How to Install Windows XP on Virtual Machine?

Either you are feeling nostalgia or want to experiment with something; Windows XP can be used even now. Since it has been more than a decade for Microsoft to end support for Windows XP and released numerous new versions. Still, there are users who want to use Windows XP on a virtual machine as the right option for them. Use this method to install Windows XP on Virtual Machine.

This way, there won’t be any kind of data loss, and can be easily removed from your system.

Install Windows XP on Virtual Machine

Installing Windows XP on a virtual machine allows you to run the operating system on modern hardware without needing a physical machine dedicated to the task. It can be a convenient way to experiment with older software or run legacy applications that require Windows XP. With these simple steps, you can create a virtual environment for Windows XP in the most efficient way possible.

1- Download VirtualBox or VMware

Both VirtualBox and VMware are popular virtualization software that can be used to run Windows XP inside a virtual machine. They both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. It’s recommended to try out both and see which one works best for your particular use case.

– VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software developed by Oracle. It’s known for being easy to use and having a user-friendly interface. It supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including Windows XP, and provides features such as virtual networking, USB support, and the ability to take snapshots of virtual machines.

– VMware Workstation

VMware, on the other hand, is a proprietary virtualization software developed by VMware Inc. It offers more advanced features and functionality than VirtualBox, such as support for virtual machines with multiple virtual CPUs and the ability to run nested virtualization. However, it’s also more expensive and has a steeper learning curve than VirtualBox.

Ultimately, both VirtualBox and VMware can be used to run Windows XP inside a virtual machine, so it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your needs and preferences.

2- Install Virtualization software

Here I have downloaded and used VirtualBox for the purpose. But you can also use VMware.

• Once the installer file is downloaded, double-click on it to start the installation process.
• Click Next on the welcome screen.
• Choose the components you want to install, or leave the default selections and click Next.
• Select the destination folder where you want to install VirtualBox, or leave the default location and click Next.
• Choose whether or not to create shortcuts for VirtualBox, and click Next.
• Click Install to start the installation process.
• If prompted, allow VirtualBox to install device drivers by clicking Yes.
• Click Finish to complete the installation process.

VirtualBox should now be installed on your Windows computer, and you can proceed to set up and run virtual machines.

3- Create a Virtual Machine for Windows XP

Here are the steps to create a virtual machine for Windows XP in VirtualBox:

• Open VirtualBox.
• Click on the New button in the top-left corner of the window.
• In the Name and operating system section, enter a name for your virtual machine (e.g. “Windows XP”) and select Microsoft Windows as the type, and Windows XP (32-bit) as the version. Click Next.
• Choose the amount of RAM you want to allocate to your virtual machine. For Windows XP, 512 MB to 1 GB of RAM is usually sufficient enough. Click Next.
• In the Hard disk section, select Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
• Choose the type of virtual hard disk you want to create. VDI is the default and works well for most purposes. Click Next.
• Choose whether to create a dynamically allocated or fixed-size hard disk. A dynamically allocated hard disk will grow as you use it, while a fixed-size hard disk is allocated all at once.
• Choose the size of your virtual hard disk. A minimum of 10 GB is recommended for Windows XP.
• Click Create to create your virtual hard disk.

Your Windows XP virtual machine has now been created and you can proceed to install the operating system.

4- Install Windows XP on Virtual Machine

Here are the steps to install Windows XP on a virtual machine in VirtualBox:

• Start VirtualBox and select the Windows XP virtual machine that you created.
• Click on the Start button to power the virtual machine.
• In the Select Installation Media window, click on the folder icon and select the Windows XP ISO file you want to use.
• Click Start to begin the installation process.
• Follow the prompts to install Windows XP. You may need to press a key to boot from the installation media when prompted.
• When you get to the partitioning screen, choose the partition or drive where you want to install Windows XP. If you’re not sure, you can select the default option.
• Follow the prompts to complete the installation of Windows XP.

• Once the installation is complete, install the VirtualBox Guest Additions by selecting Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image from the VirtualBox menu.
• Follow the prompts to install the Guest Additions. This will allow you to use features like seamless mode and shared folders.
• When the installation is complete, restart the virtual machine.

Windows XP should now be installed on your VirtualBox virtual machine and ready to use.