Microsoft Eases Windows 7 XP Mode Hardware Requirements

By Geoff Duncan March 19, 2010

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Although Windows users have given Windows 7 a much warmer reception than its predecessor Windows Vista, users of older application software that doesn’t work under Windows 7 were left in a bit of a lurch. Sure, Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate offers an XP Mode that essentially runs a virtual computer running Windows XP so users can still tap into most older, non-updated software. The problem was that Windows 7’s XP Mode required a PC processor that supported hardware virtualization, and that capability had to be enabled in the machine’s BIOS—and that’s not something an everyday Windows user knows how to do. Now, Microsoft has eased some of that pain, announcing a new version of XP Mode that no longer requires hardware virtualization to run.

“This change simplifies the experience by making virtualization more accessible to many more PCs for small and midsize businesses wanting to migrate to Windows 7 Professional or higher editions, while still running Windows XP-based productivity applications,” Microsoft said in a statement.

Windows 7 users who are already using XP Mode don’t need to download the update; however, folks who don’t have (or can’t enable) hardware virtualization can download a new version from Microsoft’s Web site.

Microsoft did not offer any information on how running XP Mode without hardware virtualization would impact PC performance.

Microsoft is hoping the easing of XP Mode requirements will encourage more businesses to adopt Windows 7 over Windows XP as their mainstream OS.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Computing

A new Windows 11 hardware system requirement may be incoming

A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

Microsoft appears to finally be putting its foot down on how far back it's willing to go when it comes to supporting older hardware. As of the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 build, Microsoft will require that your processor supports the POPCNT instruction. If you're wondering what that is and whether this will affect you, you're not alone.

This new addition was spotted by Bob Pony on X (formerly Twitter). According to the user, if the CPU doesn't support the POPCNT instruction or it's disabled, Windows won't work at all. Multiple system files now require this instruction, starting with the Windows 11 kernel. Long story short -- no POPCNT, no Windows 11 24H2.

Computing

7 beloved Windows apps that Microsoft has killed over the years

A screenshot of Internet Explorer 9.

Microsoft's history is littered with the discontinuation of once-beloved applications. Most recently, WordPad, the renowned text editor app, was conspicuously absent from the latest beta build of Windows 11, indicating an end to its 28-year-long journey. I have fond memories of using the app back in my college days when Microsoft Office was too pricey for me.

WordPad is far from the only app to get canceled by Microsoft over the years. From pioneering productivity tools to nostalgic multimedia players, let's reminisce about some of the most famous applications that Microsoft has consigned to the annals of tech history.
Internet Explorer

Computing

How to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode

Windows 11 on a tablet.

If your Windows 11 PC is having issues, one way to troubleshoot those issues is start your PC in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is essentially a very basic version of Windows 11, without all the bells and whistles and only a restricted set of features, drivers, and files. This mode essentially lets you take a look at your computer and helps you figure out exactly what issue is plaguing your PC.

But booting into Safe Mode on Windows 11 isn't as easy as just pressing a single button. You'll need to navigate through a series of menus first and the method for getting there depends on your PC specific situation (Is your PC still working or is it just a blank or black screen?).