Microsoft has today eased the transition to Windows 7 for business users by announcing that XP Mode will now function without the need for specific CPUs.
XP Mode, a virtual machine package for Windows 7 containing a pre-installed version of Windows XP, allows users to run a virtual Windows XP environment through which older applications can retain compatibility. The introduction of XP Mode has been deemed critical in convincing business users to upgrade to Windows 7, but originally launched with specific hardware requirements - XP mode would only run on systems equipped with processors supporting Intel VT or AMD-V.
The software giant has today lifted that restriction by making available an updated XP Mode package that "no longer requires hardware virtualisation technology".
"This change simplifies the experience by making virtualisation more accessible to many more PCs for small and midsize businesses wanting to migrate to Windows 7 Professional or higher editions, while still running Windows XP-based productivity applications," said Microsoft in a statement.
Whether or not running XP Mode without a Intel VT or AMD-V processor will have an adverse effect on performance remains to be seen, but Microsoft will be hoping the change will encourage more business users to make the transition to Windows 7.
Having launched in October 2009, Windows 7 has become Microsoft's fastest selling operating system of all time with sales of over 90 million, but still occupies less than 10 per cent of the global market. Microsoft's nine-year-old Windows XP - an operating system that remains prevalent among enterprise users - commands over 65 per cent market share.
The updated XP Mode is available at windows.com/xpmode
