Windows Virtual PC (32-bit)

Windows Virtual PC is an easy-to-use OS enhancement tool that allows you to run numerous PC-based operating systems on your home or business PC at the same time, with detailed settings for RAM utilization, shared storage resources, VMC importing choices, and more. 

This virtualization app, developed directly by Microsoft and optimized to run on Windows 7 and newer operating systems, has the full capability to spin up new virtual instances that can run a wide range of operating systems and make many productivity applications available to you, your coworkers, clients, and any other network users who can remotely access your PC hardware. 

While this application requires Windows 7, it also fully supports virtual machines running Windows XP and subsequent operating systems. To put up your own array of unique virtual machines, all you need are enough system resources, such as a powerful CPU and several gigabytes of RAM. 

While many virtualization software have difficult and unintuitive interfaces and toolkits, Windows Virtual PC can walk you through the step-by-step process of establishing a new virtual machine. More experienced users can always choose a faster method and configure their computers with an existing VMC file. 

Be warned that the most recent versions of Windows Virtual PC (released following the end of support for the "Virtual PC 2007" app) omit some popular capabilities, most notably drag-and-drop sharing or direct folder sharing between host and guest. 

Windows Virtual PC is completely free for all customers using Windows 7 or newer. 

Alternatives

While this tool has powerful virtualization capabilities, users may want to examine other virtualization software like VMware Workstation or Oracle VirtualBox. 

Pricing 

Windows Virtual PC is available for free download to users of real Windows operating systems. Users may need to obtain licenses for certain guest operating systems that they wish to operate on the virtual machines. 

System requirements 

It requires a host operating system that runs a compatible version of Windows, such as Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11. 

The minimum hardware requirements are a suitable processor with virtualization capabilities, enough RAM, and disk space to enable virtual machines. 

PROS 

• A seamless interaction with the Windows desktop environment. 
• Wide compatibility with different operating systems. 
• Snapshot and restore capabilities provide simple system backup and recovery. 
• USB device support provides greater versatility. 
• The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. 

CONS 

• There is limited support for macOS and other non-Windows operating systems. 
• The official website is no longer updated. 
• Performance may vary according on hardware resources and virtual machine setups. 
• Certain advanced capabilities may necessitate further setup and configuration.