Steam Windows 8.1 Issue

[thatoks]

Everytime I try to install steam on my windows 8.1 laptop it gets stuck on install...Was working before, but now steam won't install....

Do steam still run on windows 8.1?

[Komarimaru]

I'd try and run it as admin for install, make sure an anti virus isn't interfering etc. We probably got a few years until Steam drops support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1

[N3tRunn3r]

I recommend doing a free upgrade to Windows 10, if your system spec is capable, Windows 11.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/getting-ready-for-the-windows-11-upgrade-eb50813f-c7da-4cf8-89a3-6ba0d33b2773

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11#retailers?ocid=smc_marvel_ups_support_movetowin11

And besides that..:

Windows 10 and Windows 11 are "OFFICIALLY" literally free to use..!!
But nearly none is aware of this.

No need to buy a license. Just some customization options will be disabled for the "free use". And such branded watermarks or even locks wont happen in W10/11, as it had happened on earlier Windows versions as in W7, WinXP and so on, depends on installed Edition.

W10/11 is free-to-use.

Besides that, there are a bunch of trustworthy keyseller sites who sell Professional RETAIL keys for €5~€10.. or throwaway OEM keys for €2.. Don't be tricked with Volume Keys.. *cough*

To check to have gotten an OEM, RETAIL or VOLUME key, enter this into cmd:

slmgr /dli

[-and-]

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Output should tell you either of these:

VOLUME_MAK
RETAIL
OEM_DM

You also want to check out these functions:

slmgr.vbs /help

[-and-]

slmgr /ipk [...]

[-and-]

slmgr /ato

[-and-]

slmgr /xpr

[-and-]

slmgr.vbs /rearm

..refresh the "trial/evaluation" cycle without the need of a fresh install.. forever free W11 useage.. more informations via WWW

You can even extract your current license key, but only works if this license key has been embedded into your BIOS and/or if it is an OEM key. Via CMD/PowerShell:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

There are also free to use and malware free tools which scan and extract your license keys. Check the NirSoft page:

https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_key_scanner.html

https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

I recommend a cheap Windows 10/11 Professional RETAIL key for €10.. Any Windows 10 key works for Windows 11, too. So I recommend doing a fresh & clean Windows 11 install. Windows 10 Support will end soon, as it has "just" happened with WIndows 7.

Download the official Media Creation Tool and setup W11 onto a USB stick from the official Microsoft Windows site:

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

After the bootable USB stick is ready, prepare it. Delete the "ei.cfg" file inside its install directory "sources", or simply rename it to ei.cfg.bak, and if there is a "PID.txt" file present as well, delete or rename it, too. So you are free to choose a particular Windows 11 Edition during installation. Take Professional of course.

The ei.cfg usually defines which edition will be unlocked and installed. Also if OEM, Retail or Volume. Same goes with the pid.txt file. It usually defines the installing edition via a Key.

For those of you who arent aware of this all, Microsoft has EVER ALLOWED you to customize any of your Windows installments.. There are even professional tools hosted and supported by Microsoft[learn.microsoft.com]. Don't be afraid, this is all legal stuff.

Oh and btw, disable/deny anything on features as diagnostics during installation. Also for your "privacy" it is important to setup/create an "Offline Account" during a fresh W10/W11 installation process. Special online (spying) services will be disabled by doing so.

Since the official and latest 22H2 Update rollout, Offline Accounts are harder to create.

Do this:

- disable Internet/LAN before entering W11 Setup on boot
- @ Language Selection menu click on "Let's connect"
- then open cmd menu by hitting "Shift + F10"
- type in and enter:

C:\Windows\System32>oobe\bypass.nro

[-or-]

oobe\bypass.nro

[-or-]

oobe\bypassnro

- reboot / auto-reboot
- then again back at the W11 installation, click on "..I dont have internet.."
- continue with limited setup

>> Profit!!