims.

And yes, you absolutely are antagonizing people. You've been banned, you came back anyway. You're not being morally honest and won't put effort into researching this "to ensure everyone is informed as long as is necessary" when you won't actually run the software to see if you are actually correct. You state things like "I'm sorry you don't like to hear the truth about your beloved program" when you absolutely know you're being snide and discouraging instead of actually helping the problem. And I know for a fact if I spent 5 minute slooking through your post history on these threads you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. You're a provocateur and are engaging in this just because you're emotionally invested. Do some work for once and show me some actual evidence from the program itself. And actually listen and do what the OP's in this thread are telling you so we can confirm you're not intentionally doing it incorrectly.

I don't understand what is that you are trying to say here. I already acknowledged that yes UpdatePack7 will run and install. I told you that. It does install just fine. It will even appear to be installing updates into Windows 7 if you run it in Windows 7. I never denied that.

That's not the problem. The problem is the updates that it is installing when it is run. That's my main issue with the entire program. I already explained that to you once. Did you read or did you just quote me and ignore what I wrote?

Also your comment here is bordering right on the edge of targeted harassment. I didn't want to involve the moderators here with this thread as it might get it locked and shut down. But I may have no choice if you continue doing that to me.

[MonkehMaster]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Meatflaps:

Opprinnelig skrevet av MonkehMaster:

we don't need to move on, you are the one creating arguments that don't need to be created, also if it's no concern of yours (as you stated in another comment) then why are you here creating arguments over it.

Incorrect again! I have not argued with anyone. Stating facts is not arguing.

you can't state facts that you haven't tested to prove they are facts.

have a nice day

[bidulless]

Opprinnelig skrevet av MonkehMaster:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Meatflaps:

Incorrect again! I have not argued with anyone. Stating facts is not arguing.

you can't state facts that you haven't tested to prove they are facts.

have a nice day :gk_smile:

hello
funny how he changed his speetch from his last post by now saying the complete opposite of what he was saying before xd

[MonkehMaster]

Opprinnelig skrevet av bidulless:

Opprinnelig skrevet av MonkehMaster:

you can't state facts that you haven't tested to prove they are facts.

have a nice day

hello
funny how he changed his speetch from his last post by now saying the complete opposite of what he was saying before xd

agreed, and from past statements, we see what the intentions are.

[Weird Pumpkin]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Meatflaps:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

You still have not run the program. You still have not showcased proof. You can't claim something as a fact if you have not shown the results from those claims.

And yes, you absolutely are antagonizing people. You've been banned, you came back anyway. You're not being morally honest and won't put effort into researching this "to ensure everyone is informed as long as is necessary" when you won't actually run the software to see if you are actually correct. You state things like "I'm sorry you don't like to hear the truth about your beloved program" when you absolutely know you're being snide and discouraging instead of actually helping the problem. And I know for a fact if I spent 5 minute slooking through your post history on these threads you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. You're a provocateur and are engaging in this just because you're emotionally invested. Do some work for once and show me some actual evidence from the program itself. And actually listen and do what the OP's in this thread are telling you so we can confirm you're not intentionally doing it incorrectly.

I don't understand what is that you are trying to say here. I already acknowledged that yes UpdatePack7 will run and install. I told you that. It does install just fine. It will even appear to be installing updates into Windows 7 if you run it in Windows 7. I never denied that.

That's not the problem. The problem is the updates that it is installing when it is run. That's my main issue with the entire program. I already explained that to you once. Did you read or did you just quote me and ignore what I wrote?

Also your comment here is bordering right on the edge of targeted harassment. I didn't want to involve the moderators here with this thread as it might get it locked and shut down. But I may have no choice if you continue doing that to me.

I'm not targeting you for harassment. Please do not discourage a discussion by trying to bring in steam support unless you are absolutely sure there's a legitimate threat or malicious statement made against you. I explained why you're being antagonistic because you are not engaging with us in good faith. I did not ask if it could be installed or not. I'm asking why you are not agreeing to make an attempt to install UpdatePack7 in a safe environment to see if it actually provides beneficial support to peoples security or in general to those who use it correctly. And why this was not done so with the support of the people who are claiming it works so we can understand it better. I want to know because because I think it would resolve this so we don't have to continue to discuss it senselessly for several dozens of pages.

[Meatflaps]

Opprinnelig skrevet av MonkehMaster:

you can't state facts that you haven't tested to prove they are facts.

have a nice day :gk_smile:

It's kind of "funny" to read you speaking of someone proving something when you still haven't proven the existence of Windows 12 over in the other Windows 7 thread here: https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/11/4349988612573450321/?ctp=304#c4845399746425000819

[Meatflaps]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

I'm not targeting you for harassment.

Yes you are. Right here:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

You're not being morally honest

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

Please do not discourage a discussion by trying to bring in steam support unless you are absolutely sure there's a legitimate threat or malicious statement made against you.

There already was. You directly threatened me once already right here:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

if I spent 5 minute slooking through your post history on these threads you wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

I explained why you're being antagonistic because you are not engaging with us in good faith. I did not ask if it could be installed or not. I'm asking why you are not agreeing to make an attempt to install UpdatePack7 in a safe environment to see if it actually provides beneficial support to peoples security or in general to those who use it correctly.

I'm not refusing to do it. I already know the end result. It installs updates. Just like I said. I can read the Microsoft Knowledge base articles for the updates that are included inside of UpdatePack7 to understand exactly what the updates do, what they update, and what OS they are intended for. The issue here is I'm not going to waste my precious little time I have during the day doing something that I already know what the outcome will be. Certainly I wouldn't spend a single minute of time doing anything for some random nobody person on the internet that I do not know and who has harassed me and threatened me.

I have a little tip for you for the future: If you want to ask someone to do something for you then you might try being nice to them next time.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

I want to know because because I think it would resolve this so we don't have to continue to discuss it senselessly for several dozens of pages.

You're welcome to "resolve this" yourself right now: Just stop responding.

[Firmament]

Begnerém azan gondorotamnim, högn hosa nemen kofoq sifissanetí a Windows 7-olonem. Matarán taiyebb ávanen Windows 10-anam hazuralón azan, leqell monqanam högn am aqan töqelélt yó opératiq rendersezeren.

[Weird Pumpkin]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Meatflaps:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

I'm not targeting you for harassment.

Yes you are. Right here:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

You're not being morally honest

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

Please do not discourage a discussion by trying to bring in steam support unless you are absolutely sure there's a legitimate threat or malicious statement made against you.

There already was. You directly threatened me once already right here:

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

if I spent 5 minute slooking through your post history on these threads you wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

I explained why you're being antagonistic because you are not engaging with us in good faith. I did not ask if it could be installed or not. I'm asking why you are not agreeing to make an attempt to install UpdatePack7 in a safe environment to see if it actually provides beneficial support to peoples security or in general to those who use it correctly.

I'm not refusing to do it. I already know the end result. It installs updates. Just like I said. I can read the Microsoft Knowledge base articles for the updates that are included inside of UpdatePack7 to understand exactly what the updates do, what they update, and what OS they are intended for. The issue here is I'm not going to waste my precious little time I have during the day doing something that I already know what the outcome will be. Certainly I wouldn't spend a single minute of time doing anything for some random nobody person on the internet that I do not know and who has harassed me and threatened me.

I have a little tip for you for the future: If you want to ask someone to do something for you then you might try being nice to them next time.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Weird Pumpkin:

I want to know because because I think it would resolve this so we don't have to continue to discuss it senselessly for several dozens of pages.

You're welcome to "resolve this" yourself right now: Just stop responding.

"I'm not refusing to do it. I already know the end result."
This is effectively the same thing. Please confer with us your results if you do this at some point if you wish to progress.