Windows 10 has been on the scene now for nearly four years. For most current generation motherboards, Windows 10 is the only supported operating system (OS), with support for older version of Windows neglected (helping drive Microsoft's push for Windows 10). This week, however, Biostar announced support for Windows 7 among its latest range of Intel and AMD motherboards, leaving those still hanging onto the dated, but well-loved, OS to rejoice.
With Microsoft ending Windows 7 support and security updates on January 14, 2020, it is strongly recommended to users get the SHA-2 Security Update. If this update is not installed, users will not be offered Windows updates after July 16, 2019, which could lead to security vulnerabilities.
So how can you run Windows 7 on these Biostar boards? For Intel 300 series boards, Biostar has a tool available for download from the Biostar website. The tool slipstreams the necessary bits into the installation. When using the USB flash drive created to install Windows 7, users will power on the system, press “F9” and select “Legacy Mode” to install (note, UEFI mode is not supported). After installing Windows 7, there are a few steps that need to be taken, such as installing hotfixes for TPM 2.0, ME and .NET framework installation. An official guide can be found on Biostar's Windows 7 installation procedures.
Biostar has listed well over two dozen motherboards from the AMD 300/400 series, AMD SoC series, as well as Intel H300 series. Biostar is not offering the Windows 7 treatment for its five Intel B360 and Z370-based boards.
Biostar's AMD 300/400 Series and AMD SoC Series Motherboards
| 300 and 400 Series | SoC Series |
| Racing X470GT8 | A10N-8800E |
| Racing X470GTN* | A68N-5600 |
| Racing X470GT3 | A68N-5745 |
| B450MH | A68N-5545 |
| B450MHC | A68N-5200 |
| Racing X370GT7 | A68N-5100 |
| Racing X370GT5 | A68N-5000 |
| Racing X370GT3 | A68N-2100 |
| Racing X370GTN* | A68I-E350 Deluxe |
| Racing X370GT5 | A68I-450 Deluxe |
| Racing X370GT3 | A68I-350 Deluxe |
| Racing B350ET2 | A68I-350 Deluxe R2.0 |
| Hi-Fi B350S1 | Row 13 - Cell 1 |
| TB350-BTC | Row 14 - Cell 1 |
| B45M2 | Row 15 - Cell 1 |
*Note, on some of AMD's 300/400 series motherboards, Windows 7 support is limited to Bristol Ridge, Summit Ridge and Pinnacle Ridge processors.
Biostar's Intel 300 Series Motherboards
- H310MHD3
- H310MHD Pro2
- H310MHC2
- H310MHG
For those still committed to Windows 7 and wanting to move to a current generation platform, Biostar has you covered, albeit in a limited capacity.
