Microsoft has today announced that it is releasing an update for Windows XP Mode that eliminates the need for hardware virtualization technology on the host CPU.
“We’re announcing an update to Windows XP Mode today that will make it a more accessible to PCs in small and midsize businesses who want to migrate to Windows 7 Professional but have applications that still require Windows XP. Windows XP Mode will no longer require hardware virtualization technology to run,” wrote Microsoft spokesman Matt LeBlanc.
Windows XP Mode allows Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise users to virtualize Windows XP within the Windows 7 environment. Using technology from Microsoft’s enterprise offerings, users can install and utilize applications that are incompatible with Windows 7 by running them inside Windows XP, which runs in the background as a transparent layer to the process. Windows XP Mode users can even publish icons installed to the XP VM to the Windows 7 desktop, where they can be accessed and run in the same way as a native program.
Removing XP Mode’s need for hardware virtualization technology like AMD’s AMD-V or Intel’s VT will enable Windows 7 users and businesses with older, but capable CPUs to benefit from Windows XP Mode without costly upgrades. Finally, Microsoft notes, Windows XP Mode will continue to use AMD-V or VT if offered on the client system.
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