/lwt/ pastebin (work in progress): https://pastebin.com/M32z9Mpg

Feel free to share your experience here on using legacy Windows operating systems past their EoL date, such as:
>Methods to circumvent software artificial blocks
>Last versions of software/drivers known working on legacy Windows
>Custom forks/builds of software that don't support legacy Windows systems anymore
>Getting legacy Windows systems updated
>And other tips-and-tricks
Post your projects, devices, and setups.

Remember, Windows 10 and 11 are user-hostile operating systems.

Recommended legacy Windows:
>8.1 with Update 3 (NT 6.2)
The middle-ground for those wanting to avoid 10/11, and yet not want to completely sacrifice hardware compatibility in the progress, compared to 7:
– In-built USB3/UASP support
– In-built NVMe & eMMC support
– 4Kn/Advanced Format drive support
– First Windows OS to be compatible with UEFI Class 3 devices (no need for int10h workarounds like UefiSeven)
– Start Screen/Ribbon can easily be eliminated with StartIsBack/OldNewExplorer
– Arguably more efficient than 7, especially for low-end devices of the era (e.g. x86 tablets with Windows RT)
– Stigma due to Metro UI caused it to be quickly forgotten, with some software devs dropping support quicker than for 7.
EoL Date: 01/10/2023 (Embedded 8.1 Industry: 07/11/2023)
ESU Bypass: BypassESU Blue (10/13/2026 with Server 2012 R2 updates - only common client/server components will be updated, keep that in mind)

>7 SP1 (NT 6.1)
The thread-starter. If you can get it running on your modern device without any problems, then do so - forwards-compatibility utilities like VxKex are designed for 7, mostly.
EoL Date: 01/14/2020
ESU Bypass: BypassESU (01/10/2023 with client updates; 01/09/2024 with Server 2008 R2 updates - common client/server components will be updated)