Download Windows XP ISO for Free (32-bit & 64-bit) – A Complete Guide for Beginners

Windows XP has been there for the last 2 decades, and you can still use it today if you want to relive past memories. You just need to download the Windows XP ISO from a trusted source and install it on your PC.

However, the process of downloading such an old operating system can be a bit overwhelming. The last major update was Windows XP SP3, but crashes and instability were still frequent.

Don’t worry! With the help of this guide, I will try to provide you with all the relevant information to successfully download and install the Windows XP ISO file in 2025.  If you want a more powerful and modern user interface. You can also download another option Windows 10 Pro ISO, which offers better security and compatibility with the latest applications.

Windows XP ISO Versions Explained

Windows XP is known for being lightweight, stable, and incredibly fast. It was one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems, which came in 2 main editions: Home and Professional. Here is a quick overview of both Windows XP editions:

This edition was tailored for home users and came with the following features:

• Faster startup and hibernation
• A redesigned and user-friendly interface
• Built-in Windows Media Player
• High performance with multitasking capabilities
• Support for wireless networks

The professional edition was designed for business environments, it offered advanced tools and features such as:

• A built-in CD burner
• Remote Desktop access
• An internet connection firewall
• Faster boot times and app launches
• Automatic wireless connection support

As we can see, the professional edition included more advanced capabilities. However, both versions contributed to Windows XP OS ISO’s enduring popularity.

Minimum System Requirements for Windows XP ISO Download

Before installing the Windows XP ISO file, ensure your system meets the following basic requirements for smooth operations:

• Processor: Minimum 233 Mhz clock speed.
• RAM: At least 64 MB.
• Storage: 1.5 GM of free disk space.
• Graphics: 8 MB video RAM.
• Display: Resolution of at least 800 x 600 pixels with VGA support.

So, these are the minimum system requirements to download Win XP ISO. However, for optimal performance, it’s recommended to go beyond the minimum:

• Processor: 300 MHz or faster.
• RAM: 128 MB or more.
• Storage: Greater than 1.5 GB of free space.

Once you have verified your system meets these requirements, installing the OS is straightforward. Let’s understand the process of downloading and installation in the following sections.

How to Download Windows XP ISO FIle?

Since Microsoft no longer provides Windows XP for download, you need to use the direct links to get the Windows XP ISO with Service Pack 3. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are available; check if your system runs on 32-bit or 64-bit.

FILE DETAILS:

• Size: 560 MB (32-bit), 594 MB (64-bit)
• Language: English
• Service Pack: SP3
• Direct Link: 32-Bit, 64-Bit

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you execute Windows XP ISO download:

• Decide whether you need the 32-bit, 64-bit, or SP3 ISO based on your computer’s compatibility.
• Always download the ISO from a reliable website or an official archive to avoid corrupted files.
• Use tools like MD5 or SHA checksum to confirm the files have not been altered during download.

Moving on, let’s see how you can install the operating system on your system.

How to Install Windows XP ISO?

Now that you have learned to download the Windows XP ISO image file, let’s see how to effectively download the OS on your device:

1. Install a USB bootable tool like Rufus on your computer.

   

2. Insert a USB drive (at least 4-8 GB) into your computer.

3. Open the bootable tool, select the Windows XP ISO file in the Boot selection option, and create the bootable USB.

   

4. Next, insert this USB into the computer where you want to install Windows XP.

5. Restart the system and access the boot menu via keys like F12, F10, or Esc.

6. Choose the USB drive as the boot device and start the installation.

   

7. Now, on the Windows XP setup screen, press Enter and accept the license agreement with F8.

   

8. Select ‘Unpartitioned space’, format it as NTFS, and wait for the setup to complete. The system will restart during installation; do not press any keys during this time.

   

   

Finally, once you are on the Windows XP desktop, you can remove the bootable USB from your system and enjoy your Win XP experience.

Conclusion

So, I have covered all the basics to download the Windows XP ISO file in 2025. You can still use the OS using the process mentioned, but it is not recommended as a primary operating system.

It is an old operating system, which is no longer supported by Microsoft. So, it can be a good secondary system for reliving the memories. However, for advanced security and features, you should use the latest and updated operating systems, like Windows 10 and Windows 11.