Windows XP beta, a part of the Windows NT family OS was released in 2001. Microsoft launched it for the public in October in the same year. It’s the second most demanded operating system after Windows 7.

Microsoft released Windows XP with the intention to present a less complicated OS for common users. That’s why; it came to the spotlight in different editions: Home, Pro, Vienna, Starter and Pro, etc. Media Center Edition also got the attention of users because it came with special Media Center features. Windows XP Home was released with less difficult functionality to facilitate home users.

Now, Microsoft doesn’t release updates for Windows XP, but some users still prefer it for some research or for fun.

Download Windows XP Home

Download 32-bit

Download Requirements

  • Processor: Pentium III
  • Memory: 512MB
  • Hard Disk Space: 5GB
  • Display: Super VGA (800 x 600)

Methods to Create Windows XP Home Bootable USB (Installation Guide)

You can create a bootable USB flash drive by using a few methods. Here, I am discussing the easy and quick methods. Follow them before moving to the installation guide.

Method # 1: Easy USB Creator 2.3.1 application (Free)

If you want to use this tool, you need to download “.NET Framework 2.0 or above” from Microsoft’s official site. It’s important to convert the ISO image into an executable file.

To create a bootable USB, you need to follow a few steps given below.

(This method is compatible with all versions of Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, 8, 10 and Windows Server.)

  1. Connect a USB flash drive with the PC.
  2. Download the ISO file of Windows XP Home from the above section.
  3. Download the Easy USB Creator 2.3.1 from Here.
  4. Double-click the “.exe file” to install it.
  5. Now, launch the tool.
  6. It shows a sign like “…” this with the ISO file option. Select this sign to add the path of the Windows XP ISO file.
  7. Below this option, you will see “Destination Drive.” Select a drive where you want to save the “executable file” and click “Start.”
  8. The tool starts converting the ISO image into a bootable file. Within a minute, your bootable USB is ready. Move to the installation guide.

Method # 2: Bootable USB/DVD of Zipped Windows XP ISO

(To open a zipped ISO of Windows XP, you need to download 7-Zip Extractor. It extracts the zipped files for further process.)

Follow the steps below to create a bootable USB flash drive.

  1. Click the “Download” button to start the downloading process. Once the Windows XP ISO is downloaded, double-click the ISO files to extract them.
  2. Now, burn them into a bootable Windows XP ISO CD.
  3. Once your bootable Windows XP ISO CD is ready, you can use it to install Windows XP on your desired system. Move to the installation guide.

Method # 3: Use USB Creator 2.0 (Microsoft’s Tool)

You can create a bootable USB flash drive by using USB Creator 2.0. You can download it from Microsoft’s official site. Follow the instructions below in this context.

  1. Connect the USB to your PC.
  2. Now, download the ISO file from the above section.
  3. Select USB/DVD to save the ISO image.
  4. Now, open the tool “USB Creator 2.0” and select “Browse” to locate the ISO file.
  5. Below this option, there is “Destination Drive.”
  6. Select the USB drive from here.
  7. Now click the “Create USB” option at the bottom of the tool. It will start converting the ISO image into the Bootable USB.

Installation Guide

Now, you have a bootable USB drive.

  1. First, you should enter in BIOS to Enable the Installation from USB. For this, follow the steps here.
  2. Reboot system and press “Del” to enter BIOS. (If your system is showing any other key, like F1, F2, press it.
  3. Select “Advanced BIOS settings” by using up or down arrow keys.
  4. Press “USB as the primary boot device” and press F10 to exit BIOS.
  5. Now, connect your USB to the system and restart the computer.
  6. First, select the PC version. Mostly it is 32-bit. If you are using 64-bit, select the relevant and click “Next” from the list.
  7. Select “Install from USB” and click “Next” from there.
  8. The system will start copying files from the USB drive.
  9. Make partitions of your system and select the partition where you want to save Windows XP OS.
  10. It will collect information first.
  11. Then Dynamic Updates are installed.
  12. Now, it shows that it’s preparing installation.
  13. Finally, the installation is finalized.
  14. Now, wait for a while until it completes the installation process. It may take about 40 minutes.
  15. The PC restarts several times in between. Don’t interrupt the installation process.
  16. Now set the time and date according to the geographical location.

Enjoy using Windows XP.

Windows XP Features

Let’s have a look at the striking features of Windows XP to know in-depth about it.

Upgraded Device supports USB 2.0 and FireWire. It also provides better support for Intel HD Audio-based hardware and Windows IA based scanners.

Remote Desktop feature brings great ease for users. They can access any computer in the world remotely. They can exchange files, documents and media files by using it remotely.

Device Driver Rollback helps uninstall and to move back to the previous OS.  Sometimes, you install drivers for a device that’s showing errors. So, the Device Driver Rollback in Win XP helps moving you back to the previous driver by uninstalling the latest one.

This version of Windows is mounted with the built-in CD burner. So, you do not need to install separate CD burner software while using it.

Microsoft introduced the Encrypted file system supported by Multi-users in Windows XP.

Downloading alerts feature is highly useful. You get alert before downloading an attachment regarding a safe or unsafe file. However, it is strictly applicable while you are using Internet Explorer. It does not work with any other browser.

FAQs

Does it support DOS games?
Yes, but only the old ones. If you want to play the latest DOS games, you require a DOS emulator like DOSBox. It’s an open-source DOS emulator to play the latest DOS games in Win XP.
I am a graduate student. Should I install Windows XP Pro or Home?
You should select Windows XP Home because it has an easy user interface and simple features.
Can I install Windows XP in multiple PCs by using one bootable USB flash drive?
No, Windows XP’s one copy is only for one user. To install Win XP in another system, create another USB flash drive.
Is it safe to use Windows XP now?
It may be risky now as Microsoft is not releasing the security updates for it. So, the features may be attractive for you, but the security of your system is at a risk.
Can I order a copy of Windows XP online?
Yes, you can get it from Microsoft by forwarding a request.
How to select a variant of Windows XP?
While selecting the version of Windows XP, you should be very careful. The last update on Security for Windows XP was released on April 8, 2014. So, Microsoft support recommends you to use the latest version of Windows XP to avoid security issues.
Is Windows XP still used around the globe?
Of course, about 7% of PC users are still using Windows XP around the globe. Although Microsoft has stopped issuing the updates, a small number of users still run Windows XP on their systems.

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