Application compatibility with XP Mode

In order to attempt compatibility between Windows7 and various applications which might erm, prefer Windows XP, Microsoft have come up with an interesting solution called 'XP Mode'. What this amounts to is an install of Windows XP inside a virtual machine, running the desired applications.

The virtual Windows XP supports USB devices connected to the Windows7 host PC, simultaneously accessible to XP and the Windows7 system. Applications which will run under the virtual PC are published to the Windows7 desktop and can also be launched directly from the Windows7 start menu (screenshot). The feature also supports clipboard and folder sharing between the XP session and Windows7 host plus printer redirection.

XP Mode will be limited to the Professional, Business and Ultimate editions of Windows7 and will also require a processor that supports virtualisation. Incompatibility with XP software was one of the many issues which surrounded Windows Vista and it was anticipated that Microsoft would use virtualisation to make Windows7 more acceptable to the market.

Although gamers may be looking towards this feature in order to be able to still enjoy legacy games, Microsoft emphasises that it is primarily aimed at small businesses needing to run older or custom software. Gaming users may need to consider a dual-boot option between Windows7 and Windows XP instead.

Installing XP Mode

The system which runs under Windows7 is called Windows Virtual PC (formerly known as Microsoft Virtual PC when running under XP) and the components are available from the Microsoft Download Centre. This includes a Microsoft Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection Tool which will indicate if your system, specifically the processor, is ready for virtualisation (screenshot).

Some versions of Windows7 may come with Windows Virtual PC already installed. Check by clicking the Windows7 Start button and select All Programs. Look for Windows Virtual PC | Windows XP Mode. If it's not there, it will need to be downloaded and installed.

On the Download Centre page, selection of the relevant Windows7 version and language choice brings up a couple of buttons for downloading the Windows XP image file (around 500MB) and the Windows Virtual PC application. The XP image file is literally a preinstalled version of Windows XP SP3 which will run in the virtual machine.

After installing 'Windows XP Mode', click the Windows7 Start button and select All Programs | Windows Virtual PC | Windows XP Mode, to begin setup.

Microsoft provides a number of support documents and videos to help the user through the downloading and setup process. Alternatively grab the videos by clicking on the images below.

Introduction (11MB)

Installation (57MB)

Using Apps (17MB)

IT Pro Series (101MB)