Using Windows XP today: from Mac virtualisation to a retro PC
July 21, 2023Amid Windows 11 upgrades and the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025, there remains a longing for a return to the simplicity of the past. Windows XP, the beloved operating system released by Microsoft in October 2001, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many users. Microsoft ended support for it on 8 April 2014, yet enthusiasts still find ways to keep Windows XP up and running today.
A word of caution first: Windows XP has not received security updates for more than a decade, so treat it as end-of-life software. Keep it away from online banking, important accounts and sensitive files, and use it for nostalgia, offline work and old games rather than as your main system.
There are various methods to enable the use of Windows XP in the present day. One option is to procure an older PC or laptop, albeit with hardware limitations. It is important to note that such systems may not support running the latest PC games. However, the built-in nostalgic games like Pinball, along with retro titles such as Sonic CD and the original Half-Life, still run smoothly on Windows XP.
Another avenue is virtualisation, a process that involves running Windows XP within an application on an existing system. Surprisingly, this is possible even on Apple silicon Macs, such as M2 models. The free app UTM can run Windows XP on a Mac; strictly speaking, it emulates an x86 PC rather than virtualising one, because Apple silicon uses a different processor architecture, so XP runs more slowly than it would on native hardware, but its modest requirements keep it usable. UTM's gallery offers a ready-made Windows XP template: download it, add your own Windows XP installation image and install the system with the default options. On Windows 11 PCs, VMware Workstation Pro, which Broadcom has made free for personal and commercial use since November 2024, provides a similar virtualisation option, enabling users to run Windows XP as an application and easily install additional apps and games within the virtual environment.
Regardless of the chosen method, users will find themselves greeted by the familiar "Welcome" splash screen and the iconic "Bliss" wallpaper, instantly transporting them back to the early 2000s.
However, establishing an internet connection poses a minor challenge. For users employing UTM on macOS, they can select the "Bridged" network mode in the virtual machine's Network settings, allowing them to utilise their Mac's Wi-Fi for internet access within the virtual machine.
In the context of work-related tasks, you can utilise Windows XP to draft articles and send them via email. Internet Explorer 6, the browser that came with Windows XP, can barely cope with today's websites. To access websites properly, you have to download an older version of Firefox: Firefox 52.9 ESR, released in 2018, was the last version Mozilla made for Windows XP. Although loading text was manageable, you will experience hitches in the display of images, complex layouts, and advertisements, possibly leading to performance slowdowns and likely browser crashes.
Paradoxically, these limitations proved beneficial as they deterred procrastination and facilitated sustained focus. The pre-installed games on Windows XP, such as Pinball and Minesweeper, provided enjoyable breaks from work. By logging into a GOG account, you could also play late-1990s games like Shadows of the Empire and Tomb Raider III, whose GOG versions list Windows XP among their supported systems.
Windows Media Player 8 triggered a wave of nostalgia; however, its limited functionality for managing music and videos revealed its age. Nevertheless, downloading VLC Player resolved these issues, just as it did back in 2001.
Remarkably, the interface and colour schemes of Windows XP still hold up well today. You’ll realise that Windows 11's redesigned Explorer interface seems to draw inspiration from Windows XP, both in terms of appearance and the inclusion of a sidebar.
Windows XP serves as both a time capsule and a powerful productivity tool. For individuals struggling to maintain focus, stepping into the world of Windows XP for a couple of hours can be a remarkable remedy. It offers an escape from modern apps and features designed to block out distractions or even the Focus feature in Windows 11, allowing users to concentrate on their tasks uniquely and uninterruptedly.
While Windows XP may no longer be a mainstream operating system, its enduring popularity and usability highlight its significance. Utilising Windows XP can be a refreshing way to enhance focus and productivity, whether through virtualisation, an older PC, or a dedicated partition.
