Old PC: New OS

[Jackie Daytona]

I've just learned that Steam will no longer support Win7 as of 2024. I'm forced to upgrade, and I'm not sure how to handle this. All options seem bad.

I figure dual-boot with a secondary OS is the best solution. I've been able to do it before, but the experience was poor. Regardless, that's what I'm going with. Which OS, though?

Win10 - About to die off, itself. Has compatibility issues with some of the games I like. Has improved compatibility with some of my games. Doesn't officially work with my CPU (i7-4770k).

Win11 - It's about the same as Win10. Not sure that a system as old as mine can handle it. (From official information, it seems my comp cannot run Win11.)

Steam OS - Release of the next version was delayed. (Or that was the case months ago when I read about it.) I can't be sure the next version will support my specs. (And I'll undoubtedly be forced onto that at some unknown time.)

Alternately, I could get a dock for my Steam Deck. Then just use that as my computer. However, many of my games won't work on it at all. (or work poorly)

No matter what, I'm losing access to some of my games. So, this is a difficult decision.

Update:
I appreciate all the comments. I've taken them into consideration. Spent a few days thinking about this. I've been reading up on Win10 and Win11. I've looked into alternative OS. I've looked to past versions of Steam. I've looked into other game launchers.

Seems it's impossible to obtain an official Win10 key. (Just because M$ decided that's how it would be.) The only way to do so is through shady gray market sites. I'd rather not do that.

Win11 isn't possible. My mobo is "out-of-date". As it doesn't allow the advanced tracking that M$ decided needed to be part of the OS. My system fulfills EVERY requirement with the exception of that ONE. So, I can't use Win11, either.

I joined Steam around 2011. For certain game. I didn't want to. (However, this particular game was ONLY available through Steam.) I felt the dangers of an online-only game-launcher would be trouble. And I've been proven correct. Every fear has come to pass.

I will (soon) no longer be able to play games I paid for. Games that don't require anything beyond what I have now.

There are a number of f2p games I got through Steam. This was a mistake. As *not* playing them through Steam would mean I could continue to play. Now? I'll have to make a new account, or spend $1000 for a new computer. Just so I can play these games.

So, I'm done with Steam. It is a game service that is taking away my games. Games I legitimately purchased. Through proper channels. That do not require Win10.

Going forward, some games will still require Steam. I'll have a linux machine for that. I'm leaving my Win7, as it is. The corporate overlords have made it impossible to upgrade through legitimate and official means. (While also requiring me to do so.)

I've emptied my Steam Wallet. I'll be clearing my wishlist. Aside from DLC for a few games I already own? I won't be spending money through Steam. (Well, I will be buying the official Steam Deck dock, but that'll be the last.) I'll still redeem keys I get through sites like Humble. I won't have an alternative.

And why is all this happening? Because Steam wants to implement a newer version of Google's browser. That's it. That's the ENTIRE reason. I don't think that's a good reason to cut me off from all of my games.

But, hey! There is always sailing. And if Valve doesn't want my money? That's cool. Epic is happy to take my business.

[Crashed]

You can actually install Windows 10 at the following site if your Windows 7 is properly activated:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Either click Update now or if you want to create a .iso click Download Now.

Both Windows 10 and 11 will accept Windows 7 product keys; typing this on a Windows 11 Pro system activated using a Windows 7 Ultimate key (don't worry, Ultimate features like BitLocker were rolled into Pro).

[Bad 💀 Motha]

You can still buy legit Win10 keys by buying either Retail or OEM System Builder of Win10 off of places like Amazon, Newegg, MicroCenter... forAmazon and Newegg just ensure it's not from a 3rd party seller

[Jackie Daytona]

Originalmente postado por DarthSidious666:

I would have a look at Kinguin myself.
Cheap prices, reliable and 100% working.

I trust that site more than most people. Not for an OS key, though.

Originalmente postado por AmaiAmai:

If you are in college or know someone there, keep in mind that many IT departments give access to perpetual licenses for Microsoft products.

It's not well-known, but you can get a free copy of Windows and Microsoft pro edition products like that. And unlike anything shady, it is REAL and legal + legit copies of said software.

If you work at a nonprofit you may also be able to get software for free from Microsoft, including if you only do part-time community service.

Unfortunately, I do not have access to anything like that. Or know anyone that could provide such a thing.

Originalmente postado por smallcat:

If you re using Windows 7/8 try upgrading to 10 . It should be still possible despite officially this opportunity must have expired

From what I've read? It works. However, it's technically only an activation. Not a real key. It's 100% possible for M$ to revoke your key for doing this. Supposedly, they aren't, but they could.

Just like Steam could decide Win10 is invalid at any time.

[Jackie Daytona]

Originalmente postado por Crashed:

You can actually install Windows 10 at the following site if your Windows 7 is properly activated:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Either click Update now or if you want to create a .iso click Download Now.

Both Windows 10 and 11 will accept Windows 7 product keys; typing this on a Windows 11 Pro system activated using a Windows 7 Ultimate key (don't worry, Ultimate features like BitLocker were rolled into Pro).

Would you be willing to show me proof of this? (In private.) Because everything I've read says that it would technically be piracy. As the free offer to upgrade is expired. As explained by M$ and others.

Originalmente postado por Bad 💀 Motha:

You can still buy legit Win10 keys by buying either Retail or OEM System Builder of Win10 off of places like Amazon, Newegg, MicroCenter... forAmazon and Newegg just ensure it's not from a 3rd party seller

I've looked into this, but have had some trouble. I'll admit. I didn't do a thorough search of every computer parts site, but... I couldn't find one. I'll try again.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

I don't get what your issue is. Upgrade Win7/8 to 10, activate it, done. You also have the option to move to Win11 for free as well, after Win10 has been activated.

If you wish to keep your Win7/8 intact as it is now, you can do that.
Then unhook this OS drive for right now, hookup another drive and do a clean install of Win10 64bit 22H2 via self-made USB Flash Drive. During install click "I do not have a product key", then pick the same edition as your Win7/8 key is, Home or Pro. Once Win10 is installed, go to the activation area of the OS, enter the old legit Win7/8 product key to activate 10.

Now you have Win7 or 8 on one drive, and a clean Win10 on another drive.
Can continue to keep them separate and boot to either one as needed.

[Phénomènes Mystiques]

I have an Intel Core 2 Duo with Win10 on it and that laptop works better with Win10 than with it's own Win7. So don't tell me an i-series cannot handle Win10 because of this Core 2 Duo (2006/07).

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Originalmente postado por Wynters:

I have an Intel Core 2 Duo with Win10 on it and that laptop works better with Win10 than with it's own Win7. So don't tell me an i-series cannot handle Win10 because of this Core 2 Duo (2006/07).

That is a nice example too. Especially since that system was from the WinXP era.

[gyrotim]

I also have a dual-boot for Windows 10 separately, I used it to play Forza Horizon 4 and because I booted it off a HDD it was extremely slow to use. The game ran well though.

[76561198019446607]

that is bull poo. i have the same issue. at time of purchase, those games meet the requirements. for win 7 win. so i do not see why and how i would need to update to a worthless op in order to keep playing a game i have paid for. ether refund me for those games, or figure a way out that will allow people keep playing. what the heck is this bullpoo.

[Blaquicat]

Hello, where i work we have several C2D from E4400 to E8600, some C2Q too, most of them with only 4gb ram, and they run w10 relatively well with a generic 120gb ssd.

We also have some 2th to 6th intel core pcs, from lenovo, dell, hp, some old ibm pc too.
Also, those pcs all have windows 7 keys, and we have no issues installing windows 10 with those keys.

[Haruspex]

Originalmente postado por Jackie Daytona:

Seems it's impossible to obtain an official Win10 key. (Just because M$ decided that's how it would be.) The only way to do so is through shady gray market sites. I'd rather not do that.

Your Windows 7 key is a Windows 10 key as far as Microsoft is concerned. They don't widely declare it, but if you do an in-place upgrade from 7 to 10, or just install 10 using your Windows 7 key, it will activate just fine.

I've noticed people around here complaining about Windows 7 and 8 support dropping don't seem to want to accept this. It's like:

"Windows 7 support ending. Oh woe is me."

"Dude, just upgrade to 10 for free using your Windows 7 key."

"Guess I'm done with Steam since I can't afford to pay for Windows 10."

"Pay? You don't have to. You can upgrade for free."

"Too bad there's no way to upgrade for free anymore. Maybe I'll move to Tibet and become a monk since I can't play my PC games anymore."

"Dude... You can upgrade from 7 to 10 for free. I don't know how to spell it out any clearer for you."

"Yes sir, my PC gaming days are numbered since I can never upgrade to Windows 10. I'm poor and can't pay for it."

"*Facepalm*"

[plat]

The biggest thing holding people back from moving on to newer systems is fear of the unknown.

Just update when you're ready. You still have the time.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

[Haruspex]

Originalmente postado por plat:

The biggest thing holding people back from moving on to newer systems is fear of the unknown.

Just update when you're ready. You still have the time.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

100%. It's just anxiety manifest. Neuroticism is common these days it seems.

[Overseer]

Yeah i have an old Laptop running Windows 10. It came with 7 pre-installed. I upgraded RAM from 4 to 8 GB, replaced the HDD with a SSD, replaced the CPU with an i5-480M, updated BIOS
and installed Windows 10 with the original 7 key. Works perfectly fine. It can do a whopping 577 points in Cinebench R23!
It's running 22H2 and i just installed the latest updates.

Generalized claims that 10 doesn't run or doesn't run some games are more common here but never backed with specific data. Like what exactly doesn't run? We have to get out of this theoretical talk and focus on reality. How do you even know something doesn't run when you never installed 10? And if its information from somebody else how do you know their data is accurate?

[gyrotim]

Originalmente postado por Harusp3x:

Originalmente postado por plat:

The biggest thing holding people back from moving on to newer systems is fear of the unknown.

Just update when you're ready. You still have the time.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

100%. It's just anxiety manifest. Neuroticism is common these days it seems.

No, you're right about that tbh.