Editing Virtual PC (section)

== {{Anchor|Host operating systems}} {{Anchor|Guest operating systems}} Supported host and guest operating systems ==
Virtual PC allows multiple guest operating systems to run virtualized on a single physical host. Although a number of popular host and guest operating systems lack official Microsoft support, there are sometimes few, if any, technical obstacles impeding installation. Instead, a configuration may be unsupported due to Microsoft's own [[EULA|licensing]] restrictions,<ref name="bergstein" /><ref name="vista_eula_orig" /> or a decision to focus testing and support resources elsewhere, especially when production use of a [[Legacy software#Additional uses of the term Legacy in computing|legacy]] product fades.<ref name="vguy_win95" /><ref name="vguy_dosadd" />

A program manager on Microsoft's core virtualization team explains what official support entails:
{{blockquote|With each release of Virtual PC we spend a significant amount of time trying to decide which (guest) operating system should be officially supported.  While Virtual PC is capable of running many operating systems, official support for an operating system means that we will test it thoroughly, not ship Virtual PC if an issue exists with that operating system, and provide full support for customers who encounter problems while running these operating systems under Virtual PC.<ref name="vguy_win95">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Why won't the Virtual PC 2007 Virtual Machine Additions load on Windows 95? | work = Virtual PC Guy's Weblog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2007/01/03/why-won-t-the-virtual-pc-2007-virtual-machine-additions-load-on-windows-95.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = January 25, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100125040143/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2007/01/03/why-won-t-the-virtual-pc-2007-virtual-machine-additions-load-on-windows-95.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref>|Ben Armstrong, "Virtual PC Guy"}}

As a product positioned for desktop use, Virtual PC provides official support for a different set of operating systems than its server-oriented counterpart, [[Microsoft Virtual Server]] and the more advanced [[Hyper-V]].<ref name="G9EYt">{{cite web | title = Microsoft Virtualization Technologies | work = Infrastructure Planning and Design | publisher = [[Microsoft TechNet]] | date = February 25, 2008 | url = https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb897466.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = March 1, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090301054721/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb897466.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="vpc2004_comparo" /> While the latter products support a range of server operating systems,<ref name="vs2005_faq">{{cite web | title = Virtual Server 2005 Frequently Asked Questions | work = Microsoft Virtual Server | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = May 14, 2008 | url = http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/virtualserver/evaluation/virtualizationfaq.mspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = July 3, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090703094510/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/virtualserver/evaluation/virtualizationfaq.mspx | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="hyperv_guests">{{cite web | title = Virtualization with Hyper-V: Supported Guest Operating Systems | work = Windows Server 2008 – Product Information | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = <!-- 2008? --> | url = http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/hyperv-supported-guest-os.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = August 25, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090825175116/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/hyperv-supported-guest-os.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref> Virtual PC 2007 supports only one variety as host and another as guest;<ref name="vpc2007sp1_rel_notes" /> its successor, Windows Virtual PC, supports none.<ref name="wvpc_tips" /> And, whereas Virtual Server and Hyper-V have officially supported select [[Linux]] guests since 2006<ref name="vguy_linuxvs">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Linux is now supported under Virtual Server | work = Virtual PC Guy's Weblog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = April 3, 2006 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2006/04/03/566273.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = August 26, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090826235657/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2006/04/03/566273.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref> and 2008,<ref name="earp_linuxhyperv" /> respectively, {{as of|2009|lc=on}}, no Microsoft release of Virtual PC has officially supported Linux. Nonetheless, a number of [[Linux distribution]]s<ref name="earp_linuxhyperv">{{cite web | last = Earp | first = Sean | title = Linux on Hyper-V | work = The Sean Blog | publisher = [[Microsoft TechNet]] | date = June 29, 2008 | url = http://blogs.technet.com/seanearp/archive/2008/06/29/linux-on-hyper-v.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = March 14, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090314102402/http://blogs.technet.com/seanearp/archive/2008/06/29/linux-on-hyper-v.aspx | url-status = live }} (Also links to individual posts on installing various Linux distributions in Virtual PC 2007.)</ref> do run successfully in Virtual PC 2007, and can be used with the [[#Virtual Machine Additions|Virtual Machine Additions]] from Virtual Server (see [[#Linux guests|below]]).<ref name="vguy_linux07" /><ref name="vs_vma">{{cite web | title = Virtual Machine Additions for Linux | work = Microsoft Download Center | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = October 24, 2007 | url = http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=bf12642f-77dc-4d45-ae4e-e1b05e0a2674&DisplayLang=en | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = July 6, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090706003836/http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?FamilyID=bf12642f-77dc-4d45-ae4e-e1b05e0a2674&displaylang=en | url-status = live }}</ref> Lastly, while 64-bit host support was introduced with Virtual PC 2007, {{as of|2009|alt=no}} release has been able to virtualize a 64-bit guest;<ref name="WGF4c">{{cite web | last = Cummings | first = Joanne | title = Microsoft Virtual PC: Good Enough – for the Price | work = Redmondmag.com | publisher = 1105 Media | date = November 1, 2006 | url = http://redmondmag.com/Articles/2006/11/01/Microsoft-Virtual-PC-Good-Enough--for-the-Price.aspx?Page=1 | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = July 27, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110727112251/http://redmondmag.com/Articles/2006/11/01/Microsoft-Virtual-PC-Good-Enough--for-the-Price.aspx?Page=1 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="v2roa">{{cite web | last = Woolsey | first = Jeff | title = Microsoft Virtualization and Virtual PC 2007 | work = Microsoft Virtualization Team Blog | publisher = [[Microsoft TechNet]] | date = July 10, 2007 | url = http://blogs.technet.com/virtualization/archive/2007/07/10/microsoft-virtualization-and-virtual-pc-2007.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = February 23, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090223003850/http://blogs.technet.com/virtualization/archive/2007/07/10/microsoft-virtualization-and-virtual-pc-2007.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="ZS0Tc">{{cite web | last = Savill | first = John | title = Does Windows Virtual PC in Windows 7 support 64-bit guest OSs? | work = Windows IT Pro | publisher = [[Penton Media]] | date = May 7, 2009 | url = http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/102040/q-does-windows-virtual-pc-in-windows-7-support-64-bit-guest-oss.html | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = March 31, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210331163405/https://www.itprotoday.com/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Microsoft has thus far reserved this functionality for [[Hyper-V]], which runs only on 64-bit (x64) editions of [[Windows Server 2008]], [[Windows Server 2012]], [[Windows Server 2012#Windows Server 2012 R2|Windows Server 2012 R2]], [[Windows Server 2016]], [[Windows 8 editions#Comparison chart|Windows 8/8.1 Pro and Enterprise]], and [[Windows 10 editions#Comparison chart|Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education]].

=== Table of supported operating systems ===
In the following table and notes, "support" refers to official Microsoft support, as described above.

{{col-begin|width=auto; margin:0 auto}}
{{col-break}}
{| style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; margin:1em auto 0 auto" class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="3" | Operating system version
! colspan="3" style="padding-bottom:0.6em" | Virtual PC 2004<br /><ref name="vpc2004_details">{{cite web | title = Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 – Product Details | work = Product Information Center | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = <!-- circa 2003 Q4 product release? --> | url = http://www.microsoft.com/PRODUCTS/info/product.aspx?view=22&pcid=ba9e68ed-9571-4d10-82d2-b51828c33297&type=ovr#ProductDetails | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = February 18, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090218000739/http://www.microsoft.com/PRODUCTS/info/product.aspx?view=22&pcid=ba9e68ed-9571-4d10-82d2-b51828c33297&type=ovr#ProductDetails | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="vpc2004sp1_readme">{{cite web | title = Readme for Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 Service Pack 1 | work = Download Center | publisher = [[Microsoft]] | date = 12 October 2004 | url = http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21659 | access-date = 10 July 2009 | archive-date = October 26, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121026034020/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21659 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="vpc2004_comparo">{{cite journal | last = Davis | first = Megan | editor-last = Blade | editor-first = Tina | title = Virtual PC vs. Virtual Server: Comparison of Features and Uses | journal = Microsoft Download Center | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = May 24, 2005 | url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/4/d/14d17804-1659-435d-bc11-657a6da308c0/VSvsVPC.doc | format = [[Microsoft Word]] | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = February 26, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120226053201/http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/4/d/14d17804-1659-435d-bc11-657a6da308c0/VSvsVPC.doc | url-status = dead }} See also [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=8ed0a6cb-0f24-408e-af8f-51edf508d361 download details] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124121408/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=8ed0a6cb-0f24-408e-af8f-51edf508d361 |date=January 24, 2010 }}.</ref><ref name="iYru1">{{cite episode | title = Demo: Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 Features | series = Event Review: Microsoft Virtual PC Overview – Session TNT1-103 | url = https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb643127.aspx | network = [[Microsoft TechNet]] | airdate = <!-- page undated --> | format = [[Executable]] installer for [[Windows Media]] | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = April 6, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120406064408/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb643127.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="XfEVs">{{cite web | title = Download Details: Virtual PC 2004 SP1 | work = Microsoft Download Center | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = August 30, 2006 | url = http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=6d58729d-dfa8-40bf-afaf-20bcb7f01cd1 | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = August 31, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100831175349/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=6D58729D-DFA8-40BF-AFAF-20BCB7F01CD1&displaylang=en | url-status = live }}</ref>
! colspan="3" style="padding-bottom:0.6em" | Virtual PC 2007<br /><ref name="vpc2007sp1_rel_notes">{{cite web | title = Virtual PC 2007 SP1 Release Notes | work = Microsoft Download Center | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = May 15, 2008 | url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/f/4/8f44a346-1f62-4bb2-b957-7508ea1f7d80/relnotes.htm | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = December 28, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141228090217/http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/f/4/8f44a346-1f62-4bb2-b957-7508ea1f7d80/relnotes.htm | url-status = live }} See also [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=9f3d3eb5-5e03-4712-999c-e96f91bdf128 download details] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830013512/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9f3d3eb5-5e03-4712-999c-e96f91bdf128&displaylang=en |date=August 30, 2010 }}.</ref><ref name="vpc2007_rel_notes">{{cite web | title = Virtual PC 2007 Release Notes | work = Microsoft Download Center | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = February 19, 2007 | url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/4/c/44ccd131-67fb-4224-a96e-193be1765b43/relnotes.htm | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = March 3, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221517/http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/4/c/44ccd131-67fb-4224-a96e-193be1765b43/relnotes.htm | url-status = dead }} See also [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=10c298be-d794-4313-801f-04e7c1ad5da0 download details] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124115609/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=10c298be-d794-4313-801f-04e7c1ad5da0 |date=January 24, 2010 }}.</ref><ref name="vpc2007sp1_hotfix">{{cite web | title = Description of the hotfix rollup package for Virtual PC 2007 Service Pack 1: February 20, 2009 | work = Microsoft Help and Support | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = February 20, 2009 | url = http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958162 | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = March 3, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150303211456/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958162 | url-status = live }}</ref>
! colspan="4" style="padding-bottom:0.6em" | Windows Virtual PC<br /><ref name="wvpc_tips">{{cite web | title = Windows Virtual PC Tips | work = Microsoft Download Center | publisher = [[Microsoft]] | date = May 18, 2009 | url = http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=90&p=&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=ffc6c931-6216-4a1d-bdab-936fef353060&u=http%3a//download.microsoft.com/download/7/D/6/7D686A6A-B0F7-42E5-BB3B-4972A8C42C9F/Windows+Virtual+PC+Tips.pdf | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = June 26, 2012 | archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/68hHpjHkP?url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/D/6/7D686A6A-B0F7-42E5-BB3B-4972A8C42C9F/Windows%20Virtual%20PC%20Tips.pdf | url-status = live }} See also [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=ffc6c931-6216-4a1d-bdab-936fef353060 download details] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731171401/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=FFC6C931-6216-4A1D-BDAB-936FEF353060&displaylang=en |date=July 31, 2009 }}. (Contains a more precise and complete list of supported operating systems than the [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/requirements.aspx Requirements page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319153534/http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/requirements.aspx |date=March 19, 2013 }} on Microsoft.com.)</ref><ref name="wvpc_req">{{cite web | title = Windows Virtual PC – Requirements | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | date = <!-- Undated. --> | url = http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/requirements.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = March 19, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130319153534/http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/requirements.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="s9aEA" /><ref name="LndBv">{{cite web|title=Windows Virtual PC Beta |work=Microsoft Download Center |publisher=[[Microsoft.com]] |date=May 4, 2009 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=65E1C5EB-DF9B-415F-B2D6-27F6EF5DCEB9&displaylang=en |access-date=July 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704023244/http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=65E1C5EB-DF9B-415F-B2D6-27F6EF5DCEB9&displaylang=en |archive-date=July 4, 2009}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="2" | Host || Guest || colspan="2" | Host || Guest || colspan="2" | Host || Guest
|-
! 32-bit || 64-bit || 32-bit || 32-bit || 64-bit || 32-bit || 32-bit || 64-bit || 32-bit
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 11]]
| {{n/a}} || No || {{n/a}} || {{n/a}} || No || {{n/a}} || {{n/a}} || No || {{n/a}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 10]]
|colspan="9"| No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 8.1]]
|colspan="9" rowspan="2"| No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 8]]
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 7 editions#Windows 7 Ultimate|Windows 7 Ultimate]]
|rowspan="5" colspan="3"| No || No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|1}}</span> || No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|2}}</span> || No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|3}}</span> || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 7 editions#Windows 7 Enterprise|Windows 7 Enterprise]]
| No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|1}}</span> || No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|2}}</span> || No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|3}}</span> || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 7 editions#Windows 7 Professional|Windows 7 Professional]]
| No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|1}}</span> || No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|2}}</span> || No<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|δ|δ|3}}</span> || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 7 editions#Windows 7 Home Premium|Windows 7 Home Premium]]
| No || No || No || {{yes}}{{ref label|I|I|1}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|I|I|2}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 7 editions#Windows 7 Home Basic|Windows 7 Home Basic]]
| No || No || No || {{yes}}{{ref label|I|I|3}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|I|I|4}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 7 editions#Windows 7 Starter|Windows 7 Starter]]
| No || {{n/a}} || No || No || {{n/a}} || No || No || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Server 2008|Windows Server 2008 Standard]]
| No || No || No || No || No || {{yes}}{{ref label|E|E|1}} || No || No || No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Vista editions#Windows Vista Ultimate|Windows Vista Ultimate]]
|colspan="3" rowspan="5" |No || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|D|D|2}}{{ref label|G|G|2}} || colspan="2" rowspan="5"| No || {{yes}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Vista editions#Windows Vista Enterprise|Windows Vista Enterprise]]
| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|D|D|2}}{{ref label|G|G|2}} || {{yes}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Vista editions#Windows Vista Business|Windows Vista Business]]
| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|D|D|3}}{{ref label|G|G|3}} || {{yes}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Vista editions#Windows Vista Home Premium|Windows Vista Home Premium]]
| {{yes}}{{ref label|H|H|1}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|H|H|2}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|D|D|4}}{{ref label|F|F|1}} || No{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Vista editions#Windows Vista Home Basic|Windows Vista Home Basic]]
| {{yes}}{{ref label|H|H|3}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|H|H|4}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|F|F|2}} || No{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Vista editions#Windows Vista Starter|Windows Vista Starter]]
| No || {{n/a}} || No || No || {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || No || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Server 2003#Standard|Windows Server 2003 Standard]]
| {{yes}}{{ref label|B|B|1}} || No || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || No || No || No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows XP Professional]]
| {{yes}} || No || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}} ||rowspan="5"| No || No || {{yes}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows XP Tablet PC Edition]]
| {{yes}} || {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows XP Media Centre Edition|Windows XP Media Center Edition]]
| No || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|γ|γ|1}} || No || {{n/a}} || No || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows XP Home Edition]]
| No || {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|H|H|5}} || {{n/a}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|H|H|6}} || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows XP Starter Edition]]
| No || {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || No || {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|J|J|none}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 2000 Server]]
| No ||rowspan="2" {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || No ||rowspan="2" {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || No ||rowspan="2" {{n/a}} || No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 2000 Professional]]
| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || No || {{yes}} || No || No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows Me]]
| No || {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || No || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|C|C|1}} || No || {{n/a}} || No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 98&nbsp;Second Edition]]
|rowspan="2"| No ||rowspan="2" {{n/a}} || {{yes}} ||rowspan="2"| No ||rowspan="2" {{n/a}} || {{yes}} ||rowspan="2"| No ||rowspan="2" {{n/a}} ||rowspan="2"| No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 98]] <span style="font-weight:normal">(original release)</span>
| {{yes}} || No{{ref label|C|C|1}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 95]]
| No || {{n/a}} || {{yes}} || No || {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|C|C|3}}<span style="letter-spacing:0.05em">{{ref label|β|β|1}}</span> || No || {{n/a}} || No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows NT 4.0 Workstation]]
|rowspan="3"| No ||rowspan="3" {{n/a}} || {{yes}} ||rowspan="3"| No ||rowspan="3" {{n/a}} || No{{ref label|C|C|4}} ||rowspan="3"| No ||rowspan="3" {{n/a}} ||rowspan="3"| No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows NT 3.51 Workstation]]
| No || No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows NT 3.1]] | [[Windows NT 3.5|NT 3.5]]
| No{{ref label|ε|ε|1}} || No{{ref label|ε|ε|2}}
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[IBM OS/2]] <span style="font-weight:normal">(select editions)</span>
| No || {{n/a}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|A|A|1}} || No || {{n/a}} || {{yes}}{{ref label|A|A|2}} || No || {{n/a}} || No
|-
| colspan="13" |
|-
! Operating system version
! colspan="10" | 16-bit
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 3.1]]
| colspan="2" | No || No<ref name="vrEt4">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Windows 3.11 on Virtual PC | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = October 26, 2004 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2004/10/26/247793.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = January 30, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100130090020/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2004/10/26/247793.aspx | url-status = live }} (Microsoft manager Ben Armstrong reports that Windows 3.11 installs without a problem in Virtual PC 2004.)</ref> || colspan="2" | No || No || colspan="4" | No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[Windows 3.0]]
| colspan="2" | No || No || colspan="2" | No || No{{ref label|C|C|5}}{{ref label|α|α|1}} || colspan="4" | No
|-
! style="text-align:left" | [[MS-DOS 6.22]]
| colspan="2" | No || {{yes}} || colspan="2" | No || No{{ref label|C|C|5}}{{ref label|α|α|1}} || colspan="4" | No
|}
{{col-break}}
{| style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; margin: 1em 0 1em 1em" class="wikitable"
| colspan="2" style="color:gray; height:3em; letter-spacing:0.2em;"| LEGEND
|-
! colspan="2" | Microsoft support
|-
| {{yes}} || style="text-align:left; padding:0.2em 0.5em" | Supported
|-
| style="width:4em;" | No || style="text-align:left; padding:0.2em 0.5em" | Not supported
|-
| {{n/a}} || style="text-align:left; padding:0.2em 0.5em" | Version nonexistent
|}
{{col-end}}
{{refbegin}}
'''Notes – details of Microsoft support'''
{{ordered list|list-style-type=upper-latin|style=font-size:95%
|1= {{note label|A|A|1}}{{note label|A|A|2}} Supported editions: OS/2 Warp Version 4 Fix Pack&nbsp;15, OS/2 Warp Convenience Pack&nbsp;1, and OS/2 Warp Convenience Pack&nbsp;2.<ref name="vpc2007sp1_rel_notes" /><ref name="vpc2004_details" /><ref name="vpc2007_rel_notes" />

|2= {{note label|B|B|1}} Support added in Virtual PC 2004 Service Pack&nbsp;1 (SP1) for Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition as a host.<ref name="vpc2004sp1_readme" />

|3= {{note label|C|C|1}}{{note label|C|C|2}}{{note label|C|C|3}}{{note label|C|C|4}}{{note label|C|C|5}} For Virtual PC 2007, Microsoft designated the following [[legacy system|legacy]] operating systems "compatible", but discontinued official support: MS-DOS 6.22, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 95, the original release of Windows 98 and Windows Me.<ref name="vpc2007sp1_rel_notes" /><ref name="vpc2007_rel_notes" />

|4= {{note label|D|D|1}}{{note label|D|D|2}}{{note label|D|D|3}}{{note label|D|D|4}} For Windows Vista guests in Virtual PC 2007, the [[Windows Aero]] [[graphical user interface]] is disabled due to limitations of the emulated [[S3 Trio]]<ref name="vguy_whydevices">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Why we emulated the devices that we do? | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = January 26, 2005 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2005/01/26/361361.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = June 6, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090606040136/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2005/01/26/361361.aspx | url-status = live }}
</ref> graphics card; the interface falls back to the Vista Home Basic theme. However, Aero effects can be rendered by connecting to the guest via [[Remote Desktop Connection]] from an Aero-enabled host.<ref name="aero_savill">{{cite news | last = Savill | first = John | title = Running the Aero UI When Using Virtual PC 2007 | work = Windows IT Pro | publisher = [[Penton Media]] | date = June 2007 | url = http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/95814/running-the-aero-ui-when-using-virtual-pc-2007.html | format = Fee required | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = March 31, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210331163350/https://www.itprotoday.com/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="S4jFH">{{cite web | last = Schweigert | first = Marc | title = Get the Windows Vista Aero theme in a Guest OS using Virtual PC 2007 | work = Microsoft Public Sector Developer and Platform Evangelism Team Blog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = March 14, 2007 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/publicsector/archive/2007/03/14/get-the-windows-vista-aero-theme-in-a-guest-os-using-virtual-pc-2007.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = June 19, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090619125408/http://blogs.msdn.com/publicsector/archive/2007/03/14/get-the-windows-vista-aero-theme-in-a-guest-os-using-virtual-pc-2007.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref>

|5= {{note label|E|E|1}} Support added in Virtual PC 2007 Service Pack&nbsp;1 (SP1) for Windows Server 2008 Standard as a guest.<ref name="vpc2007sp1_rel_notes" />

|6= {{note label|F|F|1}}{{note label|F|F|2}} Microsoft's January 2008 [[EULA]] supplement<ref name="vista_eula_orig">{{cite web | title = Microsoft Software License Terms | work = Microsoft Use Terms | publisher = [[Microsoft]] | year = <!-- undated --> | page = 13 | url = http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista_Ultimate_English_36d0fe99-75e4-4875-8153-889cf5105718.pdf | access-date = July 10, 2009 | quote = If you [install the software within a virtual system], you may not play or access content or use applications protected by any Microsoft digital, information or enterprise rights management technology or other Microsoft rights management services or use BitLocker. | archive-date = March 31, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210331163348/http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista_Ultimate_English_36d0fe99-75e4-4875-8153-889cf5105718.pdf | url-status = live }} (The later [http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista%20SP1_Ultimate_English_c64c444e-952d-497f-9f69-5811ffdcd774.pdf Vista SP1 EULA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605001701/http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista%20SP1_Ultimate_English_c64c444e-952d-497f-9f69-5811ffdcd774.pdf |date=June 5, 2011 }} adopted the amended terms of the January 2008 Supplement.)</ref><ref name="vista_eula_sup">{{cite web | title = Microsoft Software Supplemental License Terms | work = Microsoft Use Terms | publisher = [[Microsoft]] | date = January 2008 | url = http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista_Ultimate%20and%20Ultimate%20SP1,%20Supplemental_English_d512375b-79d7-41e5-852d-45f69f7378dd.pdf | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = January 26, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090126201320/http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista_Ultimate%20and%20Ultimate%20SP1,%20Supplemental_English_d512375b-79d7-41e5-852d-45f69f7378dd.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref> for Windows Vista lifted restrictions<ref name="vguy_vista_announce">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Virtualization Announcements | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = January 22, 2008 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2008/01/22/virtualization-announcements.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = March 27, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080327144054/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2008/01/22/virtualization-announcements.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="oiaga">{{cite web | last = Oiaga | first = Marius | title = The Windows Vista Virtualization Doors Are Wide Opened | work = Softpedia News | publisher = [[Softpedia]] | date = January 22, 2008 | url = http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Windows-Vista-Virtualization-Doors-Are-Opened-Wide-76958.shtml | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = February 13, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090213032156/http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Windows-Vista-Virtualization-Doors-Are-Opened-Wide-76958.shtml | url-status = live }}</ref> barring installation of Vista Home Basic and Home Premium as guest operating systems.<ref name="bergstein">{{cite news | last = Bergstein | first = Brian | author-link = Brian Bergstein | agency = [[Associated Press]] | title = Microsoft puts up roadblocks on Vista for Mac owners | work = The New York Times | location = New York | date = February 28, 2007 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/28/technology/28iht-ptvista.4752719.html | access-date = July 10, 2009 | quote = Microsoft says the blockade is necessary for security reasons&nbsp;… Cherry says that what is really going on is that Microsoft wanted to create more differences between the multiple editions of Vista, presumably giving people more reason to buy the most expensive versions. | archive-date = May 21, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130521225809/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/28/technology/28iht-ptvista.4752719.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Oq0lc">{{cite book | author = Microsoft Partner Program | title = Licensing Reseller Handbook for Microsoft Partners | date = March 2008 | publisher = [[Microsoft]] | page = 58 | url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/4/f/24f49403-31b4-4cf3-a4f5-6c439f92be24/MS_ReselleRev0308_LoRes.pdf | access-date = July 10, 2009 | quote = Windows Vista Home Basic and Windows Vista Home Premium cannot be used within a virtual (or otherwise emulated) hardware system. | archive-date = June 5, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605001708/http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/4/f/24f49403-31b4-4cf3-a4f5-6c439f92be24/MS_ReselleRev0308_LoRes.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="ydl1y">{{cite web | last1 = Albro | first1 = Edward N. | first2 = Eric | last2 = Dahl | title = The Most Annoying Things About Windows Vista | work = [[PC World]] | publisher = [[International Data Group]] | date = February 20, 2007 | url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/129126-3/the_most_annoying_things_about_windows_vista.html | access-date = July 10, 2009 | quote = Well, this is only a licensing provision, so nothing in the software will prevent you from running either Home version in a virtual machine. But that would be wrong. | archive-date = June 4, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090604210520/http://www.pcworld.com/article/129126-3/the_most_annoying_things_about_windows_vista.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="lai_drm" />

|7= {{note label|G|G|1}}{{note label|G|G|2}}{{note label|G|G|3}} January 2008 [[EULA]] supplement<ref name="vista_eula_orig" /><ref name="vista_eula_sup" /> for Windows Vista lifted restrictions<ref name="oiaga" /> barring use of [[BitLocker]]<ref name="5HUV5">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Using BitLocker under Virtual PC / Virtual Server | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = January 23, 2008 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2008/01/23/using-bitlocker-under-virtual-pc-virtual-server.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = June 16, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090616061016/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2008/01/23/using-bitlocker-under-virtual-pc-virtual-server.aspx | url-status = live }} (Instructions were reposted the day after Microsoft released its Vista [[EULA]] Supplement in January 2008.)</ref><ref name="FyMQZ">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Using Vista BitLocker under Virtual PC / Virtual Server | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = April 30, 2007 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2007/04/30/using-vista-bitlocker-under-virtual-pc-virtual-server.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = August 29, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080829143044/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2007/04/30/using-vista-bitlocker-under-virtual-pc-virtual-server.aspx | url-status = live }} (Instructions provided in the post were deleted to comply with Microsoft's original Vista [[EULA]]).</ref><ref name="xCHtQ">{{cite web | last = Malach | first = Eyal | title = Encrypting Vista with BitLocker in Virtual PC or Virtual Machine | work = Eyal Malach Blog | publisher = Microsoft Blogs – Israel | date = February 19, 2008 | url = http://blogs.microsoft.co.il/blogs/eyalm/archive/2008/02/19/encrypting-vista-with-bitlocker-in-virtual-pc-or-virtual-machine.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = October 25, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091025114058/http://blogs.microsoft.co.il/blogs/eyalm/archive/2008/02/19/encrypting-vista-with-bitlocker-in-virtual-pc-or-virtual-machine.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref> and Microsoft-[[digital rights management|DRM]]-protected content within virtualized environments.<ref name="bergstein" /><ref name="lai_drm">{{cite web | last = Lai | first = Eric | title = Analysis: DRM may be why Microsoft flip-flopped on Vista virtualization | work = [[Computerworld]] | publisher = [[International Data Group]] | date = June 22, 2007 | url = http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9025466 | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = September 25, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080925100751/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9025466 | url-status = live }} (Microsoft originally planned to rescind the restrictions in June 2007.)</ref><ref name="CTHcF">{{cite web | last = Oiaga | first = Marius | title = Install Windows Vista Ultimate in Windows Vista – Vista Virtualization Guidelines | work = Softpedia News | publisher = [[Softpedia]] | date = June 2, 2007 | url = http://news.softpedia.com/news/Install-Windows-Vista-Ultimate-IN-Windows-Vista-56273.shtml | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = February 10, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090210043909/http://news.softpedia.com/news/Install-Windows-Vista-Ultimate-IN-Windows-Vista-56273.shtml | url-status = live }}</ref>

|8= {{note label|H|H|1}}{{note label|H|H|2}}{{note label|H|H|3}}{{note label|H|H|4}}{{note label|H|H|5}}{{note label|H|H|6}} Support added in a Virtual PC 2007 Service Pack&nbsp;1 (SP1) [[hotfix]] rollup, dated February 20, 2009, for Windows XP Home as both host and guest, and for all Home editions of Windows Vista as hosts.<ref name="vpc2007sp1_hotfix" />

|9= {{note label|I|I|1}}{{note label|I|I|2}}{{note label|I|I|3}}{{note label|I|I|4}} The pre-configured [[#Windows XP Mode|XP Mode]] of Windows Virtual PC is restricted to Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate hosts.<ref name="wvpc_req" /> However, an equivalent environment can be configured manually by installing Windows XP SP3 as a guest (requires an XP license and installation media or files) and applying an integration components update (available for download<ref name="rail_xp" /> from Microsoft) to enable seamless mode and other Windows 7 integration features.<ref name="wvpc_eval" />

|10={{note label|J|J|none}} The integration components enabling seamless mode and other features<ref name="wvpc_eval">{{cite web | title = Windows Virtual PC Evaluation Guide | work = Windows 7 Technical Library | publisher = [[Microsoft TechNet]] | date = May 4, 2009 | url = https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744684%28WS.10%29.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = July 6, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090706123408/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744684(WS.10).aspx | url-status = live }} Also available for [http://www.microsoft.com/Downloads/details.aspx?familyid=62CD2E63-52F8-4CF5-A7D5-7ABAAB270451&displaylang=en download] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703233150/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=62cd2e63-52f8-4cf5-a7d5-7abaab270451 |date=July 3, 2009 }}.</ref> of Windows Virtual PC support only the following guests: Windows XP Pro Service Pack&nbsp;3 (SP3);<ref name="rail_xp">{{cite web|title=RAIL QFE Beta Windows XP SP3 |work=Microsoft Download Center |publisher=[[Microsoft.com]] |date=May 4, 2009 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=943B6AC7-87F2-45DF-A516-21321D559AC3&displaylang=en |access-date=July 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704215326/http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=943B6AC7-87F2-45DF-A516-21321D559AC3&displaylang=en |archive-date=July 4, 2009}}</ref> Windows Vista Business SP1, Enterprise SP1, and Ultimate SP1;<ref name="rail_vista">{{cite web|title=RAIL QFE Beta for Vista SP1 |work=Microsoft Download Center |publisher=[[Microsoft.com]] |date=May 4, 2009 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=DB29EB2B-F095-4172-8E83-9C5623045D4E&displaylang=en |access-date=July 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704215326/http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=DB29EB2B-F095-4172-8E83-9C5623045D4E&displaylang=en |archive-date=July 4, 2009}}</ref> and Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate.<ref name="wvpc_tips" /><ref name="wvpc_req" />
}}

'''Notes – not supported installations'''
{{ordered list|list-style-type=lower-greek|style=font-size:95%; margin-bottom:1.5em
|1= {{note label|α|α|1}} Virtual PC 2007 does not include Virtual Machine Additions for MS-DOS as a self installing disk image (installed using a batch file), however the files are included in the Virtual Machine Additions ISO image file (typically found in the 'Program Files' folder where Virtual PC was installed) and can be extracted by various means (a number of file compression software packages support extracting files from ISO image files) for manual installation, also the DOS additions from Virtual PC 2004 can be used without problem as can the DOS additions from Virtual Server 2005.<ref name="vguy_dosadd">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Installing DOS additions under VPC 2007 | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = October 30, 2007 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2007/10/30/installing-dos-additions-under-vpc-2007.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = February 12, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100212123912/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2007/10/30/installing-dos-additions-under-vpc-2007.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref>

|2= {{note label|β|β|1}} The Virtual Machine Additions included with Virtual PC 2007 will not install on Windows 95 guests, but the additions from Virtual PC 2004 can be used.<ref name="vguy_win95" />

|3= {{note label|γ|γ|1}} In informal testing, Microsoft virtualization manager Ben Armstrong found XP Media Center 2004 "distorted and unusable" under Virtual PC 2004, but Media Center 2005 worked "beautifully", sans TV features.<ref name="sN5mg">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Windows Media Center 2005 under Virtual PC | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = November 6, 2004 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2004/11/06/253225.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = November 2, 2005 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051102034638/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2004/11/06/253225.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref>

|4= {{note label|δ|δ|1}}{{note label|δ|δ|2}}{{note label|δ|δ|3}} [[MSDN Blogs|MSDN blogs]] reported that [[Windows 7#Development history|pre-release versions]] of Windows 7, similar to the released Ultimate edition,<ref name="ekpOC">{{cite web | title = Windows 7 Release Candidate: FAQ | publisher = [[Microsoft.com]] | year = 2009 | url = http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/faq.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = June 5, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090605075202/http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/faq.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref> run successfully as both host and guest operating systems on Virtual PC 2007 Service Pack&nbsp;1 (SP1). Integration features provided by [[#Virtual Machine Additions|Virtual Machine Additions]] function normally, but Virtual PC 2007 must be SP1 or later.<ref name="vguy_w7vpcw7">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Windows 7 on Virtual PC on Windows 7 | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = January 13, 2009 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2009/01/13/windows-7-on-virtual-pc-on-windows-7.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = February 12, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100212125030/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2009/01/13/windows-7-on-virtual-pc-on-windows-7.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="6dmrC">{{cite web | last = Krishnamoorthy | first = Ajoy | title = Installing Virtual PC 2007 SP1 in Windows 7 | work = Ajoyk – Patterns and Practices, VSTS, Process | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = January 19, 2009 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/ajoyk/archive/2009/01/19/installing-virtual-pc-2007-sp1-in-windows-7.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = September 27, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090927180410/http://blogs.msdn.com/ajoyk/archive/2009/01/19/installing-virtual-pc-2007-sp1-in-windows-7.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="7bHXq">{{cite web | last = Manning | first = James | title = Upgrading to SP1 fixes VM Additions for Win7 Beta! | work = James Manning's Blog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = January 10, 2009 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/jmanning/archive/2009/01/10/upgrading-to-sp1-fixes-vm-additions-for-win7-beta.aspx | access-date = July 10, 2009 | archive-date = June 25, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090625130536/http://blogs.msdn.com/jmanning/archive/2009/01/10/upgrading-to-sp1-fixes-vm-additions-for-win7-beta.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref> See [http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2009/01/13/windows-7-on-virtual-pc-on-windows-7.aspx "Windows 7 on Virtual PC on Windows 7"]<ref name="vguy_w7vpcw7" /> for more caveats.

|5= {{note label|ε|ε|1}}{{note label|ε|ε|2}} Although [[Windows NT 3.1]] and [[Windows NT 3.5|NT 3.5]] refuse to install on newer processors ([[Windows NT 3.51|NT 3.51]] fixes this), it is possible to modify files on the install CD to allow install.
}}
{{refend}}

=== Linux guests{{Anchor|Emulating Linux-based environments}} ===
Installing a Linux-based guest environment in Virtual PC is possible.  RedHat and SuSe Linux guests are supported. Linux additions are supported in [[Microsoft Virtual Server]], and these additions should also work in Virtual PC.<ref name="vguy_linux07">{{cite web | last = Armstrong | first = Ben | title = Updated Virtual Machine Additions for Linux available | work = Virtual PC Guy's WebLog | publisher = [[MSDN Blogs]] | date = October 23, 2007 | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2007/10/23/updated-virtual-machine-additions-for-linux-available.aspx | access-date = June 28, 2009 | quote = As always – this is only supported on Virtual Server – but should work just fine on Virtual PC. | archive-date = June 11, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090611114805/http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2007/10/23/updated-virtual-machine-additions-for-linux-available.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref>

Some [[Linux distribution]]s must be installed in text mode, as they do not support Microsoft Virtual PC's emulated graphics chip. [[Ubuntu version history#0810|Ubuntu 8.10 "Intrepid Ibex"]] must be installed in SafeMode, but does not require other changes.

Some websites specialize in listing operating systems that run successfully as Virtual PC guests, to help users avoid issues when installing Linux distributions or other operating systems lacking official Microsoft support.<ref name="LUkvh">{{cite web |url=http://vpc.visualwin.com/ |title=What Works and What Doesn't in Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 |work=visualwin.com |publisher=[[WP:SPS|Self published]] |first=Jonathan |last=Maltz |access-date=16 June 2013 |archive-date=October 31, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031131904/http://vpc.visualwin.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2013}}

=== Intel-based Mac support ===
[[Microsoft]] announced on August 7, 2006, that Virtual PC for Mac would not be ported to the [[Apple–Intel architecture|Intel Mac]] platform. Microsoft stated, "Alternative solutions offered by [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] and other vendors, combined with a fully packaged retail copy of Windows, will satisfy this need."<ref name="wwdc">{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Peter |date=August 7, 2006 |title=WWDC: Microsoft kills Virtual PC for Mac |url=http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/08/07/vpc/index.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014063546/http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/08/07/vpc/index.php |archive-date=October 14, 2007 |access-date=October 8, 2007 |publisher=MacWorld}}</ref> Similar products available or announced at the time were [[Parallels Desktop for Mac|Parallels Desktop]] and [[VMware Fusion]].