Windows XP Mode Released to OEMs

Microsoft announced that the final version of Windows XP Mode was released to PC manufacturers Thursday.

Microsoft essentially hit its "release to manufacturing" (RTM) milestone for Windows XP Mode, signifying the time in which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can begin adding the bits to their Windows 7 RTM distribution packages.

Alternatively, Windows XP Mode will be available as a separate download for the general public Oct. 22, which is the general release date for new Windows 7-based PCs. Currently, the general public can only get its hands on the release candidate version of Windows XP Mode, although Microsoft's TechNet and MSDN subscribers already have access to the RTM version.

Windows XP Mode is a desktop virtualization supplement that works with Microsoft Virtual PC in Windows 7. It lets users run a complete copy of Windows XP Service Pack 3, along with associated XP-based applications, right on the Windows 7 desktop. Windows XP Mode only works with certain editions of Windows 7, namely Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise.

Microsoft designed Windows XP Mode for small-to-medium organizations, particularly for those that want to maintain a legacy XP-based application while still migrating to Windows 7. For larger organizations that centralize the management of multiple PCs, Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V). MEV-V is available to Microsoft Volume Licensing customers with Software Assurance and is part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.

Windows XP Mode comes with some maintenance issues to consider. For instance, IT pros will have to ensure security separately from Windows 7. The virtualized Windows XP operating system can't be centrally managed through group policies. In addition, the PC that runs Windows XP Mode must have hardware virtualization capabilities, such as Intel VT or AMD-V technologies.

Fortunately, Microsoft has indicated that Windows Security Essentials, Microsoft's new free antimalware solution, will work with Windows XP Mode.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is online news editor, Enterprise Group, at 1105 Media Inc.

Featured

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major security advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.

  • glowing futuristic laptop with a holographic screen displaying digital text

    New Turnitin Product Brings AI-Powered Tools to Students with Instructor Guardrails

    Academic integrity solution provider Turnitin has introduced Turnitin Clarity, a paid add-on for Turnitin Feedback Studio that provides a composition workspace for students with educator-guided AI assistance, AI-generated writing feedback, visibility into integrity insights, and more.

  • illustration of a football stadium with helmet on the left and laptop with ed tech icons on the right

    The 2025 NFL Draft and Ed Tech Selection: A Strategic Parallel

    In the fast-evolving landscape of collegiate football, the NFL, and higher education, one might not immediately draw connections between the 2025 NFL Draft and the selection of proper educational technology for a college campus. However, upon closer examination, both processes share striking similarities: a rigorous assessment of needs, long-term strategic impact, talent or tool evaluation, financial considerations, and adaptability to a dynamic future.

  • futuristic AI interface with glowing data streams and abstract neural network patterns

    OpenAI Launches Its Largest AI Model Yet in Research Preview

    OpenAI has announced the launch of GPT-4.5, its largest AI model to date, code-named Orion. The model, trained with more computing power and data than any previous OpenAI release, is available as a research preview to select users.