How to Install Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

Last Updated: May 29, 2024

Although Windows 7 is compatible with many legacy programs out of the box, some applications simply will not run with this OS. For these cases, we have Windows XP Mode, which is a virtual machine of Windows XP that will run within Windows 7. This article will take you through the steps to install it.

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-1.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-2.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The version checkbox shows whether you want to install 32bits or 64bits. Select it according to your need.

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-3.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

If you are unsure of the version of Windows 7 you are running, you can obtain this information by clicking the Start button and browsing to the Computer heading on the right, right-clicking and selecting Properties. The System window will open, and you can find what version of Windows 7 you are running and whether it is 32 or 64 bit.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-4.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-5.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Windows XP Mode' button . Click it, and save the file to a convenient place when prompted.
6

If you cannot see the link 'Download and Install this first', then as an alternative, visit the link to download the main installation file.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-6.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

When the file has finished downloading, open and run it. It will extract, and then prompt you to click Next to proceed through the installation process.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-7.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-8.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

After it has completed, click Finish to end setup.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-9.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Windows Virtual PC' button . Choose to open the file when prompted.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-10.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Review the licensing terms and click 'I Accept'.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-11.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

When installation has completed, you will be prompted to Restart Now. Take a moment to ensure that you have saved anything you were working on before you continue.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-12.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

When your computer has finished rebooting, click Start, then browse to All Programs, then Windows Virtual PC, and then click Windows XP Mode.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-13.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-14.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Pick something easy for you to remember, type it into both fields, and then click Next.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-15.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is recommended, so click enable and the click Next, and then Next again on the following screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-16.jpg\/aid796877-v4-728px-Install-Windows-Xp-Mode-in-Windows-7-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Congratulations! You have installed Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 successfully.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Does XP Mode emulate the Windows XP desktop and file appearance?

Community Answer

Yes, it does. Windows XP Mode was made so that you could use older programs that came with XP, such as an old version of Internet Explorer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 14
Question

How can I tell which version of Windows 7 I have?

Community Answer

Go into Control Panel and select System. At the top of the screen, it will tell you; for example: Windows 7 Professional Copyright C 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved Service Pack 1

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 10
Question

Does the question about 32 bit versus 64 bit refer to the host operating system or to XP?

Community Answer

It refers to the host operating system. The 32 bit version requires the 86x version.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

You must have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate to run Windows XP Mode

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Log in

How to Install Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

Steps

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

You Might Also Like

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories