Microsoft announced earlier today that it has completed the development--or rather "finalized the code"--of the virtualized version of Windows XP for the upcoming Windows 7 operating system hitting shelves later this month. Windows XP Mode, free to those who purchase or upgrade to Windows 7, will allow end users the ability to execute programs that currently will not work on the newer OS.
"We expect many Windows XP applications to be compatible Windows 7 however Windows XP Mode is meant to serve as an added safety net so small and mid-sized businesses can migrate and run Windows 7 without any road blocks," said Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc. "Windows 7 Professional is designed to meet the needs of small and mid-sized businesses."
According to the company, XP Mode will be available on October 22, the same street date as Windows 7. However, the software (or virtualization layer) will only work on certain versions of Windows 7: Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Consumers will also need a machine with chip-level virtualization support activated, however not all PCs offer this type of hardware support.
LeBlanc also added that OEMs will be able to offer Windows XP Mode on their PCs based on their manufacturing schedules. To learn more about what Windows XP Mode offers in the features department, check out LeBlanc's older post here.
