Windows XP Mode (XPM) – Everything you need to know
There’s been a lot of buzz and confusion about the Windows XP Mode that was recently introduced as a utility that can be used with Windows 7. The purpose of this page is to provide everything you need to know about XPM in one central location without you having to search multiple pages for information about XPM. You can get all the basic info you need on one page. If I’ve missed anything, please let me know in the comments.
What is Windows XP Mode (XPM)?
Windows XP Mode (XPM) allows you to run your Windows XP apps in a virtual environment alongside your Windows 7 apps in the same desktop. It was designed by Microsoft to ease the transition from XP to Windows 7, particularly for small businesses that are reliant on their legacy apps.
Why do you want it?
It will allow you to run apps that are only compatible with XP in Windows 7. It’s also different from previous virtualization technologies by Microsoft, in which you can now run a virtual app in the same desktop as your host OS without having to deal with two separate desktops. Still confused? We have screenshots and video to demonstrate.
Where can I download it?
Microsoft is offering XPMode beta as a download for everyone. You can download it here.
Will all SKUs or editions of Windows 7 be able to run XPM?
Windows XP Mode will only be available to anyone running Windows 7 Professional or above.
Where can I get XPM?
Windows XP Mode is currently available on Technet/MSDN for subscribers. All other users will have to wait until May 5th. Microsoft plans to release XPM on the same date they publicly release Windows 7 Release Candidate. It is an optional download, so it will be bundled with the operating system. You will have to separately download it.
Can I run Windows XP Mode?
There are several hardware requirements you need to meet in order to run XPM.
- Hardware Virtualization: Your processor (CPU) must have hardware virtualization technology in order for you to be able to run XPM.
- 2GB RAM: Microsoft has recommended a minimum of 2GB RAM for anyone who wants to use XPM.
If you’re using an AMD processor, the Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2 (Family F or G on socket AM2), Turion 64 X2, Opteron 2nd gen and 3rd gen, Phenom, and all newer processors.
If you’re using an Intel CPU, use the processor spec finder here and look for Intel® Virtualization Technology under Supported Features.
If you are still unsure if you can run Windows XP Mode, please visit this article for more information.
What’s included in the XP Mode package?
Several files are included in the package:
- A Windows KB958559 update file that must be installed first. It installs Microsoft Virtual PC.
- Virtual Windows XP Package: This package automatically installs creates a virtual machine with a version of Windows XP installed on the virtual hard disk. This is easier than doing it manually since a setup wizard is provided for you.
Can I install my own image of Windows XP instead?
Yes.
What about Vista and Windows 7 images?
Works too.
Is Microsoft really giving away a free copy of Windows XP SP3?
Yes, since it is part of the Windows XP Mode package.
Will I be able to run 3d applications or games with this?
Like with all virtualization solutions, Windows XP Mode was not designed for graphics intensive, media intensive, or hardware intensive applications.
How is the performance of XPM compared to VMWare?
As inspected by Mike from our forums, Virtual PC is not a multi-core application. In comparison to VMWare, it runs much slower if you have a multi-core CPU.
When will Windows XP Mode ship?
Microsoft says they are aiming for the General Availability date of Windows 7, which is to ship on the same day as Windows 7 is released.
What’s the difference between MED-V and XPM?
Med-V is geared towards large scale organizations that use management infrastructure. XPM was designed for Small Businesses. MED-V is also supported with Windows Vista. More information about MED-V can be found here.
So what was this same desktop thing you were talking about?
Click to enlarge. As you can see, you can run IE6 (virtualized) alongside IE8 (non-virtualized) on the same desktop seamlessly on Windows 7
Related posts:
Tags: windows 7, windows 7 virtual pc, windows xp mode, xpm
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30 Responses to “Windows XP Mode (XPM) – Everything you need to know”
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No!!!
Not that wallpaper!!! :S
LOL. I loved it when I saw it. I know… it reminds you of the Mac
I think the most essential things to keep in mind about XPM are that it doesn’t work on a wide array of the most popular modern processors; based on the TechNet forums it doesn’t work for many of the people who even have a compatible processor; and it will give a “Vista Capable” black eye to an otherwise very well received OS. I still can’t believe that they are volunteering to repeat the Vista Capable fiasco. In this case they are not even creating a misleading label – they are marketing an add on feature as a new feature of Windows 7 and burying the fact that it won’t work with all processors in the details. Having tried the Beta Upgrade Advisor for Windows 7 recently, a line saying compatible with XPM is conspicuous by its absence.
Stephen
I don’t understand why they’d think most businesses would have virtualization available to them. I’d imagine most small businesses have CPUs that have that kind of technology
So why choose for M$ now that everybody agrees that virtualization also enable compatibility. one could go for a linux dist / open office and use their current XP license in a VM. just like M$ does with their XPM
[...] virtual environment, but on the same desktop as Windows 7. Check out our giant screenshot tour, and this post for more [...]
[...] virtual environment, but on the same desktop as Windows 7. Check out our giant screenshot tour, and this post for more [...]
[...] environment, but on the same desktop as Windows 7. Check out our giant screenshot tour, and this post for more [...]
[...] Everything you need to know about Windows XP Mode [...]
[...] Everything you need to know about Windows XP Mode [...]
[...] Windows XP Mode was designed to ease the transition from XP to Windows 7 by allowing support for legacy apps seamlessly on the same desktop.< VN:F [1.5.5_825]Please rate this post: Please Wait…Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Windows 7’s XP Mode will only work on select Sony Laptops", url: "http://windows7center.com/news/windows-7s-xp-mode-will-only-work-on-select-sony-laptops/" }); [...]
[...] Windows XP Mode was designed to ease the transition from XP to Windows 7 by allowing support for legacy apps seamlessly on the same desktop.< [...]
There’s a typo error in the answer to question : Where can I get XPM?
…It is an optional download, so it will be bundled with the operating system…
Looks like you forgot a ‘not’ there
Also the Upgrade Offer is over so time to remove the banner
On the topic : Nice idea. Will certainly help a lot. Thanks.
can i run
I have Intel D2.80GHz
2BG RAM
Windows 7 32 Bit Ultimate
M/B. intel D102GCC2
need help
Sorry Aalok, The pentium D does not support virtualization. If you have a socket 478 mobo, it will not support virtualization either which makes buying a different cpu a mute point. If you have a 775 socket pentium D cpu and motherboard you might be able to buy a cpu with Intel-VT. I would go into bios and check for the option (enable Virtualization) before spending any money though. Especially if you got an OEM version of Win 7 that is tied to the motherboard. Kindest regards, Todd
Okay . IF The User Ran XPM And Installed A Game /App That Dont Work With Windows 7 Will The App/Game Took Its RAMS /VGA Needs From The Virtual XP OS or The Windows 7 and Dose XPM Take Any Ram Just Like The Normal PC (like a vmware workstation virtual os and the only diffrent that it will crate shortcuts for the installed app) Or Its Just Needed To Load The App/Game That Now Working With 7 And Show The Results in windows 7 desktop . i hope i made it clear .thanks
When you install XP mode you allocate how much RAM the virtual machine can use. I believe the default is 256 or 512 mb. XP mode will only be given access to the amount of RAM you allocate and leave the rest for Win 7. Obviously graphics have to be handled by the vga with the exception of flash which is handled by the cpu. I hope this answered your question. Kindest regards, Todd
can we ake our processor support for virtualization tech ,if its not supporting now
Hey, it says here that you can install your own copy of windows xp into xp mode. But how, if I had an image of XP from another computer how would I install it?
Try grabbing a copy of VMWare Converter from VMWare’s site. It’s free.
Converter can take an existing, hard-drive based installation and make a working VM out of it.
Caveat: VMWare and VirtualPC choose to present hardware differently. For instance, where VMWare presents the network card as an e1000 (IIRC), VirtualPC presents a Broadcom card. So when Converter makes your shiny new VM, it has drivers for the e1000. The VM will run, but you may need to get some drivers for it and install them manually (at least until you can get online and get them that way).
Really great “guide” on what the XP mode is! You just made me go for Pro, instead of Home, and skip Ultimate as I only really need this function!
Thanks
There are plenty of processors that support virtualization. Just make sure you check that it has AMD-V or Intel-VT. Motherboards,are much harder to buy because they don’t usually say if you can enable virtualization. My gigabyte board does as well as my phenom II cpu and I am very impressed with XP mode. All of my XP apps and my printer work great in XP mode. One note worthy exception I have found is my Vonage usb VOIP which autoruns and therefore will not work because you have to attach usb devices. Hope this was helpfull info.
[...] Windows XP Mode was a fantastic feature that Microsoft introduced in Windows 7 that allowed users to run their legacy application that were not compatible with Windows 7. XP Mode is the term given to running a full copy of the Windows OS (normally XP) in Windows 7 and then redirecting the screen out put of just the running application to the Windows 7 desktop. This give the user the experience of the application running on Windows 7 even thought it is running inside separate virtual copy Windows XP. For many people this has removed the barrier from upgrading away from Windows XP and also is partly the reason why so many business small and large are now looking at rolling out Windows 7. For more information about Windows XP Mode see our other post about it here Windows XP Mode (XPM) – Everything you need to know [...]
[...] Windows XP Mode was a fantastic feature that Microsoft introduced in Windows 7 that allowed users to run their legacy application that were not compatible with Windows 7. XP Mode is the term given to running a full copy of the Windows OS (normally XP) in Windows 7 and then redirecting the screen out put of just the running application to the Windows 7 desktop. This give the user the experience of the application running on Windows 7 even thought it is running inside separate virtual copy Windows XP. For many people this has removed the barrier from upgrading away from Windows XP and also is partly the reason why so many business small and large are now looking at rolling out Windows 7. For more information about Windows XP Mode see our other post about it here Windows XP Mode (XPM) – Everything you need to know [...]
can any one tell me if windows xp mode supports local work group??
Windows 7 home premium in not supported.. this article says it is but on the windows site it states only professional, enterprise and ultimate can have xp mode
If I get XPM installed on my Windows 7 (Professional) machine, will I be able to access programs and files via an XP-type Start window?
I believe that in most cases, the menus from the XPM “Start/Programs” are available in the Windows 7 programs menu, but that may be a setting. At least I know they are available on mine.
Start | All Programs | Windows Virtual PC | Virtual Windows XP Applications.
EUPHORBUS, to find out what Windows XP Mode can do for you including your options for accessing programs and files, try http://bit.ly/winxpmode. I hope this helps! Andrea Hofer, Windows 7 Professional Outreach Team
Maybe I missed something, but all I found at the hyperlinked URL was a video clip of several XP users saying that Windows 7 XP Mode works well, no specifics given. Nobody addressed my question, which is whether XP Mode means that I’ll be able to launch programs and open files from a navigation window that allows fingertip control, like XP’s.