Windows 7 XP Mode (XPM) update

In previous posts, I’ve mentioned the new XP Mode is coming with Windows 7.   There are several important things about XPM that I think are worthy of clarification, so I’m adding this post specific to XPM. 

One of the first things that has come to light is that XPM is apparently not planned as an out-of-the-box (OOB) component of Windows 7 but rather a free download for those with the qualifying versions of Windows 7 (which should be Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate).  XP Mode will apparently be based on the next version of our host-based virtualization technology, VirtualPC, now to be called Windows Virtual PC (WVPC). 

It is also important to note that WVPC will require processor-based virtualization support (known as Intel-VT or AMD-V) to be present and enabled on the underlying PC, just like Hyper-V.  In a previous post, I alluded to this and also that one should not assume that “VT” is included with all current Intel processors.  It will be important for you and your customers to do due diligence here and insure that your desktops have this capability, or factor in the upgrade to it as part of the decision equation.

One of the key benefits of XP Mode is that it will incorporate a fully licensed copy of Windows XP SP3 in a downloadable VM.  Additionally, this VM (running in WVPC) has out-of-the-box integration with the local PC.  This is huge, and, just to clarify, what it means is that XPM does not require you to run the virtual environment as a separate Windows desktop (although you certainly can).  If you like, you can actually have the applications you install inside the virtual XP environment published directly in the host (Windows 7) OS as well. (e.g. shortcuts placed in the Start Menu.)  With this option users can run Windows XP-based applications right alongside their Windows 7 applications under a single desktop and have them appear to be native apps. Moreover, this integration means that local desktop drives are automatically mapped and show up in the VM.  And you can drag/drop between the VM and local desktop.  And, if that’s not enough, WVPC now includes the ability to leverage USB devices beyond the normal mouse and keyboard – this has not been possible in any previous version of our virtualization offerings.

It’s also important to remember that this solution is what I call stand-alone, in that it’s not managed OOB, and is thus aimed primarily at small businesses, which is also why it will be available in the Professional version (and above) not just as an Enterprise feature like BitLocker-to-go.  With that in mind, it should not be considered an alternative to more scalable solutions, such as MED-V and/or VDI, for larger businesses who normally want more control over things like who can install programs on their machines and other management issues.

My point in this post was to hit (and refresh) some of the key things you should know about Windows 7 XP Mode.  For those who need this to overcome compatibility, or other, issues that have kept them or their customers from making the transition to a “modern” OS (from our perspective, a modern OS would be one like Vista that has been developed under the SDL for enhanced security – see my recent post about this for more info if you want); to coin a take-off on an election theme – hopefully, “now you can”.

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