Partner Spotlight
Legacy Update
Get older Windows PCs back online, activated, and updated, for free.
Legacy Update is a free, community-run service that brings Windows Update back to life on earlier versions of Windows. Since Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in 2014 and Windows 7 in 2020, it has shut down the services those systems depend on, so a fresh install often can't find a single update.
Legacy Update works out which updates your PC is missing and installs them automatically, restoring the Windows Update service to full working order. It's free to use, open source, and kept running by the generosity of its supporters.
What Legacy Update Does
Fixes Windows Update
Clears the common 80072EFE error, and the endless “checking for updates”, by installing the fixes Windows Update needs to work again.
Every Update, Not Just The Critical Ones
Brings back the classic Windows Update website, so you can see and install optional and recommended updates and drivers too.
Online Activation
Restores Windows Product Activation on Windows XP, Server 2003, and Vista, so they activate online in seconds. A genuine product key is still required.
Websites That Load Again
Restores connections to many websites in Internet Explorer and in other programs that use Windows’ built-in networking.
Windows Ultimate Extras
Brings back access to the Windows Ultimate Extras on Windows Vista Ultimate.
A Classic On Windows 10 And 11
Just here for the nostalgia? It installs on Windows 10 and 11 too, without changing your installation.
Works On
- Windows 2000, XP, and Vista
- Windows 7, 8, and 8.1
- Windows 10 and 11
- The matching Windows Server releases
- Every edition: Home, Professional, Media Center, and more
- 32-bit, 64-bit, Itanium, and ARM64 processors
Proudly Sponsored By Ryan Croughn
Diamond City IT founder Ryan Croughn is a sponsor of Legacy Update, one of the supporters who keep it free for everyone. Legacy Update was started and is developed by Adam Demasi, with help from open source contributors and the Windows Update Restored team.
Still Running An Older Windows PC?
Older versions of Windows no longer get security updates from Microsoft, so we always recommend moving to a supported version when you can. When an older PC has to stay in service to run legacy hardware or software, we can help you keep it updated and as safe as possible, with Legacy Update and 0patch micropatches.
Legacy Update isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft, and Diamond City IT isn’t affiliated with Legacy Update beyond sponsoring it.