Installing Windows Virtual PC on Windows 7 Home Editions
For a while now I have been seeing random people complaining about the fact that they cannot install Windows Virtual PC on Windows 7 Home Editions (Basic or Premium). This always struck me as odd – as I was sure that this was a supported configuration – but I did not reply as I did not have the time to try this configuration myself and confirm that it did in fact work.
I finally had the chance to try this out – and while I can confirm that running Windows Virtual PC on Windows 7 Home Editions is supported and does work – I also stumbled upon the probable cause of peoples confusion.
If you go to the official Virtual PC website (https://www.microsoft.com/virtualpc) and indicate that you are running Windows 7 Home – you will be (correctly) informed that you are not eligible to run Windows XP Mode:
Unfortunately this page does not explain that you are eligible to run Windows Virtual PC.
To clarify – “Windows Virtual PC” is the virtualization program that allows you to create and run virtual machines on Windows 7. “Windows XP Mode” is a free pre-configured Windows XP virtual machine. “Windows XP Mode” is not available for people running Windows 7 Home editions; but these users can download Windows Virtual PC and use a separate (fully licensed) copy of Windows XP to create their own Windows XP virtual machines and get all the functionality of Windows XP Mode.
You can download Windows Virtual PC directly from here: https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2B6D5C18-1441-47EA-8309-2545B08E11DD
And as you can see – on this page it does state that Windows 7 Home editions are supported:
Hopefully the main webpage can be updated to make this less confusing in the future.
Cheers,
Ben
Comments
Anonymous
July 07, 2010
Well, another cause of confusion is that official support for the home editions is new for Windows 7 Virtual PC. Virtual PC 2007 offered official support only for the business SKUs of Windows -- of course, the home SKUs worked fine, just no official support.Anonymous
July 07, 2010
Is there any way to get the "You can download Windows Virtual PC directly from here: www.microsoft.com/.../details.aspx link onto the official Virtual PC website (www.microsoft.com/virtualpc) so that when you choose any of the home editions you don't just get a big bucket of fail without a redirect and are explained that it is indeed cool to get the non-xpmode version and even tell them where to get it if they so choose? That may cut down on the queries and will do it at the source of the confusion.Anonymous
July 09, 2010
I followed along till I got to the point of running the Virtual PC. I would gather at some point I must install Windows XP. I cannot find where and how to do that part. Any more help.Anonymous
July 10, 2010
"...works on Home Editions" does that mean Home Basic is included? I tried it and doesn't work in my Home Basic. Should I upgrade my Home Basic to Enterprise or higher? Thanks.Anonymous
July 12, 2010
Phil - Yes, I am seeing if we can get this updated. Michael - once you have Windows Virtual PC you need to create a new virtual machine you need to install an operating system just like on a physical computer. Sam - Yes, Basic is included. I tried this myself and confirmed that it works - what error are you seeing? Cheers, BenAnonymous
July 14, 2010
It says "this update is not applicable to your computer." I downloaded the x86 version, I think I got the wrong one, going to try downloading the another one.Anonymous
July 14, 2010
Silly me, I downloaded the x86 version, the other one worked for me. Thank you for your guide, Ben! It helped a lot!Anonymous
July 27, 2010
Will other then WinXP run as a guest OS on WinVPC? If I have an existing vmc and vhd that I use with VPC 2007, can I use these with WinVPC?Anonymous
July 27, 2010
Never mind, I found my answers. WooPee!Anonymous
August 27, 2010
I have a virtual pc in my win7 home basic. but i'm not able to create a new virtual machine. if i run that it will show folder empty. Help pls....................Anonymous
September 19, 2010
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November 01, 2010
I have to buy a new desktop, while I will stay with Microsoft, so Windows 7 will automatically be installed. I use quite some old own software based on MS-DOS (6.0) with "EDIT", "SORT" and "GW-BASIC" through Windows XP on command prompt. This runs very smoothly. In my wife's laptop with Windows 7 my own software is not compatible. Would Virtual PC installed in Windows 7 allow me to use these old software. I should not like the idea to have to throw it away. Have a nice day, KeesAnonymous
November 04, 2010
Thank you very much brother. Your help was very useful. Lovely greetings for Istanbul.Anonymous
December 04, 2010
I'm looking at a machine with an IntelP6100 (3M cache 2GHZ) with Windows 7 premium. The intel chip doesn't support virtualization. It seems I can purchase a professional 7 upgrade, then download Windows Virtual PC w XP and then run mu older programs. Any opinion on this ..appreciated...Thank youAnonymous
January 06, 2011
Ben -- The VPC website (www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx) still doesn't have a link for the download of only Virtual PC without XP Mode. I just spent about a half hour going in circles until I found your blog. The site has a link that reads "Don’t need XP Mode and want VPC only? Download Windows Virtual PC without Windows XP Mode." However, when you click it, you get asked for the OS and when you specify Windows 7 Home*, you get told you don't qualify and can't download anything. This is obviously broken. Please help so future users don't get frustrated as I did. Thanks, HelioAnonymous
March 01, 2011
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March 15, 2011
Mine still downt work after trying all of this and moreAnonymous
April 18, 2011
If you have win7 home prem and can't get ms virtual PC working... Once you fill in your OS (home) on the MS virtusl PC site, it gives you some steps. Just do step 2, and install MS virtual PC. when it is done it will look like it had filed when you run it (just opens a folder), but notice the "create virtual machine" option on the menu bar? :-) - use it!!Anonymous
June 16, 2011
i have system with windows 7 Home Basic OS.I want windows XP mode.can i download virtual PC?pls help me....Anonymous
June 20, 2011
Nisha - Windows XP mode is not available for Windows 7 Home basic. You can install Windows Virtual PC - but you will need to install your own copy of Windows XP. Cheers, BenAnonymous
June 26, 2011
i have dell laptop inspiron windows 7 home basic and all system requirements are available but i can't install the windows xp modeAnonymous
June 26, 2011
@vivek read the comment from Ben. You can install VirtualPC, but not the preconfigured XP VHD (XP Mode) because it doesn't have the XPMode license policy set. You need your own XP copy.Anonymous
July 16, 2011
I'm running Win7 Home premium x64. I've followed your' link and tried to download both the x64 and x86 links for VPC and when they start to install all I get is "update not applicable to your' system". Any ideas?Anonymous
July 16, 2011
@Colin get the Refresh Installer from here: www.microsoft.com/.../details.aspxAnonymous
August 02, 2011
Virtual PC does not install on Win 7 Home Prem in a Multi-Boot System instead get a Message from the Windows Standalone Installer "The Update is NOT applicable to your Computer" I can install Virt PC 2007 XP Mode version on the SAME Multi-Boot Computer, in a separate Boot Partition that has Win 7 Prof. A Sanity check if I had Hardware related issues. Sure, who would install Win 7 Home Prem in a multi-boot configuration? I need to pre-verify a Virt PC install before actually trying it on a "Newbie's" Computer. Nothing like failing before a Newbie, and I'd loose all credibility. Details are available - yes, an AMD chip, Virt enabled, low end PC ...Anonymous
August 02, 2011
@charlys20 check if you use the 32Bit (x86) or the 64Bit (x64) Windows 7: How can I tell if my computer is running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of Windows? "To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, do the following: Open System by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties. Under System, you can view the system type." Now get the correct installer from here: www.microsoft.com/.../details.aspx AndréAnonymous
September 04, 2011
It says "this update is not applicable to your computer." I downloaded the x86 version, I think I got the wrong one, going to try downloading the another one. <--- i got the same problem but i have no choice really... x64 installer won't install in my pc. HELP! before i switch to XAMPP! :( tyAnonymous
September 04, 2011
@cloner read my post from 08-03-2011 4:31 PM and download VPC there.Anonymous
September 27, 2011
Thanks for the info, it is a great help and all you comments are absolutely true, thanks againAnonymous
October 06, 2011
Hey Ben, I have installed windows virtual pc, but could not figure out how to proceed and install windows xp in a system with windows7 home basic as OS. Please tell me the procedure. Regards, KGAnonymous
October 06, 2011
@KG run the program C:WindowsSystem32VPCWizard.exe to start the wizard to create a VM.Anonymous
October 31, 2011
Thank you so much for the info. Downloaded and installed VirtualPC on Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit. Been looking for this since I purchased my laptop with Windows 7 but wasn't able to find it til now. Excited to see how it works.Anonymous
November 18, 2011
I had downloaded on Win 7 home ....trying to install windows xp ...but it gives blue screen error .and get stuck pls revert how can we install winxp....asapAnonymous
November 18, 2011
@Rupinder ask it in the Forums: social.technet.microsoft.com/.../threads and post the STOP Code.Anonymous
November 20, 2011
Right, im running windows 7 home premium and im trying to install virtual pc, i've downloaded and tried every version from every link on here and all im getting is The Update Is Not Applicable To Your Computer, someone please helpAnonymous
December 01, 2011
I have tried as well Virtual PC on my my Windows 64bit Ultimate , it doesn't work, I have searching on it the whole day!!! Help me out pleaseAnonymous
December 19, 2011
iam running win xp i have a problem when i am browsing internet explorer i am not able to open Microsoft site but other sites are opening pls any baddy can help me . why this happeningAnonymous
December 28, 2011
I tried Bens way and it says that the update doesn"t apply. I still cannot download virtual PC.Anonymous
December 28, 2011
@Timm get the installers from here: www.microsoft.com/.../details.aspxAnonymous
January 09, 2012
I run Windows 7 Home 64-bit and downloaded Virtual PC KB 958559-x64 but am unable to load Windows XP. Where have I gone wrong?Anonymous
January 13, 2012
@Ken you need your own XP license. The prepared XP VHD (XP Mode) only works for Prof, Enterprise and Ultimate, not for Home Premium.Anonymous
January 13, 2012
Thanks, Andre, for your advice. However, I am trying to load a new,unused fully authorized XP Professional ith SP3 and I keep getting the message that it is uncompatible, hence my confusion. More advice would be most welcome.Anonymous
January 14, 2012
@Ken which error message do you get? Post a link to a screenshot if possible.Anonymous
March 21, 2012
Thank you so much I was so bummed out when I saw that Windows 7 Home versions were not able to use Windows Virtual PC. The page unfortunately has still not been updated.Anonymous
May 03, 2012
hi mr.ben first thanks for your post, i have windows7 premium installed in my laptop 64bit, i floow ur link and dowload Windows6.1-KB958559-x64-RefreshPkg.msu, then i tried to open windows xp it says window xp is not avilable on this edition of windows, plz help meAnonymous
May 20, 2012
Thanks, this does clairfy.. Now I need to veriry it will work.Anonymous
July 03, 2012
I purchased a 64bit Windows 7 Home Premium desktop for my wife in Jan 2010. She wanted to open some older xp files so I purchased a Windows 7 Pro Anytime Upgrade from Home premium download from Microsoft. After downloading, you're supposed to be able to download a free copy which I don't think I did. Her XP mode has become unstable and I'd like to re-install Virtual XP. Is there a way I can get the free download now (July 2012)?Anonymous
August 05, 2012
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September 10, 2012
I have download windows virtual XP for Windows 7 Home Edition (Premium) 64bit from link above, but it does not work !! in Windows XP mode! Would you please help me in this regards? Thank you.Anonymous
September 13, 2012
After installation of virtual pc wht i have to do for running of xp in window 7.Anonymous
September 14, 2012
Version of your W7? Home Premium 64bit. "You are not eligible to download Windows XP Mode. You must have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate to run Windows XP Mode. To upgrade visit Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade." So, no, it will not work with home premium.Anonymous
September 30, 2012
But i want Virtual pc for win 7 home basic . is it possible?? means is VPC available for win 7 home basic??Anonymous
October 10, 2012
Thank You for explaining this confusion!! I will try it as well. I have done this on Windows 7 Professional with no problems.Anonymous
October 21, 2012
Prior to downloading VirtualPC, I am being asked to run the Gennuine Validation routine. When I do, I get the massage I need to download the latest version of GennuineCheck software. Where can I find it...Anonymous
December 17, 2012
I think it's a sales strategy from Microsoft to encourage purchase of Windows 7 pro (and upwards). It makes sense to me to confuse the average user by trying to paint a picture of "Windows XP mode" and "Virtual PC" as "different". Once you figure out that XP mode is only pre-configured, then you're good to go.Anonymous
January 04, 2013
I downloaded and tried to install Windows6.1-KB958559-x64-RefreshPkg.msu It said "update not applicable to your computer" and didn't install, although I'm running Home Premium Win 7 on a 1 year old HP laptop. I already ran the HAV detection tool which said the computer was able and BIOS turned on. What could be wrong?Anonymous
January 04, 2013
Ran VPCwizard and got the message "The application has requested Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way."Anonymous
January 04, 2013
Re: run the program C:WindowsSystem32VPCWizard.exe to start the wizard to create a VM I did that and got an error message "The application has requested Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way"Anonymous
January 30, 2013
This is an obvious ploy to trick people into buying something more expensive than windows 7 home. Typical.Anonymous
February 19, 2013
I managed to get the program installed. But when I created my machine it told me to reboot using a proper boot device. Odd, I'm running a 64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium, HAs anyone else gotten it to work on theres?Anonymous
February 24, 2013
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May 04, 2013
After doing what "it works" says I got a small window which is black inside with gray words & numbers which did a few things for a while and then it said "Reboot and Select proper Boot device or insert Boot Media in selected Boot device" please help Oh and also the disk I used was a Windows 95 upgrade disk and maybe it didn't work because it was an upgrade and not just the actual full thingAnonymous
May 12, 2013
Student from Wisconsin. Thanks, this did clear this matter up. Now to do some virtualization.Anonymous
December 29, 2013
i need urgetly installing the enternet and windows 7-genuineAnonymous
February 27, 2014
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February 27, 2014
I have the Windows 7 Home Premium edition, so I hope someone can give me the direct link so I can upload the exe file for Virtual PC. I hope someone can help me! Please!!!!Anonymous
July 21, 2014
Yes, as you have rightly said, the two MS web pages are clashing!Anonymous
September 06, 2014
Thank you for your helpful site. I have Win7 Home Premium and wish to install a Win Virtual PC on my Win764bit machine. I went here www.microsoft.com/.../details.aspx and downloaded the x64.msu (16,3 mb) Then to run it, the machine started. What now? Where is the application? I don't see an Icon, when I click on Windows Virtual PC (Start menu) I'm sent to a directory containing a desktop.ini file. I can't rely on Microsoft's website for clear & cogent instructions. Many thanks.Anonymous
September 25, 2014
lost my disc for windows 7 home editionAnonymous
February 22, 2015
it is showing -windows xp mode is not available on this edition of window eventhough i have window7 home basicAnonymous
August 01, 2015
im running windows 7 home premium and i got a version that should work on it but when i get to the installation part it looks like its going to install but it doesnt fill up and just says the following didnt update (KB958559). its 64 bit as well.Anonymous
August 08, 2015
Hi Ben, I've upgraded from Windows 7 Home to Windows 10 Home. Unfortunately, Virtual PC doesn't work. By any chance there is a work around? Thanks.