Classic 7 is Windows 10 LTSC cosplaying as Windows 7

[+TRS-80 MVC]

For those who miss what Windows looked like in 2009, Classic 7 is a heavily modified version of Windows 10 IoT LTSC, reworked to make it look as much as possible like Windows 7, while still being in support and receiving updates.

This isn't just a layer of makeup; it's more like a face transplant. It includes some real binaries from Windows 7, and indeed earlier versions, adapted and grafted onto Windows 10. One component is the Windows Media Center from Windows XP, which was cut from Windows 10 before release.

The specific version of Windows 10 that it's modified is significant. It's Windows 10 IoT LTSC.

https://www.theregister.com/oses/2026/05/17/classic-7-is-windows-10-ltsc-cosplaying-as-windows-7/5241291

 

[kiddingguy]

Nostalgia…. I wonder how safe it [modified files] is nowadays?

[+TRS-80 MVC]

He claims that it is receiving Windows 10 updates.   Then again there are probably security vulnerabilities in his mods, but that is only a guess.

[Circaflex]

I havent done my research on this project yet, but is the code made public along with the various changes and tweaks they implement? If not, why on earth would anyone touch this?

[+TRS-80 MVC]

Excellent point.   The creator can be reached via the link  In the lower right corner.

https://classic7.lol/downloads.html

 

[tsupersonic]

Not worth downloading a modified version of Windows - just can't trust anyone's intent.  

[+TRS-80 MVC]

Agree

These type of projects are fun to mess with if you have an old computer or two not running on your main network, that you use for experimental stuff.    However, I do agree, one should avoid downloading stuff like this onto a daily use device or any device on you main network. 

[erpster3]

On 18/05/2026 at 14:52, TRS-80 said:

Excellent point.   The creator can be reached via the link  In the lower right corner.

https://classic7.lol/downloads.html

 

not anymore.  Firefox & Chrome are recently blocking access to this site as they're generating "ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR" messages.  site is no longer functional

[ESC@PE]

they couldnt do W11 LTSC so the support lasts longer....

[Skyfrog]

On 17/06/2026 at 04:15, erpster3 said:

not anymore.  Firefox & Chrome are recently blocking access to this site as they're generating "ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR" messages.  site is no longer functional

Seems to be working fine for me.

[eiffel_g]

Works fine here too.

About this build, I don't like to download any kind of Windows, from any site except Microsoft.

The mod might work, but I don't know what it's inside. Can contain malware, backdoors...

Long time ago I've used something like this but reversed - it was 98se with the look and some functionality  of XP. Or, later XP with Vista look. But I made it myself. Not downloaded from obscure sites.

[Ixion]

Given only Volume license customers and specific resellers can obtain the LTSC versions legitimately it seems likely that this has been tinkered with quite a lot!