Your OS sandbox to run diverse environments
Windows Virtual PC is an impressive virtualization software that allows users to run another operating system concurrently within a Windows environment. Designed primarily for developers, testers, and IT professionals, it provides a powerful solution for software testing, application development, and ensuring compatibility with legacy software.
Windows Virtual PC support for various Windows versions, such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. The setup process is user-friendly, guided by a wizard that simplifies the creation of new virtual machines. Users can customize hardware resources like RAM and disk space easily and can install operating systems from ISO images or physical discs.
Effortless designing and managing your VMs
Virtual machine management is straightforward, featuring an intuitive interface for starting, stopping, and managing saved states and undo disks to revert to previous VM configurations. While cloning and exporting required manually copying VHD files and configuration data, the platform still offered sufficient flexibility for routine testing and development tasks. However, users should be mindful that Windows Virtual PC requires Windows 7 Pro, Enterprise, or Ultimate, with hardware virtualization and a 64-bit OS recommended for best performance.
Remote access and USB power
Windows Virtual PC excels in offering integrations that enhance usability, particularly when it comes to remote access and USB device sharing. To leverage the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), users should access their virtual machine’s desktop from any RDP-compatible client. This setup provides remarkable flexibility for managing virtual environments from remote locations. USB device redirection was supported by Windows Virtual PC for its guest operating systems (including Windows XP Mode), but it had limited compatibility and reliability outside basic storage and printers.
Intuitive control for various needs
Windows Virtual PC provides a versatile environment for running legacy applications alongside modern Windows software. This is particularly advantageous for those needing to access older versions of browsers or specialized software. The integration within the host operating system is smooth, allowing for easy file sharing and copy-pasting between the virtual machine and the host.
One of its standout features is the accessibility for users of varying expertise, from casual users to seasoned developers. Beginners benefit from a straightforward setup—thanks to a wizard-driven installation process—while developers can create and test applications within specific older Windows environments without the need for complex configurations.
Understanding system demands
Windows Virtual PC is designed specifically for Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions. For smooth performance, a minimum of 2 GB of RAM is required, with 4 GB or more recommended for those running multiple virtual machines or resource-intensive applications. It's essential to have a compatible CPU with virtualization support and at least 15 GB of free disk space for each virtual machine.
Superseded and unsupported
Windows Virtual PC is no longer supported or developed by Microsoft. It was officially superseded by Hyper-V, which is integrated into professional and enterprise editions of Windows 8, 10, and 11. While existing installations could still function on compatible Windows 7 systems, it receives no security updates or technical assistance, making it unsuitable for modern environments due to potential vulnerabilities and lack of compatibility with newer hardware and operating systems.
A solution that delivered
Windows Virtual PC stands out as a practical solution for users needing to run different operating systems. Its strengths lie in its ease of use, compatibility with various Windows versions, and efficient management features. However, users should be aware of its limitations regarding host OS requirements and potential performance impacts when running resource-intensive applications.
