Is there a way to run old Windows XP CD games on my Windows 10 computer?

Question

Okay, so I've been digging through old discs lately to see what I'd like to keep and what I know aren't needed anymore. I ended up finding some really old puzzle games that my family and I loved playing.

I know, logically, that a virtual machine or virtual box program would be needed to run those games. And from what I've read and researched, I'd need an XP installation disc or ISO from the virtual console to work, but I don't think we have either, to be honest.

But realistically, I'm not very computer-savvy as far as programming goes which is where and why I'm lost. If there are any instructions, advice, or processes anyone can offer (hopefully in simplified terms) that would be very helpful!

Answer 1

in Windows 7 Pro, you could run Virtual Windows XP for free without buying a disc.

in Windows 10, SOME games might still work. you just need to try the disc. no harm done.

otherwise, yeah, you need a virtual XP install, and some games STILL might not work.

that's why i never got rid of my old XP machine :)

Answer 2

Whether a game will work on Windows 10 depends a lot on what (if any) copy protection they put on the disk, and how well the game was programmed. Puzzle games from around 1998-2005 tended to be on the lower end of quality as far as programming skill was concerned, so they frequently do not work in Windows 10.



I recommend VMWare's VMPlayer. It can be downloaded for free. Once installed, you can run it and use the wizards to create a new virtual machine in it with the RAM and Hard Drive specs you need, and spin it up. And you can let it share your internet connection, DVD drives, etc., but you'll probably want to not turn on the ability for it to reach the rest of your hard drive.



But as you say, the downside is that you have to install your own OS on it. If you know any techie-type person, they might have an XP install disk lying around they'd be willing to loan you. or it's probably easy to find a pirate ISO file for Windows XP online somewhere.

Answer 3

I've had mixed success.

Some of the old software will run on Windows 10 right out of the box. You make a shortcut to it, and with the shortcut select "properties" and set for Windows XP compatibility.



Some software uses SecuROM or similar copy protection. Windows 10 does not support SecuROM copy protection. There may be a workaround patch online for your game. There might not be.



Some software will not run on Windows 10 no matter what. My computer was Win 8 when I bought it. When I upgraded to Win 10, I kept the old hard drive lying around just in case. Yup, that's the only way I can play "Black & White 2."

Answer 4

You need to create a virtual machine. Search YouTube for instructions. Regardless a lot of the old games are converted for you on https://store.steampowered.com/ Many are free or cost less than $10. Well worth your money. Otherwise to get some of these old games to work you really have to be an expert.