Here is the key information regarding this function and Windows 7:
Update Visual C++ Redistributable: Download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft Support.
"The procedure entry point GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll" Why it happens now
- Performance benchmarks
- Logging with high-resolution timestamps
- Real-time data acquisition
Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions
Myth: "Windows 7 SP1 includes GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime natively." Truth: No, only after KB2813345.
. There is no official Windows Update (KB) that "backports" or adds the GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime API to Windows 7. OS Requirement:
Important Caveats
- KB2670838 requires Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
- Some older hardware configurations reported compatibility issues (rare, but known).
- The update is optional—it does not install via standard Windows Update unless selected.
Instead of linking to Kernel32.lib and calling the function directly, you should check for its existence at runtime using GetProcAddress.
if (dyn_GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime != NULL) // Safe to call on Windows 7 (with KB3033929) dyn_GetSystemTimePreciseAsFileTime(&ft); else // Fallback to GetSystemTimeAsFileTime (millisecond granularity) GetSystemTimeAsFileTime(&ft);
