I don't have a Windows key on hand that isn't an OEM key, and getting an OEM key to run on a virtual machine might prove impossible (and would be a violation of the license).

There is a DOSBoxStars download here on Autohost, I an thinking of trying to get that to run. As an alternative, as far a I remember from earlier discussions, Stars! will run under Wine, so a virtual machine running Linux and Wine might be an option. I will have to see what I can get set up.

It doesn't matter to me how much I have to download, my internet connection is 100 Mbit/s both directions, flat rate.

I could also see whether Stars! will run in compatibility mode in Windows 10 Pro, as far as remember Windows 10 Pro has some pretty extensive compatibility capabilities (better than Windows 7 Pro, at least). If that works, then that is of course the best solution.