Fitbit Connect not working on Windows 7

[kwb49]

Recently bought my wife and I Charge 2s. We had zips. Fitbit connect has stopped working on her PC (windows 7) and it won't uninstall and of course the newest version won't install. It locks up every time no matter what I do. HELP!! I've messed with this for 4 hours and I'm ready to pull what little hair I have left out. It's all fine on my PC.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community @kwb49, hope you're doing great! Thanks for already troubleshooting this inconvenience, nice way to go!

Back in 2016 we announced that the Fitbit app for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 are no longer available for download. Customers who already have the app can continue to use it, but the app doesn't support our new trackers such as Fitbit Alta, Blaze, Charge 2, Flex 2, Ionic, and Versa. 

I'd recommend using our redesigned and enhanced Fitbit app for Windows 10 after upgrading your PC, tablet, or mobile device to Windows 10. 

In case you have a mobile device that is included in the list of supported ones, you can set up your tracker with it. As I mentioned before, If you want to set up your Charge 2 by using a computer with the Fitbit Connect software, then the main requirement is either using a Mac or a Windows computer with at least 8.1 (with this one, you should use the USB Dongle) software as well as Windows 10 computers. I'd like you to take a look at the information in this article where you can find all the requirements and the detailed instructions to setup your Charge 2. 

[kwb49]

Well then you need to pass this information on to the people that do your
live "chats" as I was told by them that all I needed was the dongle and
that the new device would work fine with windows 7. I do not get into all
the mobile phone crap. Phones are for making phone calls. Period. I have no
immediate plans to either upload windows 10 to my PCs or to buy new PCs, so
I bought 2 new fitbits pretty much for nothing. Thanks.

[kwb49]

Well then you need to pass this information on to the people that do your
live "chats" as I was told by them that all I needed was the dongle and
that the new device would work fine with windows 7. I do not get into all
the mobile phone crap. Phones are for making phone calls. Period. I have no
immediate plans to either upload windows 10 to my PCs or to buy new PCs, so
I bought 2 new fitbits pretty much for nothing. Thanks.

[Mick47]

Just bought another fitbit.  Could I have a similar problem?

[ak07]

If you bought a Fitbit Charge 3 you are in the same boat as the rest of us that can't get the sync to work on OS" less than Win10.

ak07

[arnast]

not having the app for windows 7 really blows(excuse the french). I just got a secondhand surge and can't set it up because i don't like and use windows 10 and want to be able to use the application on my PC.. 😞 

[ak07]

I know the feeling, and I won't buy a "smart phone" just to get the Charge 3 to sync.

[jt_stl]

I was told yesterday by a FitBit phone support person that Fitbit Connect should work with Windows 7. I had been happily syncing my Charge HR on my Windows 7 machine for about 16 months and then the Charge HR stopped being able to hold a charge. I got a new Charge HR (on eBay) and was rather disheartened to find that FitBit Connect just hangs trying to update my profile and never even gets  to the screen to select a device. I was directed to update to the latest version of FitBit Connect (I was running 6982) and was able to download a newer version (7066). Unfortunately, I see the same problem. The support person has "elevated" the problem. I am supposed to hear back in a couple of days.

I don't know if the sync part of Fitbit Connect still works, as I can't get the Fitbit paired through Fitbit Connect.

FYI I stuck with the Charge HR because when my first Charge HR died (at 10 months) it was under warranty and I chose to accept a discount on a Charge 2. But back then, while you could get to the screen to select your device using FitBit Connect, selecting Charge HR worked, but selecting Charge 2 crashed Fitbit Connect. That problem was also "elevated." I was told to expect a solution in a of couple weeks. That was in Oct 2017.

Last I heard nearly 50% of Windows computers are running Windows 7.  So I assume almost all Fitbit users also have a smartphone.

[jhi]

I agree with kwb49.  However, I was also told by the assist folks that all I needed was a dongle for my Windows7 laptop and all would be well - in Feb 2017 - and it has been, until 3 days ago.  Fitbit Charge2 won't sync anymore.  And, no, I have no desire to upgrade to Windows10 - have that on another computer, but I'm one of the 0.01% who had all files deleted during an update, took the wifi away so it doesn't update anymore, so no, won't use that.

Any other suggestions? 

Thank you

[JaapW]

After synchronizing my Fitbit Charge 2 for a long time without any problems using a dongle, I was so stupid to install the latest version of Fitbit Connect on my Windows 7 PC and therefore I cannot synchronize my Fibit Charge 2 anymore.

Just like many millions of Windows users, I don't want to switch to Windows 10 yet. MS supports Windows 7 to January 14, 2020, while Fitbit communicates that MS has already stopped supporting. It is a bit of a difficult story.

The problem can easily be solved by installing an older version of Connect, but where can I find it? Does Fitbit have an archive or is there a reliable place where I can find the software?

[jaw373]

I have a smartphone (before my purchase of fitbit versa) but it has taken over 12 hours to get 30% way through the firmware update. Want to use my Windows 7 PC...now I find I cannot do this. I JUST LOVE that Fitbit Support so blazah about just buy a new PC w/Windows 10 to use with your Fitbit that you just bought and spent over $100 for...now spend over $500 to get a new PC or Laptop to use to update it too. For real Fitbit...come on...

I don't mind having to use my phone to get information on my tracker, I just want to be able to also download updates, etc. without having to tie up said phone for 12 hours plus...
This is ridiculous that these companies don't give a hoot about the customers that want to products and don't have all the gadgets to have to work them and NOT INFORM THEM PRIOR TO that purchase in any way...
Now I have my phone (android) tied up for well over 12 hours to get a firmware update for a piece of electronics that the company could care less the hassle it has incurred on its users. I agree with other folks that the company needs to make it clear that you have to buy their product and then spend another $800 to be able to use it!!! and they are so nonchalant about it to..that's the kicker.

Even folks that have the android or iphones are having issues with getting the fitbit to upgrade, connect, etc...I guess I should have stuck with my original thought and went with the Samsung tracker...now I'm stuck with trying to get this NEW Versa to update and I haven't even been able to start using it yet...

[Aezarien]

Seriously. I bought a Versa and a $30 fitness watch for comparison and while it does not do music or fancy watch faces, it pretty much does everything else out of the box including built-in GPS. Having music on my watch is not worth this type of hassle and extra financial investment. If I don't find a work around in the next several minutes, it's going back and I'll just stick with the $30 watch and still using my phone for music. There will be reviews . . .  

[DevFixer]

Yes I have a smartphone, but my work laptop is windows 7 and i'd rather synch there than waste my phone battery synching. it seems the windows 7 app now no longer connects, it says "internet connection required" but i do have a working internet connection 😠

[DevFixer]

Also... I have a fitbit One, i don't want to wear it as a watch, it's a pedometer and swinging my arms while sitting shouldn't count as walking. i prefer it on my pants pocket.

[sbg70]

Fitbit One stopped syncing on Sept 4th.  Finally tried uninstalling and re-installing.  Re-installed then msg says cannot connect to internet.  Tried uninstalling and reinstalling multiple times; same msg.  There are no instructions on Fitbit site for syncing Windows 7, only Windows 10.

[motordavid]

Really? Some of the most disingenuous, total BS I have read since Microsoft 'help' back in the '90s...

[motordavid]

Rent another server...what is this crap?