Windows XP Mode and Virtual PC for Windows 7 goes RC with new features

IE6 and IE8 side-by-side on the same Windows 7 desktop thanks to Windows XP Mode (XPM)

Microsoft has released the release candidate for Windows XP Mode along with Windows Virtual PC. Windows XP Mode was designed to improve compatibility by helping users run XP-only apps in Windows 7 seamlessly on the same desktop, but in a virtual environment. These are the new features that were added to the Release Candidate (RC):

• You can now attach USB devices to Windows XP Mode applications directly from the Windows 7 task-bar. This means your USB devices, such as printers and flash drives, are available to applications running in Windows XP Mode, without the need to go into full screen mode.
• You can now access Windows XP Mode applications with a “jump-list”. Right click on the Windows XP Mode applications from the Windows 7 task bar to select and open most recently used files.
• You now have the flexibility of customizing where Windows XP Mode differencing disk files are stored.
• You can now disable drive sharing between Windows XP Mode and Windows 7 if you do not need that feature.
• The initial setup now includes a new user tutorial about how to use Windows XP Mode.

Windows XP Mode can only be installed on Windows 7 RC or a newer build. You also must be running the Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate edition.

Click here to download Windows XP Mode and Virtual PC

Additional resources:

• Everything you need to know about Windows XP Mode
• Giant Windows XP Mode Tour
• Windows XP Mode – Can you run it?

Related posts:

1. Microsoft goes in depth with Windows 7′s Windows XP Mode
2. Windows XP Mode (XPM) – Everything you need to know
3. Giant Windows XP Mode Screenshot Tour