I would like to run windows XP inside of Windows 10

Run Windows XP as a Generation 1 virtual machine; Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise can use the built-in Hyper-V feature, while Windows 10 Home requires a third-party virtualization product.

1. Check the Windows 10 edition

Open Settings → System → About, then check Windows specifications → Edition.

• Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise: Hyper-V is available if the PC meets its hardware requirements: a 64-bit processor with SLAT and virtualization support, plus at least 4 GB RAM.
• Windows 10 Home: Hyper-V cannot be installed. Use a third-party hypervisor such as Oracle VirtualBox or VMware Workstation instead.^1^

You will also need legitimate Windows XP installation media, normally an ISO or physical disc, and a valid product key.

2. Enable Hyper-V

On Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise:

1. Select Start → Settings → Apps → Apps & features.
2. Select Programs and Features.
3. Select Turn Windows features on or off.
4. Check Hyper-V, select OK, and restart the computer.

Alternatively, open Windows PowerShell as administrator and run:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature `
  -Online `
  -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V `
  -All

Enter Y when prompted to restart.^1^

If Hyper-V is unavailable even on Pro or Enterprise, check the computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings and enable hardware virtualization.

3. Create the Windows XP VM

1. Open Start, search for Hyper-V Manager, and launch it.
2. Select the computer name in the left pane.
3. Select Action → New → Virtual Machine.
4. Name it, for example, Windows XP.
5. Select Generation 1. Do not select Generation 2: Generation 2 is intended for newer operating systems and uses UEFI, while Generation 1 provides legacy BIOS and IDE-based boot devices appropriate to an older guest.^2^
6. Assign memory. A modest allocation suitable for the applications you intend to run is preferable; leave enough memory for Windows 10.
7. Select a network switch, or choose Not Connected for better isolation.
8. Create a virtual hard disk.
9. Select Install an operating system from a bootable image file, then choose the Windows XP ISO.
10. Review the configuration and select Finish.^3^

To install XP, right-click the VM, select Connect, and then select Action → Start. Complete Windows Setup inside the VM.

Important limitations

• Windows XP is not a currently supported Hyper-V guest. The current Microsoft guest compatibility table does not list XP, so drivers, integration services, display behavior, and networking can be limited.
• Hyper-V does not provide modern accelerated graphics or native virtual audio hardware for legacy XP guests. If an XP application requires sound or 3D acceleration, a third-party hypervisor that emulates older hardware may be a better fit.
• Direct USB-device attachment can also be problematic with Hyper-V. If the purpose is to operate an old USB scanner, printer, or specialized device, confirm that the selected virtualization product supports USB passthrough before investing time in the XP installation.
• Windows XP support ended on April 8, 2014. Unsupported Windows versions receive neither routine software updates nor security fixes and are more exposed to malware.^4^

Keep the XP VM disconnected from the internet unless connectivity is essential. Prefer an isolated virtual switch, disable shared folders when unnecessary, and exchange files through carefully scanned removable images. Windows 10 itself reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so the host should also be moved to a supported Windows release when possible.^4^

References

1. Install Hyper-V (windows)
2. Should I create a generation 1 or 2 virtual machine in Hyper-V?
3. Create a virtual machine in Hyper-V
4. What does it mean if Windows isn't supported? | Microsoft Support