qemu-system-x86_64 -hda windows_xp.qcow2 -m 1024 -enable-kvm Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

Because Microsoft no longer officially distributes Windows XP, these files are often hosted on community-driven archival sites:

Quick reference commands

qemu-system-x86_64 -m 2048 -smp 2 -drive file=Windows_XP_Pro_SP3.qcow2,format=qcow2 -vga vmware -usb -device usb-tablet -net nic -net user

A qcow2 file is essentially a stranger's hard drive. When you boot it up, you are inheriting their file system, their registry edits, and potentially their malware. Windows XP has been EOL (End of Life) for nearly a decade. It is riddled with unpatched security vulnerabilities.

Searching for a is a double-edged sword. Public downloads risk malware, but the QCOW2 format itself is the absolute best way to run Windows XP on modern hardware. It offers snapshotting, near-native speed via KVM, and portability.

Replace vdi with vmdk if you are converting a VMware disk.