How to Set Up Windows XP Emulator for Windows 10?
Windows XP one of the legendary Windows, is still treasured by many. Even today, the OS is used by many. While many wants to use it, the end of life makes this decision. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP almost a decade ago. Here EOL (end of life) means no more bugs, or security patches, or new updates to improve Windows. instead of installing it on your system, you can use it as an emulator inside Windows. So, here is how to set up a Windows XP emulator on Windows 10.
Why should I enable Windows XP Mode on Windows 10?
There are different reasons why you should use Windows XP on Windows 10. While the first and most obvious one is the EOL. Other than this, here are some of the reasons which make use to consider using the Windows XP emulator on Windows 10.
NOTE: since there is no Windows XP emulator or built mode of Windows XP on any Windows, you are recommended to use a third-party application. You can either use VMware or VirtualBox, inside which you will install Windows XP. Or you will enable Hyper-V on your Windows and then install Windows XP inside.
- Instead of directly using Windows XP, you are recommended to use this method due to security issues. There is the risk to lose data, experience bugs and errors. As we mentioned earlier, EOL means no more updates to address these issues.
- Another reason is the limitation to run applications. You are limited to run newer applications, as the OS was discontinued 15+ years ago. This can create compatibility issues, as you will need the latest version of Windows for new applications.
- Inside the virtual machine, you can create a safe environment according to your need. You can create the virtual machine in a way that you feel confident. The specs of your VM can be later changed too.
How to Run Windows XP on Windows 10?
For using Windows XP on Windows 10, you are going to enable the virtualization feature first. You can only enable the feature by going to BIOS, there you will change the virtualization option; save changes, and exit BIOS.
Once you have enabled the virtualization option, then you will check Turn Windows features on or off. Inside the Turn Windows features on or off, you will navigate and find the Hyper-V option, check the box beside, and click on OK.,
TIP: you might find Hyper-V inside another section. There you will need to enable the entire section, so you could also enable Hyper-V.
Now that you have enabled the features. You will create a VM, run it and install Windows. It would look something like this; New > Create a virtual hard drive now > Dynamically allocated > Next. Create, Start > Windows XP Startup disc, installation.
If you find it challenging then you are recommended to check the entire procedure step by step.
1- Download Windows XP
I have added this one as the first step, as you are going to download Windows XP here. You will download the Windows XP ISO file for VirtualBox. The download size is around 500 MB in size. Use the link and download the ISO file. We are going to use this ISO file for installing Windows XP later.
Now that you have downloaded the ISO file, we will continue to the next step.
2- Download Windows VirtualBox & Install it
Here you are going to download VirtualBox. Use this link to download the VB for your Windows 10. You are going to download it and then perform the installation.
The installation is straightforward and easy, there won’t be any issues during the installation. Install it on your Windows and continue to the next step.
3- Create a Virtual Machine
After the installation of VirtualBox, you will double-click on the shortcut icon. This will run the application and now you are going to create a virtual machine to use Windows XP on Windows 10.
Inside the VirtualBox, you will click on New.
Now you will be asked for the name, location, and type of OS that you will install on VM. Select the options below;
Name: Windows XP
Machine Folder: virtual machine location*
Type: Microsoft Windows
Version: Windows XP (32-bit/64-bit)
NOTE: you are going to select 32-bit or 64-bit, according to your OS. If you want to install 64-bit then you will select 64-bit else 32-bit.
Here you will be asked for Memory size. Insert the amount of RAM memory for VM and click on Next.
You will select Create a virtual hard disk now option and click on Create.
Now you will locate your VM and configure the size of the VM. Make sure, you are placing the VM in the location that is easily accessible and the size of the VM should be around 20+ GB in size. Once the options are selected then you will click on Create.
Storage on a Physical hard disk will appear, you will select the Dynamically allocated option and click on Create.
4- Configure VM for Windows XP on Windows 10
Instead of installing Windows XP on Windows 10, we will configure it first. This way, we will avoid tons of errors and issues that can appear in the future.
On creating a new VM, you will be placed in a new window; either click on Customize Hardware option or click on Finish and then go to Settings.
No matter which one you choose, you will be placed in VM options. Here you are lookout for a few things that need your attention.
Go to Processor, and put the number of processors that you want for your VM. Then you will go to Storage, and select Optical and Hard Disk options.
Now you will navigate and check other options as General, Audio, and Display. Once all the options are selected accordingly then you will continue to the next step.
5- Install Windows XP on VirtualBox
New VM is created and all its options are configured. Now, you are going to install Windows XP (as an emulator) on Windows 10. Like any Windows installation, the VM will boot the ISO file of Windows XP.
Run the VM and you will see Press any key…
By pressing the keys on your keyboard, you will begin the installation of Windows. Since the installation of Windows XP is super easy, I have left that part for you.
During the installation, you will create a local Administrator account, and give it a password. Customize your Windows a little bit and you have a Windows XP totally ready to be used.
After the installation, some might experience poor graphics or no sound. This is a common issue that can be fixed by installing VirtualBox Extension Pack.
NOTE: for some, even the extension pack won’t fix issues as no sound to poor graphics. This is due to the unavailability of drivers. To fix it, you are going to install all the required drivers on Windows XP.
6- Install the Extension pack
First, you will shut down your VM on VirtualBox. Then you will use this direct link to download Extension Pack. Once the files are downloaded then you will install them. Now you have enabled most of the VirtualBox options that were disabled before.
If you liked installing Windows XP then you will also like installing Windows 10 on VirtualBox or how to install Windows 11 on VMware.
Can my Windows 10 laptop run Windows XP OS in an emulator?
If you are using Windows 10 and want to have Windows XP then you can easily use Windows XP inside. The only thing that you will need to keep in mind is to use Windows, you will need to use a third-party application. You also have the option to use Hyper-V (a built-in option) to install Windows XP inside.
Is there a Windows XP emulator for Windows 10?
No there is no Windows XP emulator. In fact, there is no Windows emulator at all. If you want to use Windows XP on any Windows OS then you are recommended to use virtualization applications such as VirtualBox, VMware, or Hyper-V.
How to emulate Windows XP games on Windows 10?
If you want to use any Windows XP games on Windows 10 then you can install Windows XP on a virtualization application such as VMware or VirtualBox. Or you will install any Windows XP games manually and then change the compatibility settings.
Does Windows 10 have an XP emulator?
There is no Windows XP emulator inside any Windows OS. The only way to use Windows XP on any Windows version without any installation of using a third-party application is to enable Hyper-V. Hyper-V is a built-in application inside Windows 10 or Windows 11. This one will allow you to use any Windows, Linux, or macOS inside your Windows.
