Windows 7 in Windows 10

Curious · 05 Mar 2021

W10 is version 2004. I have a software program that works correctly in my Windows 7 laptop but has printer problems when started in my Windows 10 laptop (same printers). I know about the compatibility settings in W10 but that has not resolved this issue. So, I would like to install Windows 7 as a VM in Oracle's VirtualBox on the W10 laptop. Over the years, I've owned many versions of Windows going back to Windows 3 and including the W7 currently installed in the other laptop. Can I use my old software to install a windows 7 instance as a vm on the W10 laptop? Or would this need a new separate license? Is there a free generic Windows 7 download I can use for this purpose? Thank you

Steve C · 06 Mar 2021

First try installing the software by running it as an administrator from an admin account in compatibility mode for Windows 7. If you use the VM route, you could use Hyper V if you have the Pro version of Windows.

You will need a licence key to have a fully working version of Windows 7 in the VM. I would first try your existing key and then find a cheap Windows 7 key if that doesn't work.

You also have the option of configuring dual booting between Windows 10 and Windows 7.

Curious · 06 Mar 2021

I already tried the install as administrator and W7 compatibility. No luck. I also have the latest printer drivers. That's why I am thinking of the VM route.
I thought the license key might be a problem which is why I asked before trying. Right now I switch to the windows 7 laptop when I need to print from that software which is a little inconvenient but works.