Hi everyone.
I’ve been trying to install the engine on some computer where Windows 8.1 is installed. I have tried several versions but they have all failed right when I try to download a template.
I honestly lost count of the versions that I tried to install. But I can tell you the lowest I tried is version 2019.2, which seems to be the most recent version where the minimum OS required is Windows 8. Even that version threw the error about requiring Windows 10 at least, which is strange, considering the docs state that Windows 8 is supported for version 2019.2.
I have already installed the engine on another much newer and capable machine, but I like to develop my applications on the Windows 8.1 machine because that’s where I make desktop apps, web apps and other kinds of development.
Could anyone suggest some way to install the most recent version of the engine that works on top of Windows 8.1?
Thank you very much.
The docs aren’t always up-to-date, especially for non-LTS versions. Perhaps 2019.1 might work, though I think it’s most likely you would have to go all the way back to 2018.4.
Sorry but that’s just … 
This is misguided nostalgia. You are developing on a totally insecure operating system on which you install developer software (a hacker’s heaven) and which on top, with every passing day, will face more compatibility issues with all kinds of applications.
Starting new Unity projects with Unity 2019 or earlier should only be done if you have absolutely no other choice due to aging hardware, but you still want to learn how to use Unity anyway.
If you develop apps that you intend to publish, you should use a current, supported Unity version. Period.
As of today already some platforms will not be able to run apps built with Unity 2019 or earlier (specifically mobile and web), and definitely not run them as well as those built with more modern Unity versions. This is only going to become more of a problem with every passing day. There’s a huge potential for fighting problems like the install issue right now down the road and you’ll eventually be forced to upgrade anyway so … just don’t do it. Scrap that Windows 8, it’s out of support and completely unsafe for use on a computer connected to the Internet.
You have a capable system thus I would assume it should be able to run both Windows 10 and Unity 6 - use those. If your hardware allows it, there’s no reason to develop on outdated systems with outdated software and much less so if you do this in a professional capacity and not even as an enthusiast, idealist, hobbyist.
Thank you very much, CodeSmile.
ROFLMAO, You caught me there. There are things I should be doing before trying to install Unity there. You are absolutely correct about the nightmare and dumb decision that it is to develop on such an outdated system and I am to blame for this.
I’ve been postponing the update, I might have some legacy software to maintain and newer versions of Windows give it problems, but I should have taken care of that long ago. Stupid me. Sorry about that, and whoever reads this, don’t do it!
Lucky me, I have much newer gear where I also develop, but I wanted to give this a try on this machine. I will try to install that version you mention and keep you posted so others also know.
Have a great rest of the weekend, mate. If it’s still weekend where you are, if not, then rest of the week. 