XP add-on

Microsoft has unveiled that Windows 7 will have an add-on feature that lets users run applications designed for Windows XP in a virtual machine.

The feature is called “Windows XP Mode” that creates an XP virtual environment running under Virtual PC, Microsoft’s client virtualization technology, within Windows 7.

Windows XP Mode will be offered as a free download only to users running Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise, the three top-priced editions of the new OS.

The official statement from Microsoft blog says, “All you need to do is to install suitable applications directly in Windows XP Mode. The applications will be published to the Windows 7 desktop and then you can run them directly from Windows 7.”

Microsoft has also announced that it would post Windows 7 RC for public download on May 5th.