How to Install Windows XP on VMware Workstation 17

Do you want to install Windows XP on a new virtual machine? You can use VMware Workstation 17 Pro on Windows 10 or 11. In this article, I walk you through the full setup for Windows XP Professional 64-bit SP1.

Heads up: Microsoft ended support for Windows XP. Still, some cases require this old operating system. For example, you may need it to manage automation machines or handle other tasks.

I will show you how to create a new virtual machine for XP. Then I will cover the whole install process. You will learn about hardware compatibility and virtual disk types. In the end, you will have a working virtual XP on your PC!

How to Install Windows XP Professional 64 Bit SP1 on Windows 10 and 11 Using VMware Workstation

As you know, Windows XP was once a popular operating system. Microsoft fully ended support for XP in 2014. So you should pick a current system like Windows 10 on your host.

However, some firms still run old automation machines. So they need Windows XP to manage those systems. In such cases, I suggest running XP on old desktops or laptops.

Do not worry if you lack an old computer. Instead, you can set up a virtual machine on your current PC. Use tools like VMware for this.

Do you want to use Windows XP? You can do so even though it is old. Install a virtualization tool on your Windows 10 PC. Options include VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V. Then you can install XP inside a virtual machine.

Host and VM Requirements for Windows XP

You need certain specifications to run XP with VMware Workstation 17 Pro on your real PC.

These depend on your host hardware. Plus, you must know the VM’s own needs. Here are the general rules for a smooth VM:

Host Requirements:

• Processor: VMware Workstation 17 Pro needs a 64-bit x86 CPU at 1.3 GHz or higher. Still, a modern multi-core processor with a faster clock speed works better.
• RAM: I suggest at least 4 GB of RAM. But giving more RAM greatly boosts performance.
• Storage: You need enough free disk space for VMware Workstation and virtual machines. Also, save extra room for VM files and XP files.

Virtual Machine Requirements:

• Processor: You can run XP on a single-core virtual processor. Yet you can add more cores to boost its power.
• RAM: I suggest at least 1 GB of RAM. You can also set the RAM size yourself for better performance.
• Disk Space: Allocate enough virtual disk space based on your XP tasks.
  Graphics: VMware Workstation 17 Pro supports 3D graphics acceleration. However, you must adjust graphics settings for XP.

In short, exact system needs vary by use case. Still, check that your host hardware works with VMware when you run XP. Plus, I suggest using recommended settings for the best performance.

Creating a New Virtual Machine for Windows XP

Before you start, install the VMware virtualization software on your computer. Next, download the Windows XP ISO file for VMware using the button below. Then create a new virtual machine with these steps.

Windows XP Pro x86/x64 SP1 ISO + SP2 Installer

Step 1

Install VMware Workstation 17 Pro on your computer. Run the program. Click “Create a New Virtual Machine” on the main screen. When the VM wizard opens, choose Custom (Advanced) and move on.

Step 2

Go to the Choose the Virtual Machine Hardware Compatibility screen. Pick the latest version of your Workstation program. You will also see the installed Workstation Pro version on your PC here.

If you run an older version, you cannot select 17.x. So update Workstation Pro first. Then choose Workstation 17.x for VMware virtual machine compatibility.

Step 3

I suggest choosing “I will install the operating system later” when you create a new VM. This lets you adjust advanced settings before the install. So pick this option and click “Next” right away.

Step 4

Go to the Select a Guest Operating System screen. Choose “Microsoft Windows” here. Then pick “Windows XP Professional” from the Version section and move on.

Step 5

Type a name for your new operating system under Name the Virtual Machine. Under Location, set the path if you want to store the VM on a USB 3.0 or 3.1 external drive.

Click Browse to change the VM install location. Then pick the right path in the window.

Configuring Hardware Resources

Step 1

Set the processor count and core count for XP under Processor Configuration. Base this on your computer’s hardware specifications.

If you have a fast PC, you can finish the installation more quickly. So you can pick 1 processor and 8 cores for the VM.

Step 2

Also, check your physical computer’s RAM size. Assign 4 GB of RAM to the VM or pick the highest memory size.

Step 3

You may want internet access after you install the guest OS. For this, pick Bridged or NAT under the Network Type screen.

Step 4

LSI Logic appears by default under the I/O Controller screen. So click Next to move forward with this option.

Disk Selection and Storage Setup

Step 1

Go to the Select Disk Type screen. Pick the disk controller you want for your virtual system. You should choose SCSI, which is selected by default.

Microsoft ended XP support, so it does not support SATA disk setups. Yet some host machines do offer SATA and USB 3.0 support.

Plus, you may see a warning that XP cannot install on an NVMe disk. NVMe is a new disk controller. So modern operating systems support this technology.

XP does not recognize SATA drivers. So you must pick the disk type with care. Also, setting up Windows 7 on VMware supports newer controllers. SATA or NVMe options work fine there.

Step 2

You can add an old system disk under Select a Disk. You can also create a new virtual disk. Plus, you can use a physical disk in the VM.

For a clean install, go with Create a new virtual disk.

Step 3

For Windows XP Professional, 40 GB of virtual disk space is often enough. But the size differs for basic tasks versus professional work. So I suggest 20 GB or 50 GB for advanced tasks.

Make sure you store the VM disk file as a single file. So check the “Store virtual disk as a single file” option.

Configuring Virtual Disk and Devices

Step 1

You can change the disk name and path under Specify Disk File. If you plan to install on an external disk, the disk name then refers to the file stored at that location.

Step 2

At the final stage of virtual machine setup, click Customize Hardware. This lets you add an ISO to the VM and enable virtualization.

Step 3

Click Processors in the Hardware settings window. Then check all options under Virtualization Engine.

• Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI
• Virtualize CPU Performance Counters
• Virtualize IOMMU (IO Memory Management Unit)

Step 4

Pick the CD/DVD device to add an ISO file to the virtual computer. Then choose Use ISO image file and click Browse.

Now you must add the XP SP1 ISO file. So click Open to add the XP installation media you downloaded to your PC.

Step 5

Select USB 2.0 compatibility under the USB Controller device settings.

Step 6

Click the Display device to turn on 3D graphics acceleration. Then set the Graphics Memory size to a value your host can handle.

Step 7

After you finish the needed steps, click Close to exit the virtual machine hardware settings.

Step 8

You can now start installing the virtual XP system! So go ahead with Power on this virtual machine.

Installing Windows XP on VMware

Create and configure a new virtual machine for XP. Then the setup wizard starts on its own when you power on the VM. You can also install XP on a physical computer by following the steps below.

Steps:

Step 1

There is no problem if you did not add SATA drivers to the ISO file. In that case, press F6 when the Windows Setup wizard opens to install drivers.

If you have a PC with XP already installed, you can repair your system here. Otherwise, press Enter for a clean install.

Step 2

Read the license agreement carefully before continuing to install Windows XP Professional. After you read it, press F8 to show that you accept it.

Step 3

Now press C to create a partition on the XP virtual disk. If you want to start the install right away, just press ENTER.

Step 4

Press Enter to use the full HDD size you gave to the virtual PC.

Step 5

Press Enter to install XP on the C partition you created.

Step 6

Remember to use NTFS format for your virtual disk. It keeps your physical hard drive healthy and working well over time. Regular formatting helps your hard drive last longer and run better.

Step 7

Wait while Setup formats the virtual disk.

Step 8

Wait while Setup copies the needed files for the XP system.

Step 9

You have now finished the first stage of the setup wizard. Press Enter to restart the virtual system or wait for the countdown to end.

Step 10

Setup will keep going when Windows XP restarts.

Completing the Setup Wizard

Step 1

Wait while Setup installs and prepares the needed devices for installation.

Step 2

The Regional and Language Options screen appears. Click Customize here to set your country and time zone. You can also pick your keyboard layout after you click Details.

Step 3

Type a name for your user account under Personalize Your Software. You can also add your company name if you have one, then move on.

Step 4

Enter your Windows XP Pro 64-bit Service Pack 1 license code on the Your Product Key screen. Then keep going.

Step 5

Give your virtual system a name under Computer Name and Administrator Password. You can also enter a password if you want one for the admin account.

Step 6

Pick the time zone that matches your location under Date and Time Settings. Also set the date for the day you perform the installation.

Step 7

Go to the Network Settings screen if you will not use a domain name for the VM. Simply check the default Typical Settings option.

Step 8

Open the Workgroup screen if you will not use a domain name for the VM. Check the Workgroup option here.

Step 9

Wait while the setup wizard handles the rest of the settings.

Step 10

After the installation ends, your XP desktop is now ready.

VMware Tools Installation

Finish installing Windows XP with VMware Workstation. Then you can install VMware Tools on the VM to add any missing device drivers.

You can also use the Shared Folder feature with ease. This lets you move files between the host and VM. Plus, you can open the screen at full resolution.

Step 1

First, right-click the My Computer icon and pick Manage. Then click the Device Manager heading. Now you can check for drivers you have not installed yet on the right side.

Step 2

Click VM / Install VMware Tools from the tools menu to install the virtual PC drivers.

Step 3

Wait while VMware Tools prepares to install on the virtual PC. Click Next when the setup wizard opens to move to the next step.

Step 4

You may want to run the VM with other VMware products. In that case, check the Complete option under Choose Setup Type.

Step 5

Click Install to start installing all features of the virtual machine helper software.

Step 6

Wait while your virtual system’s video and other hardware drivers install.

Step 7

Press Yes to restart your virtual computer. Then check if the drivers installed. When you open Device Manager again, you should see drivers like VMware SVGA II installed on your virtual system.

Step 8

Click View / Full Screen from the Workstation tools menu. Then check that your virtual PC switches to full screen.

Step 9

Create a new text file on your host computer. Try dragging and dropping this file into the VM to copy it. You will see the file transfer finish successfully.

Also, open Internet Explorer and visit Google to check that the internet works without issues.

Configuring Shared Folders

Shared Folders in virtual machines make file moves between host and VM much easier. You can use drag and drop to copy files. That method may take a bit of time. However, Shared Folders copy files of the same size much faster.

Step 1

Click VM / Settings from the Workstation Pro menu to open your VM’s properties.

Open the Virtual Machine Settings window. Click the Options tab. Then click Shared Folders.

Check Always Enabled under Folder Sharing to turn on this feature. Check “Map as a network drive in Windows Guests” to set it up as a network drive. Finally, click the Add button.

When the Shared Folder Wizard opens, click Next right away.

Step 2

In this window, pick the folder you want to share. Type a name and keep going.

Step 3

Go to the Folder Properties window to share the folder you added. Check Enable this share and click Finish.

After you edit the shared folder path, close the VM settings.

Step 4

Check My Computer for the Shared Folder. Confirm it shows as active under Network Drives.

Step 5

Open the folder added as a network drive. You should see that you can access the files inside it.

Accessing Shared Folders Through a Network Drive

To add a shared folder to My Network Places, click “Add a network place” under Network Locations. Click Next when the Add Network Place Wizard opens.

Double-click Choose another network location. Or pick the right option and click Next. Click Browse under Internet or Network Address. Then open vmware-host and pick Shared Folders. Finally, click OK.

Click Next after you pick the location to access Shared Folders over the network. Then click Finish to close the Add Network Place Wizard.

Next, click My Network Places and check the location you added under Local Network. You will see that you can reach the files when you view the Shared Folder over the network.

Using a USB Flash Drive

You can use Shared Folders for file transfers. But a USB flash drive offers a much faster solution.

Step 1

Plug a flash drive into an open USB port on your host computer. Then create a folder called Backup on the drive.

Step 2

Open the tools menu to connect the USB drive to the VM. Then click VM / Removable Devices / USB Name / Connect.

Step 3

Your virtual system installs USB drivers on its own. So you can easily access the USB and reach the files inside it.

Installing Windows XP SP2 Software Package (Upgrading SP1 to SP2)

You can upgrade Windows XP 64-bit SP1 to SP2. For this, you can perform a clean installation with an SP2-integrated ISO. Or you can install just the SP2 package on its own.

Step 1

Right-click the DVD device to add the SP2 ISO file to the VM. Then click Settings. Pick the CD/DVD device. Next, click Browse to add the SP2 ISO location under Use ISO Image File.

Select the SP2 Installer.iso file and click Open. Check Device Status to run the DVD device.

Step 2

When the Service Pack 2 ISO mounts, you will see the Readme page on its own. Close the Readme.HTM web page and open My Computer. Right-click the mounted ISO under Removable Storage to see its contents. Then pick Open.

Right-click / Open the SRSP2 file inside the CD/DVD media to start the install.

Step 3

Click “Next” in the Windows x64 Service Pack 2 setup wizard to keep going.

Step 4

Check “I Agree” to accept the Service Pack 2 license agreement. Then click Next.

Step 5

Click Next under Select Options without changing the Uninstall Folder path.

Step 6

Wait while Windows XP Service Pack 2 installs. The system update may take some time, so do not run any tasks on your system.

Click Finish after you install Service Pack 2 to restart your virtual system.

Step 7

To check the Service Pack version on your Windows computer, right-click “My Computer” and pick “Properties” from the menu. Look at the System section in the window that opens to find the Service Pack version.

Deleting the Windows XP Virtual Machine

You may no longer want to use the virtual machines you set up with VMware. In that case, I suggest you fully delete the VM files from your disk.

Right-click your guest system in Workstation Pro’s left panel. Then pick Manage / Delete From Disk. Finally, click Yes in the warning window to delete all VM files.

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Installing Older Versions

You can easily install Windows XP on Workstation Pro versions 12, 14, 15, or 16. Plus, you can use the system without issues on these versions.

Windows XP Virtual Machine FAQ

Conclusion

In short, you can set up a virtual machine to run Windows XP on a modern computer. This gives you a practical and effective way to manage old systems. With my detailed steps, you can safely build a virtual space that meets XP’s unique needs.

You have now installed Windows XP in a virtual space. If you want to take this further, installing Windows 2000 in a VM is quite similar. If you want a newer look, setting up Windows Vista in a virtual machine gives you a different feel. In short, all old systems run on the same core ideas.

With this approach, you keep the perks of your current OS while old software stays usable. You can also use tools like VMware Workstation 17 Pro. This closes the gap between old and modern systems with ease.