You’ll need a Windows XPISOimage to complete these steps.

If you already have a Windows XP setup disc, you canconvert the disc to an ISO file.

Download VirtualBoxand then install it like you would any software.

Surface Pro running Windows XP

Pixeden.com

It’s fine to accept all the default options.

bring up the program and selectNewat the top.

The virtual machine name can be anything, such asWindows XP Emulator.

The VirtualBox ‘Create Virtual Machine’ wizard in Windows 10

choose the arrow to the right of theISO Imageoption, and then chooseOther.

opt for Windows XP ISO file and then chooseOpen.

confirm theEdition,jot down,Subtype, andVersionoptions are filled out appropriately for your version of Windows XP.

VirtualBox ISO Image selection

Choose theBase MemoryandProcessorsthis virtual machine should have, then pressNext.

SelectCreate a Virtual Hard Disk Now, choose thedisk size, and then selectNext.

What you’re doing here is defining how big Windows XP’s virtual hard drive should be.

A Windows XP ISO file selected in VirtualBox

10-20 GB should be enough for basic use.

Review the summary page to ensure it’s correct.

SelectBackto edit any of the details, or selectFinishto continue.

Windows XP emulator options chosen in VirtualBox for Windows 10

opt for virtual machine you just created, and then selectStartat the top.

Why Use a Windows XP Emulator?

This means it’s not as safe to use as Windows 10 or 11.

Hardware options for a Windows XP emulator in VirtualBox

Doing this lets you use Windows XP whenever you want without relying on it full time.

When Windows XP is emulated, it’s isolated from the rest of your setup.

What you do in Windows 10 remains completely separate from Windows XP.

Virtual Hard Disk options for a Windows XP VM in VirtualBox

It’s similar to dual-bootingthese versions of Windows, but it’s much more convenient.

VirtualBox summary for a Windows XP virtual machine

Windows XP virtual machine in VirtualBox