This missing function is currently the primary reason many modern apps no longer run on Windows 7, including: GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime error on Windows 7 #101
In some cases, community-created compatibility wrappers (like specific api-ms-win dll sets) might help, but they are unreliable for GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime . B. For Developers
The patch, KB2927945, was released in 2015 and specifically targets Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. The patch updates the GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime function to improve its accuracy and reliability. After applying the patch, applications that rely on precise timing can benefit from improved performance and accuracy.
The GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime function is a crucial API for developers who require high-resolution timestamps with sub-microsecond precision. Introduced by Microsoft in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, this function retrieves the current system date and time with the highest possible level of precision ( getsystemtimepreciseasfiletime windows 7 patched
For everyone else clinging to Windows 7 for critical legacy workloads – the patch works, it’s battle-tested, and now you know how to wield it.
typedef VOID (WINAPI *PFN_GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime)(LPFILETIME);
Implementing a lock-free, atomic synchronization routine to manage the baseline calculation is complex. If implemented poorly, the overhead of the emulation layer can negate the performance benefits of using a high-resolution timer. This missing function is currently the primary reason
In 2012, Microsoft released a patch for Windows 7 that introduced a new function, GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime , which provides high-precision timing. This patch was initially intended to address issues with timer inaccuracies in Windows 7, particularly in scenarios where high-frequency trading, scientific simulations, or other applications requiring precise timing were involved.
This error appears when attempting to run newer applications, games, or development tools (such as those compiled with newer MSVC toolsets) that require high-precision timing. This guide explores why this happens, why "patching" Windows 7 for this specific API is complicated, and the best workarounds available in 2026. 1. What is GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime?
Despite the risks, the patch is used primarily in: Introduced by Microsoft in Windows 8 and Windows
If you are encountering an "Entry Point Not Found" error, it is likely because a modern application—or the toolchain used to build it—expects this function to exist. Visual Studio Developer Community Compatibility & Technical Barriers Missing Export : The function is exported by kernel32.dll
Look for an earlier version of the program that does not depend on modern API sets.
Solution 3: Recompiling and Downgrading the Toolchain (For Developers)
To understand the patch, you must first understand the target.