Since version 2.93, Blender developers moved its API to Python 3.9. This means that Blender will no longer run on computers with Windows 7 operating system because it has no compatibility with this version of Python. In order to continue using the latest versions of Blender, users will have to update their operating system.
However, thanks to the fan-made work of Alexandru Naiman, Blender 2.93 can still be run on Windows 7.
This patch is free and open-source, placed on the author’s GitHub.
To run Blender 2.93 on Windows 7 we need:
- Download the “api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0” library from the author’s GitHub.
api-ms-win-core-path-HACK on GitHub
- Copy the “api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll” file from the “x64” directory to the root directory of Blender installed on your computer.
Or copy the “api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll” file from the “x64” directory to the “C:\Windows\System32” directory and the same file from the “x86” directory to the “C:\Windows\SysWOW64” directory.
Now, Blender 2.93 can launch and run on a Windows 7 computer.
If you are installing Blender on the computer with the Windows 7 operating system – download the Portable (.zip) version of Blender from the official site.
I tried this on a Win 7 machine, but the Blender 2.93 .msi file will not even allow the installation to proceed, stopping with the message “The application is only supported on Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, or higher.” How do I force the install to unpack the application? Do I need to just download the unpacked application from someplace?
Never mind, I found the .zip version of Blender and unpacked the app manually and added the “api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll” files as per the instructions here and it works! 🙂
Yes, you are right, Use the Portable (.zip) version to install.
my problem solved. thank you so much
does it only works on zip?
Yes.
Most people don’t know, but you can extract Blender installation file with Universal Extractor v2.0, maybe even with older version.
Blender 2.93.5 on Win7 work like a charm. But Blender 3.0 (Alpha), have new obsticle for Win7. It can’t run because error message “entry point GetPointerInfo could not be located in the user32.dll”.
It would be nice if this can be solved.
Thank you for bring Blender on Win7….cheers
how do you do that?
Not working
Try portable Blender installation (from .zip archive)
How do I get the install wizard to run on a Win’7 system ?
You don’t need any install wizard, just copy dll-files to mentioned directories.
Thank you, I did that and I get popup stating that Blender is no longer supported on Win’07. Only option is to exit setup.
FYI: I am using the MSI version of the installer. Should I be using something different or a manual install ?
Thanks
Try the portable Blender installation (from zip). Another way – try the 2.93.3 version. With the last Blender versions, this trick may not works.
The zip version seems to run. Let me play w/it for a few days and I will post back.
That’s a big help, Thanks
Thank you
Bro does it work?
Thanks!
Thanks man!