When Windows 7 first came out it supported a new feature called Windows XP Mode. This allowed you to run Windows XP applications on your Windows 7 system for compatibility purposes.
However, there was a catch. Your CPU had to support hardware virtualization in order for this feature to work.
Well as of today that has all changed. Microsoft announced they have removed that restriction and now anyone can run Windows XP Mode on their Windows 7 machine.
Now there is still a catch. Windows XP Mode is still only available to those who have Windows 7 Professional or higher. Windows 7 Home users are out of luck still.
Install this update to remove the prerequisites required to run Windows Virtual PC and XP mode. The prerequisites include a processor which supports hardware assisted virtualization (HAV) which is also enabled in the BIOS. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
x64 – (4.1MB)
x86 – (3.7MB)
You must also be running Genuine Windows and pass the validation to get these downloads.
Related Posts
- Windows 7 XP Mode to the Rescue
- Microsoft Virtual PC RC and Windows XP Mode
- Deploying Windows XP Mode
- 7 on 7 Windows Blog Series
- Windows 7 Google Alerts for 26 April 2009
Richard is the Owner of WindowsObserver.com and has been involved in tech for over 25 years. His first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then he used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and what you see here today is the result of the work he has continued on the site since 1995. In January 2010 his community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when he was awarded the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for Windows Desktop Experience. In January 2011 he was renewed as a Microsoft MVP but in a new category called Windows Expert - Consumer and in January 2012 he received the award for the third time.
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For windows 7 home premium:
Download Microsoft Virtual PC 2007
Install and create a virtual machine.
Insert a XP Setup Disc, and install XP on the virtual pc.
Microsoft really needs to get this to home users who, in the current economy, can not afford to upgrade many older programs that will only run on Windows XP.
It is the lack of compatability that keeps people from wanting to upgrade or disappoints when they do. I paid a large sum for one piece of software ($1,500) and that software three years on can now not run, not because of the software house but becasue Windows 7 does not support it. I can never justify paying that price to get the newest version of the software (now $1,700). Microsoft, give a thought to your customers, not just the corporate ones, get this XP Mode available to home users and show them, you really do care about them.
RT @WinObs: New blog post: Microsoft Removes Hardware Restriction from Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 http://clkon.us/ccL4dX
Thanks for the good news. I tried installing XP Mode before on my Win 7 Pro but my machine didn’t have VT-x. Time to try again!
Microsoft Removes Hardware Restriction for Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 – http://clkon.us/94NTCJ
[...] few days ago Microsoft eased the hardware requirements to be able to use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 and now they are providing some info on how small and midsize businesses can deploy it in [...]