Jump to content

Last versions of software for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008


WinClient5270

Recommended Posts

Introduction:

This list was created for the purpose of documenting final releases of programs, drivers, and hardware to support Microsoft® Windows Vista™ and Microsoft® Windows Server® 2008, as well as software that continues to support these operating systems. Feel free to contribute your own additions to the list in the form of a reply to the topic, and I will add your entries as soon as possible.

Note: this list is for vanilla, unmodified Windows Vista/Server 2008 installations without the Extended Kernel by Win32. For the extended kernel version of this thread, go here.

READ THE MSFN RULES BEFORE POSTING - LINKS TO PIRATED SOFTWARE/WAREZ WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Important Updates for Windows Vista:

Download Service Pack 1: Vista 32 bit •  Vista 64 bit

Download Service Pack 2: Vista/2008 32 bit    Vista/2008 64 bit

Download Platform Update & Supplement: Vista/2008 32 bit   Vista/2008 64 bit
 

Additional Resources for Vista users:

Windows Vista Security Update Repository by greenhillmaniac (All updates for Vista until April 2017)

Get security updates for Windows Vista until 2020 YouTube tutorial (by me; big thanks to MSFN user greenhillmaniac for maintaining the Server 2008 update repository).

Get TLS 1.1/1.2 support in Vista's Internet Explorer 9 tutorial (by MSFN member VistaLover)

Compatible hardware for Windows Vista list
 

List (valid as of Oct. 9, 2022):
Key: $$$ - Paid software | FREE - Free software | CS - Closed Source | OS - Open Source | UNS - Not officially supported on Vista, but still works | ONG - Support ongoing; continues to be updated on Vista

*Disclaimer: any software marked as UNS & ONG could stop working on Windows Vista with any given update.

Web Browsers:

  • Note: Any browser not marked as (ONG) no longer receives major updates and may have trouble displaying websites correctly as time goes on. For the best experience, I personally recommend you choose a browser marked (ONG), as these browsers continue to be actively updated on Vista.

Independently based:

K-Meleon on Goanna by roytam1 (FREEOSONGVisit this K-Meleon Forum thread to get the latest version. 

Lunascape (FREECSONG) Supports IE7-9 (Trident), Gecko, and Webkit rendering engines.

Otter Browser (FREEOSONG) Must use "Windows XP or later" installer; "Windows 7 or later" version does not work.

Polarity Portable 8.4.4 (FREEOS) [Feb. 2017] Download from FileHippo here. No longer supported by Polarity as of Feb. 25, 2017.

QupZilla 1.8.9 (FREEOS) [Nov. 2015]

Windows Internet Explorer 9 (FREECS) [Mar. 2011] Requires SP2 & Platform Update. Download here: 32 bit  64 bit

Chromium based:

360 Extreme Explorer (FREEOSONG) Russian Repacked Version with Chinese Telemetry removed is recommended.

Advanced Chrome v54.20.6530.0 (FREEOS) [Jan. 2018] Based on a combination of Chromium 51, 54, and 48. Download here.

Comodo Dragon 46.9.15.425 (FREEOS) [Jan. 2016] Based on Chromium 46.x. Download from FileHippo here

Epic Browser Version 58.0.3300.190 (FREEOSUNS) [June 2017] Based on Chromium 58. Download archived installer here: Epic Browser v58 silent installer for Vista (mega.co.nz)

Google Chrome 49.0.2623.112m (FREEOS) [Apr. 2016] Download from Google directly here.

Google Chrome 50.0.2661.102m (FREEOSUNS) [Apr. 2016] Download from FilePuma: 32 bit  64 bit (After downloading, extract the file using the file extraction software of your choice [such as 7zip]. After extracting, run Chrome.exe directly, and the browser should run just fine in Windows Vista).

Kafan Mini-Browser (FREEOSONG) Backports Chromium 87 to Vista. Download here.

Maxthon (FREECSONG)

Opera 36.0.2130.80 (FREEOS[Aug. 2016] Based on Chromium 49; will likely receive no further updates. Download from vendor here.

Opera 37.0.2178.54 (FREEOSUNS) [May 2016] Based on Chromium 50. Download from vendor here. Simply extract the installer with 7zip after downloading and run Opera.exe from within the extracted folder, and the browser should run just fine.

Slimjet 10.0.13 (FREEOS) [Feb. 2017] Based on Chromium 50. To download from vendor, click here.

Slimjet 11.0.8 (FREEOS) [July 2016] Based on Chromium 51. Download here.

Slimjet 12.0.15 (FREEOSUNS) [Jan. 2017] Based on Chromium 53. Has minor font spacing issues with some pages. Download here.

Vivaldi 1.0.435.46 Stable (FREEOS) [Apr. 2016] Based on Chromium 49. To download from vendor, click here.

Vivaldi 1.1.453.59 Stable (FREEOSUNS) [Apr. 2016] Based on Chromium 50. Download here.

Vivaldi 1.1.443.3 Developer (FREEOSUNS) [Apr. 2016] Download here.

Yandex Browser v17.4.1.1026 (FREEOS) [Sep. 2017] Based on Chromium 57. Download here.

Yandex Browser Portable 17.6.0.1633 (FREEOS) [June 2017] Based on Chromium 58. Download here.

Mozilla Firefox based:

AOL Shield 1.0.0.35 (FREEOS) [Nov. 2017] Based on Firefox 52. Download archived installer here.

Basilisk 2018.03.21 (FREEOSUNS) [Mar. 2018] Based on Firefox 56.x. Requires modifications to run; view this post for more details. It also doesn't properly support Vista's system codecs (H.264/MSE) so using roytam1's version instead is advised.

Cliqz 1.12.1 (FREEOS) [Mar. 2017] Download from vendor (Wayback Machine) (This installer is for 1.11.0; it updates to the latest available version.)

Cocoon 52.1.1 (FREEOSUNS) [July 2017] Based on Firefox 52. 

Comodo IceDragon 52.0.0.4 (FREEOS) Based on Firefox 52. Download from FilePuma here.

Cyberfox 52.9.1 (FREEOSUNS) [July 2018] Based on Firefox 52. Requires modifications to run; view this post for more details.

GNU IceCat 38.8.0 (FREEOS) [May 2016] Download from GNU.org FTP here.

Mozilla Firefox 52.9.1 Extended Support Release (ESR) (FREEOS) [Sep. 2018] Download from Mozilla here: 32 bit - 64 bit

Mozilla Firefox 53.0.3 (FREEOSUNS) [May 2017] Requires modifications to run; view this post for more details. Download from Mozilla here.

MyPal 68.x by Feodor2 (FREEOSONG) Download latest version from here. Backports Firefox 68.x to Windows Vista.

New Moon by roytam1 (FREEOSONG) View this MSFN post to download.

Pale Moon 27.9.4 (FREEOS) [Aug. 2018] Download: 32 bit  64 bit - Requires SP2, Platform Update, and Platform Update Supplement to be installed. The 64-bit version doesn't properly support Vista's system codecs (MSE & H.264), so using the x86 version instead is advised.

SeaMonkey 2.49.5 (FREEOS) [Sept 2019] Download from vendor here.

SeaMonkey 2.50a1 Nightly (FREEOS, UNS[Jan. 2017] Based on Firefox 53. Download from vendor here. Requires modifications to run; view this post for more details. 

Serpent by roytam1 (FREEOSONG) Download from vendor here.

Tor Browser 7.5.6 (FREEOS) [June 2018] Based on Firefox 52. Download from vendor here (scroll to bottom of page for Windows installers)

Waterfox 53.0.3 (FREEOS) [May 2017] Based on Firefox 53. 64-bit only. Download from vendor here.
 

Web Browser Plug-ins:

All browsers:

Adfender 2.55 ($$$CS) Requires SP1 or SP2. Download here.

Adobe Flash Player 32.0.0.371 (FREECS) Last version without the January 2021 timebomb. Download here.

Java SE 8 (FREECSONG) Requires IE9 (for IE users). Will continue to receive security updates until December 2030.

Norton Family v3.7.0.55 (FREECS) Requires SP1 to be installed (SP2 recommended). Requires IE7 or later (for IE users), Firefox 45 or later (for Firefox users), or Chrome 32 or later (for Chrome users).

Final versions of Add-ons/Plug-ins for Firefox 52 ESR:

NoScript 5.1.9 (FREEOSDownload from vendor here.

ScreenGrab (fix version) 0.99.12 (FREEOS) Download (Wayback Machine)

uBlock Origin 1.17.4  (FREEOS) Download here.

Umatrix 1.1.4 (FREEOS, UNS) Requires certain procedures to be installed as this isn't officially supported (but despite this, works fine); go here for more details.
 

AntiVirus & Security Software:

Adguard ($$$CSONG) 14 day trial available.

Avast Antivirus - All Editions v.18.8 ($$$ & FREECS) Only definition updates will be provided for this version for Vista/XP. No new major updates will be released.

AVG - All Editions v18.8 ($$$ & FREECS) Only definition updates will be provided for this version for Vista/XP. No new major updates will be released.

Avira 2013, all paid editions ($$$CS) Windows Server operating systems aren't supported.

Avira Antivirus Free v15.0.9.504 (FREECS) 

Bitdefender Internet Security 2015 ($$$CS)

Clamwin (FREECSONG)

Comodo Antivirus For Servers v8.1 ($$$CS) For Windows Server 2008 only; Vista is not supported.

Comodo Cloud Scanner 2.0.162151.21 ($$$CS)

Comodo Free Antivirus v12.0.0.6870 (FREECS)

Comodo Internet Security v12.0.0.6870 ($$$ & FREE versions available, CS)

Dashlane (FREECSONG)

Dr. Web AntiVirus ($$$CSONG)

Dr. Web KATANA ($$$CSONG)

Dr. Web Security Space ($$$CSONG)

Emsisoft version 10 ($$$CS) No longer receives database updates as of April 2016.

Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit 5.52 (FREECS) Requires SP2. To download from Microsoft, click here. EMET is no longer supported by Microsoft as of July 31, 2018.

eScan, all editions ($$$CSONG)

ESET File Security for Windows Server ($$$CSONG) 30 day trial available; supports Windows Server 2008. Windows Vista isn't supported.

ESET Internet Security v12.2.30.0 ($$$CS)

ESET NOD32 Antivirus v12.2.30.0 ($$$CS)

ESET Online Scanner (FREECSONG

ESET Smart Security v12.2.30.0 ($$$CS)

FortiClient 5.2.4 ($$$CS)

F-Secure Client Security 12.20 ($$$CS)

F-Secure Internet Security 2017 ($$$CS) Support for Vista ended on June 30, 2017.

F-Secure SAFE 2017 ($$$CS) Support for Vista ended on June 30, 2017.

G Data Security Client ($$$CSONG) Requires at least SP1; SP2 recommended. The Mobile Administrator software requires Windows 7 or later.

G Data Home Security Suite (Antivirus/Internet Security/Total Security) 25.1.0.12 ($$$CS)

Glarysoft Malware Hunter (FREECSONG

HijackThis 2.0.4 & 2.0.5 Beta (FREEOS) Download: 2.0.4 - 2.0.5 Beta

Hitman Pro; all editions ($$$CSONG)

HouseCall Online Scanner (FREECSONG)

Immunet 5.0.2 ($$$ & FREE versions available, CS)

Kaspersky Antivirus 2018 ($$$CS)

Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 ($$$CS)

Kaspersky TDSSKiller (FREECSONG)

Kaspersky Total Security 2018 ($$$CS)

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (FREECSONG)

KeePass 1.38 (FREECS) Download here.

KeyScrambler ($$$ & FREE editions available, CSONG)

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 7.4.2 (FREECS) Download here.

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit 1.12.1.90 ($$$ & FREE versions available, CS) Download from vendor here. 

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (all editions) v3.5.1 build 2522 component package 1.0.365 ($$$ & FREE versions available, CS) Download from vendor here. Will continue to receive on-going protection updates only; no new program versions or features will be created for XP/Vista.

McAfee 14.0 R1 ($$$CS) No longer receives definition updates as of January 1, 2021.

Microsoft Security Essentials 4.4.304.0 (FREECS) Download from FileHippo here. Does not include the EOL timebomb of the last version for Vista (4.10.209.0).

Microsoft Security Essentials 4.10.209.0 (FREECS) No longer supports or functions on Windows Vista as of April 11, 2017. Continues to function normally on Windows Server 2008 and will likely do so for the foreseeable future.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 5.47 - April 2017 (FREECS) Later versions don't work with Vista, but continue to support Windows Server 2008.

Norton AntiVirus Basic v22.15.X ($$$CS)

Norton Internet Security 2015 v22.15.X ($$$CS)

Norton Security v22.15.X ($$$CS)

NoVirusThanks OSArmor 1.6.0 ($$$CS

Panda Security ($$$CSONG)

PrivaZer (FREECSONG)

Sandboxie 5.33 (FREECS, UNS) Download here.

Simplewall 2.4.6 (FREECS) Download here.

Simple Software-restriction Policy (FREECSONG)

Sophos Endpoint Security & Control version 11.0.15 ($$$CS) No longer updated on Windows Vista as of October 31, 2018 (Server 2008 will continue to be supported until around July 2021)

Spybot version 2.4 Free Edition (FREECS) Download from vendor here.

SpyShelter Anti-Keylogger ($$$CSONG

Spywareblaster (FREECSONG)

SuperAntiSpyware ($$$ & FREECSONG) Free version is for personal use only. Paid version requires an annual subscription. 

SystemShield AntiVirus 5.0.0.136 ($$$CS)

SystemShield AntiSpyware 5.0.0.136 ($$$CS)

TinyWall 2.1.15 (FREECS) Download here.

Trend Micro Antivirus+ 2017 ($$$CS) Requires SP2+IE9. Support for Vista ended on June 30, 2017.

Trend Micro Internet Security 2017 ($$$CS) Requires SP2+IE9. Support for Vista ended on June 30, 2017.

Trend Micro Maximum Security 2017 ($$$CS) Requires SP2+IE9. Support for Vista ended on June 30, 2017.

TrustPort, all products ($$$CSONG)

Unchecky (FREECSONG

VeraCrypt (FREEOSONG)

VIPRE Antivirus, Internet Security, and Internet Security Pro v10 ($$$CS)

Winaero OneClickFirewall (FREECS) 

Windows Defender 1.1.1600.0 (FREECS) No longer receives definition updates as of January 2020.

Windows Live OneCare 2.5.2900.30 ($$$CS) No longer updated.

WiseVector StopX (FREECSONG

Webroot v9.0.31.84 ($$$CS)

Xvirus - all products ($$$ & FREECSONG)

Zemana - AntiMalware & Anti-Keylogger ($$$CSONG)

Zonealarm Free firewall 14.3.119.000 (FREECS) Requires SP2. Must contact support to download.
 

Built-in System Components:

DirectX 11.0 (FREECS) Will be automatically installed upon installation of SP2 and Platform Update.

Windows Installer 4.5 (FREECS) Will be automatically installed upon installation of SP2.

Windows Media Player 11.0.6002 (FREECS) Will be automatically installed upon installation of SP2. Online Stores/Online Media Service Listing Program has been discontinued and is no longer available.

Windows Search 4.0 (FREECS) Will be automatically installed upon installation of SP2.
 

Instant Messaging/Internet Communication Software:

AdiIRC (FREECSONG)

HexChat v.2.10.0 (FREECS)

IceChat (FREEOSONG)

ICQ (FREEOSONG) Must use "Windows XP" installer, Windows 7 or later version doesn't work.

Irssi (FREEOSONG)

Linphone 4.1.1 (FREEOS) Download here.

MicroSIP (FREEOSONG)

Miranda NG (FREEOSONG)

mIRC ($$$CSONG)

Mumble 1.3.4 (FREEOS) Download here.

Pidgin (FREEOSONG)

Quassel IRC 0.12.4 (FREEOS) Download here.

qTox 1.16.3 (FREEOS) Download here.

Ripcord (FREEOSUNS, ONG)

Skype v7.36.0.150 (FREECSDownload here (link provided by MSFN user sdfox7) This version no longer connects to the servers as of April 2019.

Skype v7.38.0.101 (FREECSUNS) Download here (link provided by MSFN user sdfox7).  This version no longer connects to the servers as of early 2019.

TeamSpeak 3.2.5 (FREECS) Download here.

Telegram Desktop 1.8.15 (FREEOS) Download here.

Trillian (FREECSONG)

Viber 6.8.2.878 (FREECS) Download here.

Yahoo! Messenger 11.5.0.228 (FREECS) No longer connects to the Yahoo servers; you must use the web version of Yahoo Messenger.
 

E-mail Clients:

Claws Mail 3.16.0 (FREEOS) Download here: 32 bit - 64 bit

eM Client 7.2.35595.0 (FREECS) Download from vendor

em Client Pro 7.2.35595.0 ($$$CS)

Mailbird 2.6.1.0 (FREECS)

Mailbird Pro 2.6.1.0 ($$$CS)

MailNews by roytam1 (FREEOSONG) View this MSFN thread to get the latest build.

Microsoft Outlook 2010 (FREECS) Will continue to receive security updates until October 13, 2020.

Mozilla Thunderbird 52.9.1 (FREEOS) Download from Mozilla here

Opera Mail 1.0.1044 (FREECS) Download from vendor

Pegasus Mail (FREECS, UNS, ONG)

PostBox ($$$CSUNSONG)

Sylpheed (FREEOSUNSONG)

 

PDF Viewers/Editors:

Adobe Acrobat Reader X v10.1.16 (FREECSDownload 10.1.14 installer here  Download 10.1.16 update here.

Adobe Acrobat Reader XI v11.0.23 (FREECSUNS) Download from Adobe: 11.0.10 installer (choose Server 2008 as your OS) - 11.0.23 update (a standalone installer for 11.0.23 is not available, so you must first install 11.0.10, and then update to 11.0.23 by downloading the installer using the link provided)

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 2015.10.20060 (FREECSUNS) Has some stability issues, but functions as a basic PDF Viewer. To learn how to install the software in Vista, view this YouTube tutorial, created by myself.

Corel PDF Fusion ($$$CSONG)

CutePDF Professional ($$$CSONG

CutePDF Writer (FREECSONG)

doPDF (FREECSONG)

FineReader 14 Portable (FREECSUNS)

Foxit PDF Reader 9.2.0.9297 (FREECSUNS) Download here.

Foxit PhantomPDF 9.2.0.9297 ($$$CSUNS) Download (trial) here.

Infix PDF Editor ($$$CSONG

Master PDF Editor v5.3.02 ($$$CS) Download (trial) here.

Nitro PDF Reader v10.x (FREECS)

Nitro PDF Pro v10.x ($$$CS)

PDF-XChange Editor 7.0.328.2 ($$$CS) Download here.

RTT PDF Explorer ($$$CSONG

RTT PDFrizator (FREECSONG

Sumatra PDF (FREEOSONG)

Wondershare PDFelement ($$$CSONG)
 

Word Processing & Office Suites:

Ability Office & Ability Office Professional ($$$CSONG)

AbleWord (FREECS) Hasn't been updated since 2015.

Apache OpenOffice (FREEOSONG)

Atlantis Word Processor ($$$CSONG) 30 day trial available.

Corel WordPerfect Office X7 ($$$CS)

Evernote 6.7.6.7584 (FREECS) Download from vendor

LibreOffice 5.4.7.2 (FREEOS) Download from vendor: x86  x64

Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 2, All Editions ($$$CS) Extended support will end on October 13, 2020.

Notepad++ (FREEOSONG)

Notepad2-mod v4.2.25.998 (FREEOS) Download from vendor here.

Notepad3 4.18.512.992 (FREEOSUNS) Download from FileHippo here.

RedNotebook (FREEOSONG)

Scribus 1.4.6 (FREEOS)

Softmaker FreeOffice 2016 rev 767.0516 (FREECS)

Wunderlist 3.21.4 (FREECS)

WPS Office 2019 - All Editions ($$$ & FREE editions available, CSONG)
 

Content Consumption Software:

AIMP v5.00.2344 (FREECS) Download here.

Clementine Music Player (FREEOSONG)

Foobar2000 1.5.11 (FREECS) Download here.

K-Lite, All Codec Packs (FREECSONG)

Kodi 17.6 (FREEOSDownload from vendor here. Must run the installer in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2 to get the software to install.

Leawo Blu-ray Player 1.9.6.2 (FREECS) Download here.

Media Player Classic Black Edition (FREEOSONG)

Media Player Classic Home Cinema (FREEOSONG)

mpv Media Player v0.25.0 (FREEOS) Download from vendor: 32 bit  64 bit

MPlayer (FREEOSONG)

MusicBee 3.0.6067 (FREECS) Download here.

Potplayer (FREECSONG)

PowerDVD 15 ($$$CS)

SMPlayer (FREEOSONG) Must use QT 5.6 version.

Spotify 1.0.24.104 (FREECS) Download from FileHippo here

VLC Media Player 3.x (FREEOS, ONG) Requires SP2 and Platform Update to be installed. This is the final branch to support Vista & XP; 4.x does not work.

Winamp 5.8 (FREECS) Download here.
 

DVR/PVR software:

MediaPortal (FREEOSONG)

NextPVR 4.2.5 (FREECS) Download here.

Windows Media Center with TV Pack 2008 (FREECS) Download TV Pack 2008 here. No longer updated as of April 2, 2020.
 

Adobe Editing Software:

  • All CS6 apps are $$$CSUNS. For official support, use the CS5.5 suite instead.

Adobe After Effects CS6

Adobe Audition CS6

Adobe Director 12 ($$$CS)

Adobe Photoshop CS6

Adobe Photoshop Elements 12.0 ($$$CS) Requires SP2. 

Adobe Premiere Pro CS6

Dreamweaver CS6

Extendscript Toolkit CC

Fireworks CS6

Flash Professional CS6

Illustrator CS6

InCopy CS6

InDesign CS6

Lightroom 4 ($$$CS
 

Video & Photo Editing Software:

abcAVI Tag Editor 1.81 (FREECS) Download here

ACDSee 17 ($$$CS)

ACDSee Pro 7 ($$$CS)

ACDSee Video Converter 4 ($$$CS)

ACDSee Video Studio 2.0.0.588 ($$$CS)

AniView (FREEOSUNS, ONG)

AnnyStudio JPEG Lossless Rotator (FREECSUNS, ONG)

AnnyStudio Just Color Picker (FREECSUNS, ONG)

ArtWeaver Free 6.0.13 (FREECS, UNS)

ArtWeaver Pro 6.0.13 ($$$CS, UNS)

Avid Pro Tools 10 ($$$CSUNS) Requires modification of MSI installer with Orca to work. *Avid Virtual Instruments 10 doesn't work.

Bandicam ($$$, CSONG) Free version with reduced functionality is available. 

CamStudio v2.7.2 (FREEOS) Hasn't been updated on Windows as a whole since October 19, 2013 and is most likely abandoned.

Camtasia Studio 8.6.0 ($$$CS)

CardWorks Business Card Designer ($$$CSONG)

ContaCam 9.0.9 (FREEOS) Download here.

Corel PaintShop Pro X7 ($$$CS)

Disketch Disc Label Software ($$$CSONG)

DrawPad Graphic Editor ($$$CSONG)

FastPictureViewer Pro ($$$CSONG) Requires SP1; SP2 recommended.

FastStone Capture ($$$CSONG)

FastStone MaxView ($$$CSONG)

FastStone Image Viewer (FREECSONG)

FastStone Photo Resizer (FREECSONG)

FireAlpaca (FREECSONG)

Flashback Express 5.35.0 (FREECS)

Flashback Pro 5.35.0 ($$$CS)

Fraps v3.5.99 (FREECS) Hasn't been updated on Windows as a whole since February 26, 2013 and is most likely abandoned.

GIMP 2.10.0 (FREEOS) Download from vendor here.

Handbrake 1.0.7 (FREEOSDownload from vendor here.

Image Composite Editor 2.0.3 (FREECS) Requires SP2. Download archived installers: 32 bit - 64 bit

Imagine (FREECSONG)

Inkscape 0.92.3 (FREEOS) Download from vendor: 7Z (x86), EXE (x86), MSI (x86), Portable (x86) - 7Z (x64), EXE (x64), MSI (x64)

IrfanView (FREE for non commercial use, CSONG)

KC Softwares PhotoToFilm 3.9.1.99 ($$$CS) Download (trial) here.

KC Softwares VideoInspector 2.15.2.146 (FREECS) Download here.

Krita 4.1.7 (FREEOSUNS) Download here (must use portable version).

Lightworks 14.5.0.0 ($$$ & FREE versions available, CS) Download here.

MKVToolNix v19.0.0 (FREEOS) Download from vendor here.

MyPaint 1.2.1 (FREEOS) Download here.

OBS Classic 0.659b (FREEOS) Requires SP2. Download from vendor here. 

OBS Studio 21.0.1 (FREECS) Requires SP2 and Platform Update. Download here.

OhSoft oCam (FREEOS, ONG

Paint.NET 3.5.11 (FREECSDownload from FileHippo here.

PhotoPad Image Editor ($$$CSONG)

PhotoStage ($$$CSONG)

Picasa 3.9.141 Build 259 (FREECS) Download archived installer here.

Pinta 1.7.1 (FREEOS) Download here.

Pixillion ($$$CSONG)

Prism Video Converter ($$$CSONG)

Sony Vegas Pro 12 ($$$CS)

VideoPad Video Editor ($$$CSONG)

VSDC Free Video Converter (FREECSONG)

VSDC Free Video Editor (FREECSONG)

Wondershare DVD Creator ($$$CSONG)

Wondershare UniConverter ($$$CSONG)

XnConvert 1.82 (FREECS) Download here.

XnRetro 1.20 (FREECS) Download here.

XnSketch 1.18 (FREECSONG) Download here.

XnView Classic (FREECS, ONG)

XnView MP 0.94.3 (FREECSUNSONG) Download here.

Zoner Photo Studio 17 Free (FREECS) Download from vendor

Zoner Photo Studio 17 PRO ($$$CS)


Screenshot Software:

Auto Screen Capture (FREEOSONG) Download here.

Greenshot (FREEOSONG)

Gyazo (FREECSUNSONG) Gyazo GIF does not work.

Lightshot (FREECSONG)

ScreenToGif (FREEOSUNSONG)

ShareX 12.0.0 (non-portable) (FREEOS) Download from vendor here.

ShareX Portable (FREEOSUNSONG) Requires installation of Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.2 to work.
 

Audio & Music Creation/Editing Tools:

Abelton Live 9.1.10 ($$$CS) Download trial from vendor here.

Acoustica Mixcraft ($$$CSONG) 30 day trial available.

Asset UPnP audio server ($$$ & FREECSONG) Free version has certain limitations. View the vendor's site here for more details.

Audacity (FREEOSUNSONG)

Crescendo ($$$, CSONG

dBpoweramp: mp3 Converter ($$$CSONG)

Equalizer APO (FREEOSONG)

Exact Audio Copy (FREECSONG)

FL Studio ($$$CS, UNSONG)

Fmedia (FREECSONG)

Forte Notation - All Editions ($$$CSONG)

Generatosaur 1.0.0.2 (FREEOS) Download from vendor

Guitar Pro 6.2.0 R11686 ($$$CS) Download from vendor here.

LMMS (FREEOSONG)

MediaMonkey (FREECSONG)

MixPad ($$$CSONG)

Mp3tag (FREECSONG)

Ocenaudio (FREECSUNSONG)

OpenMPT 1.28.10.00 (FREEOS) Download here.

PerfectTUNES (FREECSONG) Registration required to unlock all features. Unregistered version has certain limitations. View the vendor's site here for more details.

PitchPerfect ($$$CSONG)

RecordPad ($$$CSONG)

Softpointer Tag&Rename ($$$CSONG)

Sony Sound Forge 11.0.272 ($$$CS) Newer versions up to 13.x can be ran on Vista by using the Portable version of the software.

SoundTap ($$$CSONG)

Switch ($$$CSONG)

Synthesia ($$$CSONG)

Voxal ($$$CSONG)

VRS Recording System ($$$CSONG)

WavePad ($$$CSONG)

Wavosaur (FREEOSONG)

Wavosaur Rec Recover (FREEOS)

XRECODE3 ($$$CSONG)

Zulu ($$$CSONG)
 

2D/3D Modeling Software:

AutoCAD 2012 ($$$CS)

AutoCAD 2013 & 2014 ($$$CSUNS) Must run in Windows XP compatibility mode for the software to work.

Autodesk 3dsmax 2016 ($$$CS, UNS) Requires modifications to run. Last officially supported version is 2012.

Autodesk 3dsmax design 2016 ($$$CS, UNS) Requires modifications to run. Last officially supported version is 2012.

Autodesk Maya 2016 ($$$CS, UNS) Requires modifications to run. Last officially supported version is 2012.

Autodesk Mudbox 2016 ($$$CS, UNS) Requires modifications to run. Last officially supported version is 2012.

Blender (FREEOS, UNS, ONG)

Daz Studio (FREECSONG)

DreamPlan Home Design software ($$$CSONG)

FreeCAD (FREEOSONG)

LibreCAD (FREEOSONG)

MeshMagic ($$$CSONG)

Sketchup 2014 ($$$CS)

Sketchup 2015 & 2016 ($$$CSUNS) Modifying of MSI installer is required. See this MSFN post for more details.
 

Virtualization Software:

DOSBox (FREEOSONG)

Hyper-V "1.0" (2008) (FREECS) Included with Windows Server 2008 only.

Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 SP1 (FREECSUNS on Starter/Home versions of XP and Vista. Download from Microsoft here.

Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 (FREECS)

Oracle VM VirtualBox (FREECSONG) Requires at least SP1 to be installed; SP2 recommended.

VMware Player 6.0.7 (FREECS) Download 6.0.4 from FileHippo here, which can be updated to 6.0.7 (a 6.0.7 installer could not be obtained).

VMware Workstation 10.0.7 ($$$CS)

VMware Workstation 11.1.2 ($$$CSUNS) Requires special procedures to be installed. 11.1.3/11.1.4 do not work.

VMware Workstation 12.0.0 ($$$CSUNS) Requires special procedures to be installed. Later versions (including newer 12.x builds) do not work.

VMware Tools 10.3.10 (FREECS) Download here. While newer versions may be installed on Vista, the drivers rely on functions found in only Windows 7 or later which may cause unexpected errors with certain applications.
 

Remote Access:

AnyDesk (FREECSONG)

Logmein Rescue Technician Console ($$$CSONG)

PuTTY (FREEOSONG)

Splashtop Business Access ($$$CSONG)

Splashtop On-Demand Support ($$$CSONG)

Splashtop Remote Support ($$$CSONG)

TeamViewer 14.2.8352 (FREECS) Must pay for license in order for continued use as of Feb. 2020.

TightVNC (FREEOSONG)

UltraVNC (FREEOSONG)

VNC Server ($$$CSUNSONG) Requires modification of MSI installer with Orca to work.

VNC Viewer (FREECSUNSONG) Requires modification of MSI installer with Orca to work.
 

Data & File Management/Sharing:

7zip (FREEOSONG)

Bandizip (FREECSONG)

calibre 3.48 (FREEOS) Download here.

Cryptomator 1.3.4 (FREEOS) Download from vendor: (x86) (x64)

Doxillion File Converter ($$$CSONG)

Explorer++ (FREEOSONG) The current version is 1.3.5; support for Windows Vista will likely be terminated following version 1.4.

Feem (FREECSONG)

Free File Sync 10.11 (FREEOS) Download here.

GoToTags (FREECSUNSONG) Requires .NET Framework 4.6.2.

WinHTTrack (FREEOSONG)

PeaZip (FREEOSONG)

PowerArchiver ($$$CS, ONG)

PowerArchiver Command Line ($$$CS, ONG)

PowerArchiver for Office Add-ins (PAOP) ($$$CS, ONG)

PowerArchiver Zip To Email ($$$CS, ONG)

Send Anywhere 2.6.9 (FREECS) Download from vendor (Wayback Machine)

Tabbles (FREECSONG)

TagSpaces 2.1.1 (FREEOS)

Universal Extractor (FREEOSONG)

WinRAR ($$$CSONG) 40-day trial available.

WinZip ($$$CS, ONG)

WinZip Command Line (FREECSONG)

WinZip Courier ($$$CSONG)

WinZip Self-Extractor ($$$CSONG)

Zipware (FREECSONG)
 

Cloud Storage Clients:

Attachmore (FREECSONG)

Backup and Sync from Google (FREECSUNSONG)

CloudMe Sync (FREECSONG)

Megasync (FREECSONG)

Microsoft OneDrive Version 2017 Build 17.3.7076.1026 (FREECS) Requires SP2, Platform Update, and Platform Update supplement for Windows Vista/2008. Download from FileHippo here.

SugarSync 3.8.0.15297 (FREECSONG)
 

Invoicing, Finance, and Business Management software:

ClickCharts Diagram & Flowchart ($$$CSONG)

Copper Point of Sales ($$$CSONG)

Express Accounts ($$$CSONG)

Express Invoice ($$$CSONG)

FlexiServer Productivity & Attendance ($$$CSONG)

GnuCash 2.6.21 (FREEOS) Download from vendor

H&R Block Tax Software ($$$CSONG)

IBM SPSS Statistics 25 ($$$CS, UNS)

Inventoria Inventory ($$$CSONG)

MoneyLine Personal Finance ($$$CSONG)

Money Manager EX (FREEOSONG)

QuickBooks Desktop 2016 ($$$CS) Requires SP2.

Reflect CRM Customer Database ($$$CSONG)

Studio Tax 2018 ($$$CSONG) Requires SP2.

TurboTax 2016 ($$$CS) Requires SP2.

uFile ($$$CSONG) Requires SP2.
 

Speech Recognition software:

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 ($$$CS)

Express Dictate Digital Dictation Software ($$$CSONG)

Voice Finger (FREECS) Has not been updated since 2013. Download from developer


Language Translation software:

Promt 18 ($$$CS)

Rosetta Stone Language Learning ($$$CSUNSONG)

Rosetta Stone TOTALe ($$$CSONG)


Weather Forecasting software:

WeatherBug (FREECSONG)
 

Phone Integration and Management software:
AirDroid (FREECSONG)

Apowersoft Phone Manager 2.8.9 ($$$CS) Download 2.8.4 here (a 2.8.9 installer cannot be located)

FJ Software Development MyPhoneExplorer (FREECSONG)

Mobizen PC (FREECSONG)

MTUX MyMobiler 0.9.8.2 for Android (FREECS) Download from vendor (Wayback Machine) - (Portable (Wayback Machine)

MTUX MyMobiler 1.25 for Windows Mobile (FREECS) Download from vendor (Wayback Machine) - (Portable (Wayback Machine)

Pushbullet (FREECSONG)

Samsung SideSync 4.7.5.244 (FREECS) Download from vendor

Unified Remote Server (FREECSONG)

Wondershare Dr. Fone ($$$CSONG)

Wondershare MobileGo ($$$CSONG)

Wondershare MobileTrans ($$$CSONG)
 

Apple Software & Hardware Support (all software is FREECS) :

iCloud Control Panel 2.1.3 Download archived installer here

iTunes 12.1.3.6 : Download from Apple: Vista 32-bit  Vista 64-bit
Limitations/issues:

  • On 64-bit versions of Vista/2008, you must use the "older video cards" installer linked above. The normal release doesn't work.
  • Starting with iTunes 11.2, you'll get Data Execution Prevention errors when closing the program.
  • iTunes 12.1.3.x only supports devices released up to the iOS 9 era (2015). 
  • If your older device runs iOS 10.0-10.1.1, you may backup and sync your device; upgrading/restoring doesn't work. Any device running iOS 10.2 or later will not work at all with iTunes 12.1.3.
  • While you may still access the iTunes Store, signing in no longer works.

QuickTime 7.7.9 : Quicktime for Windows is abandoned as of this version. Visit this page to download from Apple.

Safari 5.1.7 : Safari for Windows is abandoned as of May 9, 2012. Download from FileHippo here.
 

NVIDIA GPU Drivers:

Recommended for GeForce 8, 9, 100, 200, & 300 series:

NVIDIA Display driver version 342.01 - Download: 32 bit   64 bit

Recommended for GeForce 400-900 series:

NVIDIA Display driver version 365.19 - Download: 32 bit  64 bit

Recommended for GeForce 1000 series, up to 1080ti:

NVIDIA Display driver version 372.70 - Download: 32 bit  64 bit
Note: DirectX applications aren't properly utilized by these drivers under Windows Vista, so this will cause a bottleneck in performance over using the GTX 980 or older, where the 365.19 drivers (more optimized for Vista as they're officially supported) can be used. Later drivers will not work on Windows Vista.
 

AMD/ATI GPU Drivers:

The first official version of ATI Catalyst to support Vista is version 7.1. The last official version of AMD Catalyst to support Vista is version 13.12 (Download: 32 bit  64 bit). However, newer versions up to 15.6 Beta for Windows 7 can be modified to work on Vista. View this thread for more details.
 

Hardware Identification and Temperature Management:

CPU-Z (FREECSONG)

GPU-Z (FREECSONG)

HWiNFO (FREECSONG)

HWMonitor (FREECSONG)

Logitech Gaming Software v8.96.88 (FREECSUNS) Download from vendor: 32 bit  64 bit

OpenGL Extensions Viewer (FREECSUNSONG)

Piriform Speccy (FREECSONG)

SpeedFan (FREECSONG)
 

Benchmarking and System Stress-Testing software:

AIDA64, all editions ($$$CSONG)

Cinebench 15.038 (FREECS) Download from vendor (Wayback Machine)

GeekBench ($$$CSUNS, ONG)

GFXBench GL (FREECSUNSONG)

Passmark PerformanceTest ($$$CSONG) 30 day evaluation available.

Prime95 (FREECSONG)
 

Hard Drive Utilities:

  • Windows Vista/2008 do NOT support TRIM for SSDs without third party software.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Lite (FREECSONG) Supports both client & Server Windows versions (Windows 2000 and up).

AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional ($$$CSONG) For client versions of Windows (such as Vista) only. Windows Server operating systems (such as Server 2008) aren't supported.

AOMEI Partition Assistant - Server & Unlimited editions ($$$CSONG) Supports both client & Server Windows versions (Windows 2000 and up).

AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard (FREECSONG) For client versions of Windows (such as Vista) only. Windows Server operating systems (such as Server 2008) aren't supported.

DAEMON Tools Lite v10.2 ($$$CS) Free version with reduced functionality is available for download from FileHippo here.

DAEMON Tools Pro v7.0 ($$$CS) A download link (for the trial version) is unavailable; sorry for the inconvenience.

Diskeeper 12 Pro ($$$CS

Diskeeper 16 Home Edition ($$$CSONG)

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free (FREECSONG)

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Professional ($$$CSONG)

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Technician ($$$CSONG)

EaseUS Partition Master Free (FREECSONG)

EaseUS Partition Master Professional ($$$CSONG)

EaseUS Partition Master Enterprise ($$$CSONG)

EaseUS Todo Backup Free (FREECSONG)

EaseUS Todo Backup Home ($$$CSONG)

EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise ($$$CSONG)

IOLO DriveScrubber ($$$CSONG)

Piriform Recuva (FREECSONG)

Samsung Magician v4.9.7 (FREECS) Download from FileHorse here. Works with (supported) Samsung SSDs only.

SSD Tweaker; all editions ($$$ & FREE editions available, CSONG)
 

System Management, Cleanup, and Analysis:

Advanced PortChecker (FREEOSONG)

Atribune ATF Cleaner 3.0.0.2 (FREECS) Download from MajorGeeks

Avast Cleanup / AVG TuneUp ($$$CSONG)

Belarc Advisor (FREECSONG)

BleachBit (FREEOSONG)

Chocolatey 0.9.9.8 (FREEOSUNS)

Comodo Cleaning Essentials (FREECSONG)

DeadPix (FREEOSONG)

EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free (FREECSONG)

EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional & EaseUS Todo PCTrans Technician ($$$CSONG)

EasyBCD (FREECSONG)

Hard_Configurator (FREEOSONG)

Inno Setup (FREEOSONG)

IOLO Search and Recover ($$$CSONG)

IOLO System Mechanic Business ($$$CSONG)

Ketarin (FREEOSONG)

KC Softwares BATExpert (FREECSONG)

KC Softwares HDDExpert (FREECSONG)

KC Softwares KCleaner (FREECSONG)

KC Softwares RAMExpert (FREECSONG)

KC Softwares Startup Sentinel (FREECSONG)

Network Monitor 3.4 (FREECS) Requires at least SP1 to be installed (SP2 recommended). To download from Microsoft, click here.

Orion File Recovery ($$$CSONG)

Piriform CCleaner 5.64.7577 (FREECS) Download here.

Revo Uninstaller Free (FREECSONG)

SpeedTest App (FREECSUNSONG)

SUMo Software Update monitor (FREECSONG)

System Mechanic Classic v16.0.0.10 ($$$CS)

System Mechanic Professional Classic v15.5.0.61 ($$$CS)

Windows NT Backup - Restore Utility (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: (x86) (x64)

WireShark 2.2.17 (FREECS) Download from vendor: (x86) (x64)

WPS Data Recovery Master ($$$CSONG)

WSUS Offline Update 10.9.2 (FREEOSDownload from vendor here. While newer versions will run on Vista, this is the last version with which you may download updates for Windows Vista.
 

Bootable USB Flash Drive Creation Tools:

UNetbootin (FREEOSONG)

Rufus 2.18 (FREEOS) Download from vendor here: Rufus 2.18 installer - Portable version

Rufus 3.5.1433 (FREEOSUNS) Download from vendor here. Thanks to MSFN member UCyborg for making this version compatible with Vista.

WinSetupfromUSB (FREECSONG)
 

Optical Disc Media Management software:

Alcohol 120% ($$$CSONG)

AnyDVD HD ($$$CSONG)

BurnAware Free (FREECSONG)

BurnAware Premium & BurnAware Professional ($$$CSONG)

CDBurnerXP (FREECSONG)

CloneCD ($$$CSONG)

dBpoweramp: CD Ripper ($$$CSONG)

DVDFab ($$$CSONG)

Express Burn ($$$CSONG)

Express Rip ($$$CSONG)

Golden Records ($$$CSONG)

ImDisk Toolkit (FREEOSONG)

IMGBurn (FREECSONG)

MagicDisc (FREECSONG)

MagicISO ($$$CSONG)

MakeMKV ($$$CSONG)

Nero 2019 Platinum ($$$CS, UNS) Must use unofficial repacked version. Last official version to support Vista is Nero 2015.

Roxio Creator NXT 3  ($$$CSONG)

UltraISO ($$$CSONG)

WinCDEmu (FREECSONG)
 

Game Distribution: 

Origin 2015 (FREECS) *Reduced functionality as of August 2016. For a list of what you can still do, visit this dvdhardware.net article.

Steam (Jan 4, 2019 build) (FREECS) To prevent Steam client updates, create a file using Notepad containing the following information: BootStrapperInhibitAll=Enable . Save it to the Steam folder as steam.cfg.
 

Games:

  • Platform Update is required for DirectX 11 support.

Pre-Vista era (DX10/11 not utilized):

Serious Sam 2 ($$$CS)

Star Wars Republic Commando ($$$CS)

Last official release to run on Vista (sequels/updates do not support or work with Vista):

Battlefield 4 ($$$CS) Requires SP2 & Platform Update.

BeamNG.Drive v0.15.0.6 ($$$CS, UNS)

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 ($$$CS) Requires SP2.

Diablo III ($$$CS) No longer supports or runs on Vista as of October 2017.

Hearthstone ($$$CS) No longer supports or runs on Vista as of October 2017.

Heroes of the Storm ($$$CS) No longer supports or runs on Vista as of October 2017.

How to Survive ($$$CS)

Killing Floor ($$$CS)

StarCraft II ($$$CS) No longer supports or runs on Vista as of October 2017.

Wolfenstein: The New Order ($$$CSUNS)

Wolfenstein: The Old Blood ($$$CSUNS)

World of Warcraft ($$$CS) No longer supports or runs on Vista as of October 2017.

Active Development:

  • Future/upcoming sequels may not support Vista.

AssaultCube (FREECSONG)

Bioshock Infinite ($$$CSONG)

Chivalry Medieval Welfare ($$$CSONG)

Counter-Strike Global Offensive ($$$CSONG)

Cuphead (GOG.com version) ($$$CSONG)

Don't Starve Together ($$$CSONG)

Doom 2016 ($$$CSUNSONG)

Dragon Ball Xenoverse ($$$CSONG

Fallout 4 ($$$CSONG)

Fallout Shelter ($$$CSONG)

Goosebumps Dead of Night ($$$CSUNSONG)

GTA V ($$$CS, UNS, ONG) Requires SP2 + Platform Update. Also requires a workaround for new versions as of Sept. 2019.

Just Cause 3 ($$$CSONG)

Left 4 Dead 2 ($$$CSONG)

Minecraft (FREECSONG)

One Late Night: Deadline ($$$CSONG)

Planet Explorers ($$$CSONG)

Portal 2 ($$$CSONG)

Road Redemption ($$$CSONG)

Serious Sam 3 BFE ($$$CSONG)

Sonic Mania ($$$CSUNSONG)

Star Trek Online ($$$CSONG)

SuperTuxKart (FREEOS, ONG)
 

Outer Space Simulation software:

Google Earth Pro 7.3.2 (FREECS) Download here: 32 bit  64 bit

Outerra ($$$CSONG)

Space Engine (FREECSONG)

Stellarium (FREEOSUNSONG)
 

Console Emulators:

Gamecube/Wii Emulators:

Dolphin 5.0 (stable) (FREEOS, UNS) 64-bit only. Download from vendor here.

PS2 Emulators:

PCSX2 (FREEOSONG)

PSP Emulators:

PPSSPP (FREEOSONG)
 

Software/Game Development:

Adobe AIR 29.0.0.112 (FREECS) Download here.

ApexSQL Diff 2017 R6 ($$$CS) Requires SP2.

AutoHotkey (FREEOSONG)

CryEngine V ($$$OS) Requires SP2.

dnSpy (FREEOSUNS, ONG)

Geany 1.3.2 (FREEOS) Download from vendor

Java Development Kit 9.0.4 (FREEOSUNS) 64 bit only; 32 bit Windows is not supported. - Download here.

Java SE Runtime Environment 9.0.4 (FREEOSUNS) 64 bit only; 32 bit Windows is not supported. - Download here.

LLVM Compiler Infrastructure v3.7.1 (FREEOS)

Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 SP1 ($$$CSView this Microsoft Support article to download the SP1 update.
 

System File Editors/Viewers:

EditPad Lite (FREECSONG)

HxD Hex Editor (FREECSONG)

Resource Hacker (FREEOSONG)
 

BitTorrent/P2P Clients:

BitComet (FREECSONG)

BitTorrent (FREECSONG)

BitTorrent Resilio Sync 2.0.93 (FREECS) Download from FileHippo

BitTorrent Sync Pro 2.0.93 ($$$CS)

eMule (FREEOSONG)

qBittorrent 4.1.9.1 (FREEOS) Download here.

Tixati (FREECSONG)

Transmission 2.94 (FREEOS) Download here: x86  x64

uTorrent (FREECSONG)

Vuze (FREEOSONG)
 

FTP Clients:

BitComet (FREECSONG)

CuteFTP (FREECSONG)

CyberDuck (FREEOSONG)

FileZilla 3.39.0 (FREEOSUNS)

Fling FTP ($$$CSONG)

FTP Voyager (FREECSONG)

SmartFTP ($$$CSONG)

Total Commander (FREECSONG)

WinSCP (FREEOSONG)
 

VPN Clients: 

HideMe VPN (FREECSONG)

Logmein Hamachi (FREECSONG)

OpenVPN v. 2.4.6-I602 (FREEOSUNS)

Private Internet Access Client v75 (FREECS)

TorGuard VPN (FREECSONG)

TunnelBear ($$$CSONG)

Tunngle (FREECSONG)
 

Window Management software:

Actual Window Manager ($$$CSONG)

Aerosnap 0.61 Beta (FREECS) Somewhat buggy. To download from Softpedia, click here.

AquaSnap 1.17.1 (FREE & $$$ versions available, CS) Personal Edition is free for home use, and has reduced functionality. Professional Edition requires purchase after 60 minute trial period. 
To download from the vendor, click one of the following: MSI File  Portable Installation

Ave's Thumbnail Sizer (FREEOS) Download from developer

Ave's Vista Folder Background (FREECS) Download from developer

DisplayFusion v8.1.2 (FREE & $$$ versions available, CSDownload from vendor here. Also requires KB2763674 to be installed.

QuizoApps QTTabBar 1.2.2.1 (FREECS) Download from vendor

Taskbar Shuffle v2.5 (FREECS) Download here.

Ultramon ($$$CSONG) To download 30-day trial version from vendor, click here.
 

Desktop Enhancement software:

Bing Desktop 1.3.478.0 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft (archived by the Wayback Machine)

Classic Shell 3.6.8 (FREEOSDownload from vendor's SourceForge page here.

CoolSoft PDF Property Extension (FREECSONG)

Ditto Clipboard Manager (FREECSONG)

Fences 2 ($$$CS) Folder portals and pages functionality requires Windows 7 or later.

f.lux (FREECSONG)

Icaros Shell Extensions 3.1.0 & 3.1.1 Beta (FREECS) Download here.

LightBulb (FREEOSUNSONG)

ObjectDock 2 ($$$CS)

Rainmeter 3.3.3 (FREEOS) Download from vendor

RTT PDF-ShellTools ($$$CSONG)

SageThumbs (FREEOSONG)

Seer (FREECSONG)

Softpointer AudioShell (FREECSONG)

Sysinternals Desktops v2.0 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft

Start++ 0.8.1 by Brandon Paddock (FREECS) Download from developer (Wayback Machine)

Universal Theme Patcher (FREECS)

Vista Visual Master (FREECS)

VoidTools Everything (FREECSONG)

Winaero Cursor Commander (FREECSONG) Download from developer

WindowBlinds 7.4 ($$$CS) Download from FileHorse

X-Mouse Controls (FREECSONG)
 

Additional Microsoft software/utilities:

Administrative Template (.admx) files for Windows Vista (FREECS) Download from Microsoft

Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 (FREECS) ISO file; does not require to be mounted or run under Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 but it is the last version for NT 6.0. Download from Microsoft

Autoruns (FREECS) Download from Microsoft

Exchange Server 2010 ($$$CS)

IntelliPoint 8.2 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft:  32 bit  64 bit

IntelliType Pro 8.2 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: 32 bit  64 bit

Microsoft Camera Codec Pack 6.3.9721.0 (FREECS) Requires SP2. Download from Microsoft: (x86) (x64

Microsoft Expression Web 4 (FREECS) Download archived installer here.

Microsoft Lync 2010 ($$$CS) Download archived installer here.

Microsoft Mathematics 4.0 (FREECS) Requires SP2. To download from Microsoft, click here.

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.0 (FREECSDownload from Microsoft here.

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.1 (FREECSUNSDownload from Microsoft here.

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.2 (FREECSUNS) Requires special procedures to be installed.

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 (FREECSUNS) Requires special procedures to be installed.

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 (FREECSUNS) Requires special procedures to be installed.

Microsoft Photo Story 3 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft

Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista SP1+ (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: (x86) (x64)

Microsoft Silverlight 5.1.50907.0 (FREECS)

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2013 ($$$CS

Microsoft SyncToy 2.1 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: (x86) (x64)

Microsoft Visual c++ Redistributable for Visual Studio (FREECSONG)

Microsoft Windows Dynamic Cache Service 1.0.3 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft - Additional information here and here.

Microsoft Windows Live Essentials 2011 (FREECS) To download, use Windows Update. Some components no longer work, such as Messenger and Mail.

Microsoft Windows Preview Handler Pack (for AS, ASPX, BAT, CMD, CS, CSS, DIFF, JS, PATCH, RB, RHTML, RJS, SQL, and VB files) (FREECS) Download from CodePlex

MSDN Sample Preview Handlers (for BIN, CSV, MSI, PDF, XAML, XML, XPS, and ZIP files) (FREECS) Download from Microsoft (archived by the Wayback Machine)

Process Explorer (FREECS) Download from Microsoft

Process Monitor (FREECS) Download from Microsoft

Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 (FREECS) *For Windows Vista only, Server 2008 is not supported.* Requires Vista SP1 to be installed (SP2 recommended). Download here.

Search Server 2010 ($$$CS) Requires Windows Server 2008 SP2; Vista is not supported. 

SharePoint 2010 ($$$CSDownload trial from Microsoft here.

SharePoint Designer 2010 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: (x86) (x64)

Speech Platform Runtime Languages 11 (FREECS) To download from Microsoft, click here.

SQL Server 2012 ($$$CS)

Sysinternals Suite (FREECS) Download from Microsoft

Virtual CD-ROM Control Panel (FREECS) Download here.

Visio Viewer 2010 (FREECS) Requires SP2. Download here.

Windows Easy Transfer 7 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: (x86) (x64)

Windows Help (WinHelp32) for Windows Vista (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: (x86) (x64)

Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: 32 bit  64 bit

Windows Powershell 2.0 (FREECSDownload from Microsoft here.

Windows Powershell 3.0 (FREECS) Supports Windows Server 2008 SP2 ONLY. Windows Vista is not supported. To download from Microsoft, click here.

Windows Speech Recognition Macros (FREECS) Download from Microsoft

Windows SteadyState 2.5 (FREECS) (x86 only). Download from the Wayback Machine.

Windows USB/DVD Download Tool (FREECS) To download from Microsoft, click here.

XML Paper Specification Essentials Pack 1.2 (FREECS) Does not work on Server 2008. Click here to download from Microsoft.
 

Microsoft Office Add-ins & Tools:

Calendar Printing Assistant for Outlook (FREECS) Requires SP2. To download from Microsoft, click here.

Junk Mail Reporting Add-in for Microsoft Outlook (FREECS) Download from Microsoft: Office 2003 x86Office 2007+ x86Office 2007+ x64

Microsoft Mathematics Add-In for Word and OneNote (FREECS) Requires SP2. Supports Microsoft OneNote 2010 and Word 2007/Word 2010.

Office File Validation Add-in for Microsoft Office 2003 SP3 and Microsoft Office 2007 SP2 (FREECS) Requires Office 2003 SP3 or Office 2007 SP2. For client Windows versions only (Server 2008 isn't supported).

Office 2010 Filter Packs (FREECS) Requires at least SP1 to be installed (SP2 recommended). To download from Microsoft, click here.

Outlook 2007/2003/2002 Add-in: Personal Folders Backup (FREECS) Requires Office XP, 2003, or 2007. Server 2008 is not supported. Download from Microsoft here.

PowerPoint Viewer 2010 (FREECS) Requires at least SP1 to be installed (SP2 recommended). 

Search Commands Add-In for Office 2007 and Office 2010 (FREECS) No longer being maintained, UNS on Server 2008. Download from Microsoft here.

Word Viewer 2010 (FREECSDownload from archived Microsoft download page here. No longer receives security updates as of November 2017.

Edited by WinClient5270
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I'll assume you meant to say CS6. 

Anyway, this is one of those weird instances where XP and Windows 7 are supported, but Vista is ignored. It isn't that big of a deal though, the only thing Vista users miss out on is technical support from Adobe if you have a problem with the software. The CS6 software itself will still install and run perfectly fine in Vista.

using Adobe photoshop CS8 in Xp so it should work in Vista

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Check X99 for Haswell processors though, there is still some Vista driver support for X99 chipsets and motherboards (at least EVGA does support it completely, maybe not USB 3.0/3.1 drivers).

Edited by OneSerendipity
Link to comment
Share on other sites

For some reason Chrome feels better when browsing websites, hence why I still use it in Vista, though Firefox is the one that will still support it... YouTube, for example, runs much better in Chrome in here than Firefox, but there won't be any other option than upgrade to 7/2008 R2, or stay with kinda "degraded in performance" software or unsupported ones.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I even found some Z97 motherboard drivers for Vista, by EVGA again: http://prntscr.com/aafrnt

 

You can't say Haswell completely doesn't support it, since it's only some specific companies and chipsets (and mostly chipsets) that don't. Even so, probably unofficial support is in those 7 drivers for such boards from other companies like MSI too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

But there is a software timing issue with Windows Vista and haswell that causes it to not boot up half the time, and some services fail to start. Unless Microsoft or intel release a hotfix, I cannot guarantee that Vista will work properly with haswell. I will add EVGA as an exception for Vista, but again, whether or not that timing bug will appear I cannot tell. It could only affect H97 (which is what I tested Vista on), but I doubt it.

Specific errors you'll see:

Just before the Startup Orb animation appears, you'll get an error that says "Interactive Logon Process Initialization has failed. Consult the event log for more details". Upon clicking Ok, sometimes Windows will proceed with the boot up process, and sometimes it won't. Usually, when it does, after you logon, some services fail to start. The one I saw most often was Windows Defender, and sometimes Windows Audio. If you experience any of these problems, the only solution as of right now is to upgrade to Windows 7 SP1 or later, where the problem is non-existent. 

I even found some Z97 motherboard drivers for Vista, by EVGA again: http://prntscr.com/aafrnt

 

You can't say Haswell completely doesn't support it, since it's only some specific companies and chipsets (and mostly chipsets) that don't. Even so, probably unofficial support is in those 7 drivers for such boards from other companies like MSI too.

Edited by 2008WindowsVista
Link to comment
Share on other sites

But there is a software timing issue with Windows Vista and haswell that causes it to not boot up half the time, and some services fail to start. Unless Microsoft or intel release a hotfix, I cannot guarantee that Vista will work properly with haswell. I will add EVGA as an exception for Vista, but again, whether or not that timing bug will appear I cannot tell. It could only affect H97 (which is what I tested Vista on), but I doubt it.

Specific errors you'll see:

Just before the Startup Orb animation appears, you'll get an error that says "Interactive Logon Process Initialization has failed. Consult the event log for more details". Upon clicking Ok, sometimes Windows will proceed with the boot up process, and sometimes it won't. Usually, when it does, after you logon, some services fail to start. The one I saw most often was Windows Defender, and sometimes Windows Audio. If you experience any of these problems, the only solution as of right now is to upgrade to Windows 7 SP1 or later, where the problem is non-existent.

I even found some Z97 motherboard drivers for Vista, by EVGA again: http://prntscr.com/aafrnt

You can't say Haswell completely doesn't support it, since it's only some specific companies and chipsets (and mostly chipsets) that don't. Even so, probably unofficial support is in those 7 drivers for such boards from other companies like MSI too.

That's most probably affecting your own chipset (H97) though, not verified if it exists in other LGA 1150 boards too, but X99 isn't affected by the issue at all. You could just add X99 for now for the high end i7s and Xeons that are LGA 2011-v3, and search on other 1150 boards that have the issue existent in 7 at least. If they do, then those who want Haswell and Vista should go with X99. If they don't, then H97 is the only chipset that gets affected. Edited by OneSerendipity
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will add X99 after I see someone testing it with Vista with no problems. The issue is also existent with Z97, not just H97: http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/304098-logon-process-initialization-failure-vista-ultimate-x64.html

 

But there is a software timing issue with Windows Vista and haswell that causes it to not boot up half the time, and some services fail to start. Unless Microsoft or intel release a hotfix, I cannot guarantee that Vista will work properly with haswell. I will add EVGA as an exception for Vista, but again, whether or not that timing bug will appear I cannot tell. It could only affect H97 (which is what I tested Vista on), but I doubt it.
Specific errors you'll see:
Just before the Startup Orb animation appears, you'll get an error that says "Interactive Logon Process Initialization has failed. Consult the event log for more details". Upon clicking Ok, sometimes Windows will proceed with the boot up process, and sometimes it won't. Usually, when it does, after you logon, some services fail to start. The one I saw most often was Windows Defender, and sometimes Windows Audio. If you experience any of these problems, the only solution as of right now is to upgrade to Windows 7 SP1 or later, where the problem is non-existent.

I even found some Z97 motherboard drivers for Vista, by EVGA again: http://prntscr.com/aafrnt

You can't say Haswell completely doesn't support it, since it's only some specific companies and chipsets (and mostly chipsets) that don't. Even so, probably unofficial support is in those 7 drivers for such boards from other companies like MSI too.

That's most probably affecting your own chipset (H97) though, not verified if it exists in other LGA 1150 boards too, but X99 isn't affected by the issue at all. You could just add X99 for now for the high end i7s and Xeons that are LGA 2011-v3, and search on other 1150 boards that have the issue existent in 7 at least. If they do, then those who want Haswell and Vista should go with X99. If they don't, then H97 is the only chipset that gets affected.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Well, I installed 7 again yesterday, but due to a mistake I did to the OS, I had to reinstall again and got Vista SP1 again. Seriously, it runs better than any other OS in here, even those it was supposed to run great on, like 7 and 8. Just, I'd like to get the Ivy USB 3 drivers working in NT 6.0, at least for now.

Vista still wins. If only it would get lots of community support, this would help it stay on the top for a while.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, greenhillmaniac said:

Speaking of Vista's planned obsolescence, Vista's forum here, at MSFN, just got demoted to the Older Windows OS category...

How the great have fallen :/

You'd think that in order to qualify for the "legacy" label, Vista would have to be unsupported by Microsoft completely first. But I guess considering how the third party support of Vista has fallen like it has, it doesn't really make much of a difference.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We REALLY need a KernelEx for Vista... I mean, it's in the same predicament as Windows 2000! Heck, I bet it would be easier to develop than what we have for Windows 2000, because Vista has most of the components 7 has (with the Platform Update and all).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...