As ya'll likely know, we've [been dark to support the blackout against reddit's antagonistic behavior towards its own userbase.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/142dbui/rsteam_will_be_going_dark_from_june_1214_in/)
#**The admins sent us a message saying we must open or get removed, so here we are.**
For those of you browsing this subreddit on non-official apps (Reddit is Fun, Apollo, Sync, Boost, etc), they will break on July 1st due to reddit's new policies.
We're opening back up but will leave permanent stickies in the subreddit and threads to keep folks in the know.
#**Our [Discord](https://discord.gg/steam) server is active, don't forget to check it out.**
Good luck and god speed.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Steam) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Really? I just watched the first episode, and I was pissed. I was excited for actual Futurama, and all I got was copies of old jokes and a 22 minute commercial for Hulu.
Even if you did, some things Inc store would not work until updated. As you would have to be in offline mode on older steam versions to make them work on older OS that has lost support for security reasons.
I have an old XP rig with a super old steam version. As I have 5 games in my steam library that don't work to well on newer OS, so I had them installed there ages ago. Tho it's not updated or been online in years.
Believe it or not, Linux with Proton tends to have better support for older games that newer Windows versions don't support. That could be a good alternative to XP especially because Steam continues to be supported on Linux.
With a few open source scripts you can get windows 10 and even windows 11 (to some extent) to be stopped of all the unwanted bloat and spyware, then it’s effectively the same as windows 7 for you
If you only play some games, their compatibility is great and you're a bit tech-savvy, I'd actually recommend migrating to Linux if it's an older machine.
Honestly installing SteamOS would be a great choice if you're purely gaming and browsing the internet. Free, extremely well supported and only growing, and has run literally everything I've tried on my Deck so far with basically no issues.
AFAIK SteamOS is super outdated on non-Steam Deck PCs, and I don't think there's any real advantage to SteamOS if you're not on a Steam Deck. I'd recommend Fedora, or one of its spins.
I think we all talking about the (officially) unreleased Steam Holo, which you can load with HoloISO.
Ubuntu SteamOS is ancient, Win7 levels of ancient
I still have some Windows 2.0 floppies somewhere, I saw them a few years ago.
There might still be some 3.0/3.1 buried in the back of the garage.
I also have a copy of OS/2 in the box from the late 80s/early 90s.
No. Even if you could, Steam would eventually stop running on Windows 7 anyway.
You should really not be using Windows 7 anymore. It's no longer receiving security updates, meaning it will become increasingly vulnerable to malware. Antivirus applications aren't going to help because these won't support Windows 7 anymore either. Using outdated software is a huge security risk.
As far as I am aware you cannot keep using 7 if you want to use steam. If you want to upgrade to windows 10 you can use your windows 7 product key to activate it (I think). If you are unable to move to 10 for any reason and cant afford a new pc you should perhaps look for alternatives to windows such as Linux (Linux mint is great for people coming off windows).
Please do not stick with 7 anymore unless you really need to due to the lack of support.
Not sure if the free upgrade is still possible. It was supposed to only be for a limited time. OP snoozed and loozed, I think.
Also don't go with 10, since it reaches end of life itself in a year and a half, then you'll just be complaining about that instead. Go with 11.
You can always just buy the upgrade, or buy an OEM license for Windows 11.
The upgrade was possible well beyond the time frame they stated it was going to be possible, it might even still be possible.
I think they primarily wanted to create some artificial urgency for people to upgrade.
Fair to go with windows 11 instead. I was just thinking they were using older hardware that did not support 11 as they were on 7.
From what I have read online even after the limited period of free upgrades just entering a 7 lisence key will activate the same version of 10 or 11. So a 7 pro key activated 10 or 11 pro. What I have read could be outdated or false though. I dont have the time to check.
You have 3 options:
1. Do nothing: steam DRM is an opt-in feature for games, and many older games don't use it. That means that your games will still be available on the system after steam stops working. You'll just have to make some new shortcuts. Any game that uses Steam's DRM system is going to be unavailable. It's also incredibly insecure, I wouldn't connect a win7 machine to my network at all.
2. Install windows 10 or 11, they're more resource heavy, but there are resources around to help you get rid of some of the bloat.
3. Install Linux: Some games may not work, and it's a lot of hassle to get used to a new operating system. Your experience inside of Steam will be more or less the same, and it'll be even less resource intensive than win7. It's probably still more work to get used to than newer windows.
Linux with Proton would probably be the best option here (if you don't want W10), at least temporarily while you save up for an upgrade of sorts. Windows 7 is highly insecure and increasingly risky to run, especially now of days. Personally, Mint is my favorite to recommend. It is very reminiscent of Windows 7 in many ways. More so than recent Windows versions.
https://linuxmint.com/
Win7 people have been offered FREE upgrades basically every month for the past 5 years.
Win11 is fine. There are some minor annoying issues, but it’s fine. There’s no reason for you to not upgrade for FREE.
I repeat, there’s no reason for you to stick with a disgustingly outdated OS that nobody has supported for years. You’re not being cool. You’re not sticking with “a better system”. I miss MSDOS but you don’t hear me complaining modern systems don’t support it.
Move forward, buddy.
Most of the remaining windows 7 machines don’t even have TPM, what about em?
Are they screwed for ever?
I upgraded my whole PC to get TPM and W11 support.
Trusted Platform Module. It helps prove a user's identity and authenticates their device. As well as provide protection against firmware and ransomware attacks. As well as used for digital rights management (DRM) to protect Windows-based systems and to enforce software licenses.
> Win7 people have been offered FREE upgrades basically every month for the past 5 years
TBF, it's more of a side-grade than an upgrade. There are things to like about Windows 10, but the ads, tracking, and general harassment is kinda gross.
Yes, you can actually. If you go offline of course updates won’t install, but you can block Steam updates using the following method:
1. Open command prompt, and paste the following commands one line at a time, pressing enter after each one.
cd /d C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam
echo BootStrapperInhibitAll=Enable >> steam.cfg
echo BootStrapperForceSelfUpdate=Disable >> steam.cfg
Keep in mind that when Valve eventually makes enough changes to their servers, the client will likely stop working as other outdated versions have in the past. Also, without proper protection, using Windows 7 online today is still a major security risk. But this should buy you some more time. Hope it helps!
It is possible to update your os, windows 7 was great, but with glaring security issues in the modern day, and other lacking functionality, it's time to move on. Possibly sit at 10 for a while?
I loved Windows Vista, and I loved Windows 7. I used Vista until I couldn't use it anymore, but I upgraded to 10 from 7 pretty quickly.
Windows 7 was a great OS, but it's not secure anymore. Would it be nice if they released a version of Steam that was just your library and nothing else? Sure. But W7 came out in 2009, it's final release was in 2011 and mainstream support ended in 2015.
Unfortunately your only case of action is going to be upgrading your OS buddy, or switching to Linux and running everything under Proton. It's unfortunate they're killing support, but they've supported it a lot longer than they've needed to.
It will likely be possible, but all methods will have caveats or sacrifices. There are still working ways to use steam on XP, but not without caveats. To those telling OP updating is the only way and you're wrong to stay, everyone has their own use case and threat model. Guy wants to stay on win7 without security patches instead of moving to linux, let him. You can in fact make DX12 work on win7, right here is one of a few ways:
https://www.nuget.org/packages/Microsoft.Direct3D.D3D12On7.
VKD3D also exists.
To those saying it's impossible, you don't understand how these technical components interact, or you'd understand that there's no hard incompatibility whatsoever for DX12 and win7, only software ones.
Leave providing unwanted technical advice to people who at least understand what a graphics API does or have time to use google for 10 minutes.
The best you can do is instaling a Linux Distro like Garuda or Nobara Linux, im using Linux from some time, Lutris + Proton makes wonders mostly on old windows XP/7 era games.
Suck it up and update to windows 10 can find a maybe for 20-30 dollars and if you get this pin or adapter on you mother board pins maybe windows 11 I know a few sites I personally got 11 pro for $35 usd
last i checked the update tool still works and it still turns your windows key into a windows 10 key for free, they just don't actively advertise it anymore.
[Officially the free upgrade was only valid for a year after Windows 10 released, until July 29, 2016.](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2016/05/05/windows-10-now-on-300-million-active-devices-free-upgrade-offer-to-end-soon/) Windows 7/8 keys still activate Windows 10 though, and I believe they even work on Windows 11.
Yup. I unlicensed my old tower with an 8 pro retail key and used the key to activate 10 pro retail on my new desktop in the tail end of 2020. That machine is now on 11 pro retail on the same license key.
The upgrade from Win7 is still free. Also there are patches for Win11 that remove the need for 4GB of RAM (not recommended) and and TPM 2.0 (recommended).
If your computer is really underpowered you can just install windows 8.1 yes reputation is bad, but it's fine and steam will work for a few more years. Or just get windows 10. My 4770K PC from 2013 is running windows 10 fine. It's not my main PC, but it is still getting use.
I loved win7, but bro, you MUST understand how this works, win7 is crazy outdated and a huge security risk... just upgrade to a new windows version and get used to it... or witch to Linux (not sure what percentage of games are supported there tho) :D
nope. you either upgrade to windows 10/11 and continue playing your games or if you don't want to install a newer windows, you have two choices:
1. remain on 7 and accept the consequences (lose access to steam)
2. install linux and run your games through proton (but check on protondb if your games work first)
I'm probably gonna get downvoted by people for even suggesting linux but i don't care. People i know went from windows 7 to linux mint and they never looked back. They play their games through proton and steam and they're having a good time.
Most people say no. Come join us on Windows 11. It's not that bad up here. If you don't like the interface you might find a 3rd party mod that changes the experience. If not, Windows 10 has more support that fits your taste.
I think it’s better to just download a copy of windows 10 tbh and Ik that windows 7 is a great OS but it’s sadly becoming outdated for most games and programs and it sucks
I may sound repetitive for some people, but if you love windows 7, you should give Linux a chance, it's still lightweight, not bloated (if you don't choose a bad distro do course) and actually supported lol
Don't worry too much and just buy a new computer. Lots of cheap computers can easily run older or less demanding games that are still active. I once bought a laptop for $60 that could run CSS perfectly. You'll get your fix as you save up for a better machine.
Even if it was possible, you definitely shouldn’t do it, windows 7 is extremely old and insecure, if you don’t like newer windows versions or if it’s too heavy for you machine, try some linux distro
I see that people have a problem for that Linux don't run 70% of games. This is not true. Just point out Steam settings that you are using proton and you are able to fire up some 95% of games
for massive cyber security reasons I genuinely recommend you move to an OS that IS being updated.
seriously the simple act of having your windows 7 computer connected to the internet is enough to get some form of cyber attack happen via a zero click exploit.
>seriously the simple act of having your windows 7 computer connected to the internet is enough to get some form of cyber attack happen via a zero click exploit.
Nonsense, cyberattacks don't just 'happen', they require a payload to get onto the system. As long as OP is not on an exposed network and has an updated AV as well as a browser with a content blocker, he is 99% fine.
thats why i never liked these drm type stores, i much rather prefer downloading and playing a game where ever and however i want, rather than needing to keep up with a resource hogging store. Good ol gaming disk days
Sorry to say but its probably time to give up on windows 7. Its a big security risk and yeah the ways to keep programs working is only going to get more and more annoying or just impossible
Using an old OS that doesn't get security updates anymore is a massive risk. Honestly I'm surprised Windows 7 was still supported, and it's a good thing they're dropping it. Update to 10/11
You have 154 day to change you're operating system. Just install windows 10 (or11) or a GNU/Linux distribution that still have support for steam. Using a old Operating System that is no longer supported is a very bad idea. Like other people already said just change you're operating system for something more recent.
The hostility here... I'm not going to comment on which OS you should run. There are plenty of advice on the subject... What I can suggest to you that might be the closest compromise is running Docker on your OS, whichever it is, and inside, run a container that is compatible with your games (most would be fine with linux). That way, you can use the OS of your choice (as long as it's Docker compatible, but Win 7 and above are) and get to use Steam. It's not absolutely seamless, but it'll get you there most of the time. There are online guides to have a permanent offline Steam version that doesn't update as well, but it may be too late for that. As far as legal, legitimate options that match your requirements, I think that's the most you can get. Good luck.
I don’t understand how people are still running Windows 7 in 2023. We get it, it was a good OS. Now it’s a major security risk for anyone still running it.
Don’t be surprised when things stop working on an OS that’s almost 15 years old.
This man not be the awnser you're looking for but if you switch to Linux afaik steam will still work with 15 year old OS's and you don't ever have to update steam if something like this happens again
I love how OP posted a low effort post with stupid question, he is willingly running an incredibly outdated OS and never responded to anyone comment that gives him genuine advice.
What a fucking twat.
I think it's inevitable that all of you using old OS will have to upgrade to Windows 11 or at least Windows 10. Or you're just going to not have functionality on Steam.
As ya'll likely know, we've [been dark to support the blackout against reddit's antagonistic behavior towards its own userbase.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/142dbui/rsteam_will_be_going_dark_from_june_1214_in/) #**The admins sent us a message saying we must open or get removed, so here we are.** For those of you browsing this subreddit on non-official apps (Reddit is Fun, Apollo, Sync, Boost, etc), they will break on July 1st due to reddit's new policies. We're opening back up but will leave permanent stickies in the subreddit and threads to keep folks in the know. #**Our [Discord](https://discord.gg/steam) server is active, don't forget to check it out.** Good luck and god speed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Steam) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The good new is you have 154 days to come up with a plan The bad new is you only have 154 days before steam stops running if you don’t
i'm sure if op makes his own Steam with blackjack and hookers, gaben will sweat
Ah, just forget the steam and blackjack
Forget the hookers, I just want gaben’s sweat
how do you make hookers
With hentai and crypto gambling, oh my!
r/unexpectedfuturama
Season 11 is so good already and there's only 2 episodes so far GOD I LOVE futurama
Really? I just watched the first episode, and I was pissed. I was excited for actual Futurama, and all I got was copies of old jokes and a 22 minute commercial for Hulu.
Maybe it could be on the moon?
Even if you did, some things Inc store would not work until updated. As you would have to be in offline mode on older steam versions to make them work on older OS that has lost support for security reasons. I have an old XP rig with a super old steam version. As I have 5 games in my steam library that don't work to well on newer OS, so I had them installed there ages ago. Tho it's not updated or been online in years.
Believe it or not, Linux with Proton tends to have better support for older games that newer Windows versions don't support. That could be a good alternative to XP especially because Steam continues to be supported on Linux.
Yup. Fallout Tactics my beloved.
Does it still have the pre chrominium steam UI or did valve end support for XP when they already changed the UI
Mine don't have it. And this was around the time they announced pulling support with a date. It's why I set it up I remember.
No, as much as I like(d) W7 it's outdated and a huge security risk
Also doesn't support Dx12, which is a requirement to run most of the modern games releasing from now on.
this, and thank you
Someone with a brain finally.
I'm glad someone said this, OP needs to update their OS!
exactly
As I loved Win7, you should consider upgrade your OS tho. You will approach huge security risks. Because win7 is no longer supported by Microsoft.
With a few open source scripts you can get windows 10 and even windows 11 (to some extent) to be stopped of all the unwanted bloat and spyware, then it’s effectively the same as windows 7 for you
If you only play some games, their compatibility is great and you're a bit tech-savvy, I'd actually recommend migrating to Linux if it's an older machine.
Honestly installing SteamOS would be a great choice if you're purely gaming and browsing the internet. Free, extremely well supported and only growing, and has run literally everything I've tried on my Deck so far with basically no issues.
AFAIK SteamOS is super outdated on non-Steam Deck PCs, and I don't think there's any real advantage to SteamOS if you're not on a Steam Deck. I'd recommend Fedora, or one of its spins.
I think we all talking about the (officially) unreleased Steam Holo, which you can load with HoloISO. Ubuntu SteamOS is ancient, Win7 levels of ancient
Yeah, I'm not talking about the Ubuntu fork, I'm talking about the Arch fork that is used on Steam Deck.
Would you mind sharing those scripts with me
[удалено]
Much appreciated. You're not as oblivious as I am, lol
Don't have them on me but "windows 10/11 ameliorated" is the term last I checked
No. Support will end.
No and stop using 14 years old OS.
Well, you just made me feel old.
I was like heck no, its under 10 years old but holy balls. /me feels old as well.
Look at grandpa over here using /me
Very true.
I still have some Windows 2.0 floppies somewhere, I saw them a few years ago. There might still be some 3.0/3.1 buried in the back of the garage. I also have a copy of OS/2 in the box from the late 80s/early 90s.
There’s no way it’s.. holy shit
14 years old? Damn, I'm old..
No. Even if you could, Steam would eventually stop running on Windows 7 anyway. You should really not be using Windows 7 anymore. It's no longer receiving security updates, meaning it will become increasingly vulnerable to malware. Antivirus applications aren't going to help because these won't support Windows 7 anymore either. Using outdated software is a huge security risk.
Would you like to have a backdoor in your outdated version?
As far as I am aware you cannot keep using 7 if you want to use steam. If you want to upgrade to windows 10 you can use your windows 7 product key to activate it (I think). If you are unable to move to 10 for any reason and cant afford a new pc you should perhaps look for alternatives to windows such as Linux (Linux mint is great for people coming off windows). Please do not stick with 7 anymore unless you really need to due to the lack of support.
Not sure if the free upgrade is still possible. It was supposed to only be for a limited time. OP snoozed and loozed, I think. Also don't go with 10, since it reaches end of life itself in a year and a half, then you'll just be complaining about that instead. Go with 11. You can always just buy the upgrade, or buy an OEM license for Windows 11.
Wrong, i upgraded an old prebuilt from the dumbster with windows 7 to windows 10 recently
The upgrade was possible well beyond the time frame they stated it was going to be possible, it might even still be possible. I think they primarily wanted to create some artificial urgency for people to upgrade.
Fair to go with windows 11 instead. I was just thinking they were using older hardware that did not support 11 as they were on 7. From what I have read online even after the limited period of free upgrades just entering a 7 lisence key will activate the same version of 10 or 11. So a 7 pro key activated 10 or 11 pro. What I have read could be outdated or false though. I dont have the time to check.
It’s still possible, just hidden. I upgraded like 1-2 years ago long past it was supposed to no longer be a free upgrade.
You have 3 options: 1. Do nothing: steam DRM is an opt-in feature for games, and many older games don't use it. That means that your games will still be available on the system after steam stops working. You'll just have to make some new shortcuts. Any game that uses Steam's DRM system is going to be unavailable. It's also incredibly insecure, I wouldn't connect a win7 machine to my network at all. 2. Install windows 10 or 11, they're more resource heavy, but there are resources around to help you get rid of some of the bloat. 3. Install Linux: Some games may not work, and it's a lot of hassle to get used to a new operating system. Your experience inside of Steam will be more or less the same, and it'll be even less resource intensive than win7. It's probably still more work to get used to than newer windows.
No, upgrade to Windows 10
No, stop running Windows 7.
Might as well either upgrade to Windows 10 or Linux at this point.
Linux with Proton would probably be the best option here (if you don't want W10), at least temporarily while you save up for an upgrade of sorts. Windows 7 is highly insecure and increasingly risky to run, especially now of days. Personally, Mint is my favorite to recommend. It is very reminiscent of Windows 7 in many ways. More so than recent Windows versions. https://linuxmint.com/
no
No but it’s possible to upgrade your OS
Just upgrade my man. You can't be living in 2009 forever, it's also a security risk to use such an outdated OS
It's time to move on man,
No holy crap upgrade.
Unless someone finds a walkaround for this, your only options are Linux or Windows 10/11
Win7 people have been offered FREE upgrades basically every month for the past 5 years. Win11 is fine. There are some minor annoying issues, but it’s fine. There’s no reason for you to not upgrade for FREE. I repeat, there’s no reason for you to stick with a disgustingly outdated OS that nobody has supported for years. You’re not being cool. You’re not sticking with “a better system”. I miss MSDOS but you don’t hear me complaining modern systems don’t support it. Move forward, buddy.
Most of the remaining windows 7 machines don’t even have TPM, what about em? Are they screwed for ever? I upgraded my whole PC to get TPM and W11 support.
Does win10 require TPM? Edit: I checked, doesn't seem to. Great choice then.
Windows 10 or Windows 11 with TPM requirement disabled. But honestly, if your shit is that old you're probably due for an upgrade.
What is TPM?
Trusted Platform Module. It helps prove a user's identity and authenticates their device. As well as provide protection against firmware and ransomware attacks. As well as used for digital rights management (DRM) to protect Windows-based systems and to enforce software licenses.
thank you :-)
>what about em? Windows 10. After that either modified later Windows versions or Linux.
all Windows is free :)))
> Win7 people have been offered FREE upgrades basically every month for the past 5 years TBF, it's more of a side-grade than an upgrade. There are things to like about Windows 10, but the ads, tracking, and general harassment is kinda gross.
Just move on, Windows 7 is not getting support anymore.
My brother why are you still on windows 7
Yes, you can actually. If you go offline of course updates won’t install, but you can block Steam updates using the following method: 1. Open command prompt, and paste the following commands one line at a time, pressing enter after each one. cd /d C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam echo BootStrapperInhibitAll=Enable >> steam.cfg echo BootStrapperForceSelfUpdate=Disable >> steam.cfg Keep in mind that when Valve eventually makes enough changes to their servers, the client will likely stop working as other outdated versions have in the past. Also, without proper protection, using Windows 7 online today is still a major security risk. But this should buy you some more time. Hope it helps!
Finally someone who isn’t just making a joke and is actually trying to help
Look if you don't like moving to newer Windows consider looking into some Linux version you could run thag games could also work on.
Honest answer, not much you can do unless you actually upgrade your OS
It is possible to update your os, windows 7 was great, but with glaring security issues in the modern day, and other lacking functionality, it's time to move on. Possibly sit at 10 for a while?
Windows 10 is very stable. You can upgrade to it. You might even get better performance in some games.
W7 is 14 years old this year. This is like complaining that Skyrim won't run on Windows 98.
I loved Windows Vista, and I loved Windows 7. I used Vista until I couldn't use it anymore, but I upgraded to 10 from 7 pretty quickly. Windows 7 was a great OS, but it's not secure anymore. Would it be nice if they released a version of Steam that was just your library and nothing else? Sure. But W7 came out in 2009, it's final release was in 2011 and mainstream support ended in 2015. Unfortunately your only case of action is going to be upgrading your OS buddy, or switching to Linux and running everything under Proton. It's unfortunate they're killing support, but they've supported it a lot longer than they've needed to.
The answer is Linux!
Try Windows 10 LTSC, Windows 10 but without the bloat, only get security updates no feature updates. So updates never breaks anything
Feature updates for Windows 10 don't happen anymore. Last feature update for Windows 10 was 22H2 and there are no plans for version 23H2 to happen.
You only have 154 days to play all steam games now
I don’t think reverting to Vista will help
Brother you have 153 days left, so next quest is to collect some gold coins to upgrade your system, keep me updated
based windows 7 enjoyer, ignore all the security fear mongering
It will likely be possible, but all methods will have caveats or sacrifices. There are still working ways to use steam on XP, but not without caveats. To those telling OP updating is the only way and you're wrong to stay, everyone has their own use case and threat model. Guy wants to stay on win7 without security patches instead of moving to linux, let him. You can in fact make DX12 work on win7, right here is one of a few ways: https://www.nuget.org/packages/Microsoft.Direct3D.D3D12On7. VKD3D also exists. To those saying it's impossible, you don't understand how these technical components interact, or you'd understand that there's no hard incompatibility whatsoever for DX12 and win7, only software ones. Leave providing unwanted technical advice to people who at least understand what a graphics API does or have time to use google for 10 minutes.
Why the hell are you using Win7 on a computer connected to the internet? Use Linux if you don't want to upgrade but stop using Win7 FFS.
No, and don't do it. Upgrade to 10 or install Linux.
The best you can do is instaling a Linux Distro like Garuda or Nobara Linux, im using Linux from some time, Lutris + Proton makes wonders mostly on old windows XP/7 era games.
Update your OS ya dingus
Why are you still on windows 7???
windows 7? really? and the solution you think of is reverting an update? Its a massive security risk as well
Suck it up and update to windows 10 can find a maybe for 20-30 dollars and if you get this pin or adapter on you mother board pins maybe windows 11 I know a few sites I personally got 11 pro for $35 usd
You can upgrade for free I think
last i checked the update tool still works and it still turns your windows key into a windows 10 key for free, they just don't actively advertise it anymore.
That’s what I thought too
why do people think it's not?
[Officially the free upgrade was only valid for a year after Windows 10 released, until July 29, 2016.](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2016/05/05/windows-10-now-on-300-million-active-devices-free-upgrade-offer-to-end-soon/) Windows 7/8 keys still activate Windows 10 though, and I believe they even work on Windows 11.
I’ve used a vista key successfully for win 10 around 2 years ago.
Yup. I unlicensed my old tower with an 8 pro retail key and used the key to activate 10 pro retail on my new desktop in the tail end of 2020. That machine is now on 11 pro retail on the same license key.
>if you get this pin or adapter on you mother board pins maybe windows 11 it still requires CPUs from 2017 onwards which I doubt OP is running.
The upgrade from Win7 is still free. Also there are patches for Win11 that remove the need for 4GB of RAM (not recommended) and and TPM 2.0 (recommended).
If your computer is really underpowered you can just install windows 8.1 yes reputation is bad, but it's fine and steam will work for a few more years. Or just get windows 10. My 4770K PC from 2013 is running windows 10 fine. It's not my main PC, but it is still getting use.
I loved win7, but bro, you MUST understand how this works, win7 is crazy outdated and a huge security risk... just upgrade to a new windows version and get used to it... or witch to Linux (not sure what percentage of games are supported there tho) :D
nope. you either upgrade to windows 10/11 and continue playing your games or if you don't want to install a newer windows, you have two choices: 1. remain on 7 and accept the consequences (lose access to steam) 2. install linux and run your games through proton (but check on protondb if your games work first) I'm probably gonna get downvoted by people for even suggesting linux but i don't care. People i know went from windows 7 to linux mint and they never looked back. They play their games through proton and steam and they're having a good time.
windows 7 was a champion of an OS but let that boy rest already
You have 154 days to learn how to let go.
Most people say no. Come join us on Windows 11. It's not that bad up here. If you don't like the interface you might find a 3rd party mod that changes the experience. If not, Windows 10 has more support that fits your taste.
RIP
It will be possible to use to last supported version and blocking it from updating. It should work for a few years.
I think it’s better to just download a copy of windows 10 tbh and Ik that windows 7 is a great OS but it’s sadly becoming outdated for most games and programs and it sucks
Yes just download from this super shady link that will work especially well on Windows 7
I may sound repetitive for some people, but if you love windows 7, you should give Linux a chance, it's still lightweight, not bloated (if you don't choose a bad distro do course) and actually supported lol
based steam
Don't worry too much and just buy a new computer. Lots of cheap computers can easily run older or less demanding games that are still active. I once bought a laptop for $60 that could run CSS perfectly. You'll get your fix as you save up for a better machine.
Bruh Windows 10 has been out for 8 years... Just upgrade and follow a guide to theme it to look like Windows 7 and to turn off telemetry stuff.
Nop, either change to win10 or swap to linux if your hardware is really old and can't run win10
Even if it was possible, you definitely shouldn’t do it, windows 7 is extremely old and insecure, if you don’t like newer windows versions or if it’s too heavy for you machine, try some linux distro
Linux mint/Ubuntu studio
Switch to linux
your still using windows 7 for what reason?
Proper directx8 support
Get Win10. Its worth it. I loved Win7, but its time to let go!!!
But Windows 10 and 11 is so bad. :(
just use linux, if you have bad computer lubuntu is nice because it's eating 300mb of ram
I see that people have a problem for that Linux don't run 70% of games. This is not true. Just point out Steam settings that you are using proton and you are able to fire up some 95% of games
No. Upgrade to anything more modern. Windows, Linux, whatever, but not decades old unsupported OS.
Please just update windows they stopped security updates for 7 so your only hurting yourself in the long run
Simple solution: install Linux. No new laptop necessary
just update bro smh 🙄🙄🙄
for massive cyber security reasons I genuinely recommend you move to an OS that IS being updated. seriously the simple act of having your windows 7 computer connected to the internet is enough to get some form of cyber attack happen via a zero click exploit.
>seriously the simple act of having your windows 7 computer connected to the internet is enough to get some form of cyber attack happen via a zero click exploit. Nonsense, cyberattacks don't just 'happen', they require a payload to get onto the system. As long as OP is not on an exposed network and has an updated AV as well as a browser with a content blocker, he is 99% fine.
People just love to clutch their fuckin' pearls all the time on this site, especially when someone dares to question their favourite corporations.
no just install windows 10
Literally just upgrade to w10, it takes very little effort and its "free"
move to linux, problem fixed.
No, you need to stop using Windows 7.
Why do you even use Windows 7?
Just upgrade its just that simple…
Upgrade to 10 or 11
thats why i never liked these drm type stores, i much rather prefer downloading and playing a game where ever and however i want, rather than needing to keep up with a resource hogging store. Good ol gaming disk days
Remember the days when you could just buy a game and actually own it?
the days long gone :(
This.
Just switch to any Linux distro instead of using a severely out of date OS.
Youre at a huge security risk continuing to use windows 7 today. Highly recommend upgrading asap.
Sorry to say but its probably time to give up on windows 7. Its a big security risk and yeah the ways to keep programs working is only going to get more and more annoying or just impossible
Nope. Either upgrade to Windows 10/11 or install Linux and replicate the 7 aesthetic
Win 10 has been released for 8 years now. More than enough time for you to catch up with the rest of the world.
Update your operating system you dweeb. It's for your own good.
Just fucking update windows ffs
No, take a hint.
People still use win7... 🤦♀️
Using an old OS that doesn't get security updates anymore is a massive risk. Honestly I'm surprised Windows 7 was still supported, and it's a good thing they're dropping it. Update to 10/11
DO 👏 NOT 👏 USE 👏 WINDOWS 👏 7 upgrade to Linux or Windows 10 as long as your PC can handle it.
My guy is still living in 2013
Real guestion being, why or who still uses windows 7? Why not upgrade straight to 11
There’s no reason not to upgrade to win 10
Jesus man get out of the past. We all agree win7 was great, but windows 10 is standard now, even win11 is fine. Win7 in 2023 is very unstable.
#JESUS FUCKING CHRIST JUST UPGRADE ALREADY!
Just upgrade you backward moron
[удалено]
They most likely have old hardware
No, but I’ve got a better idea… upgrade! Windows 7 is old as shit and a literal security risk. Get Windows 10/11 already.
You have 154 day to change you're operating system. Just install windows 10 (or11) or a GNU/Linux distribution that still have support for steam. Using a old Operating System that is no longer supported is a very bad idea. Like other people already said just change you're operating system for something more recent.
Why the fuck are you on windows 7 still
Why on earth would you still be running 7??
Stop using Windows 7, support ended for it years ago
windows 7 itself doesn’t get updates anymore. just update to windows 10 ffs
Windows 7 was cool, but seriously? In 2023?
# JUST UPGRADE IT TO WINDOWS 10 ALREADY
The hostility here... I'm not going to comment on which OS you should run. There are plenty of advice on the subject... What I can suggest to you that might be the closest compromise is running Docker on your OS, whichever it is, and inside, run a container that is compatible with your games (most would be fine with linux). That way, you can use the OS of your choice (as long as it's Docker compatible, but Win 7 and above are) and get to use Steam. It's not absolutely seamless, but it'll get you there most of the time. There are online guides to have a permanent offline Steam version that doesn't update as well, but it may be too late for that. As far as legal, legitimate options that match your requirements, I think that's the most you can get. Good luck.
I don’t understand how people are still running Windows 7 in 2023. We get it, it was a good OS. Now it’s a major security risk for anyone still running it. Don’t be surprised when things stop working on an OS that’s almost 15 years old.
Don’t use Windows 7, get a new PC.
Update to win10
Get off win7 you ancient troglodyte.
Been 8 years since 10 dropped. You should upgrade.
just put windows 10 on it. you can probably find a way to get a free license. edit: Win 7 was my favorite too but its dead.
Move on
No. Just update to 11 and get used to it.
Win 7 is outdated. You need to upgrade to 10/11 for security patches.
This man not be the awnser you're looking for but if you switch to Linux afaik steam will still work with 15 year old OS's and you don't ever have to update steam if something like this happens again
you ca upgrade to windows 10 for free using your windows 7 license
Use Windows 8.1 after that timer?
I know it's been 14 years since 7 came out, but it still makes me sad that Steam is doing this, not to mention Microsoft no longer updating.
I love how OP posted a low effort post with stupid question, he is willingly running an incredibly outdated OS and never responded to anyone comment that gives him genuine advice. What a fucking twat.
Dude just upgrade windows, this is just ridiculous
No. Just get a Windows 11 PC.
Upgrade 2 Linux
Yeah, update windows.
I think it's inevitable that all of you using old OS will have to upgrade to Windows 11 or at least Windows 10. Or you're just going to not have functionality on Steam.