: The 64-bit version of Windows XP, in particular, was notorious for poor driver support even at its peak, making it a challenging choice for modern emulation. The Verdict

: Security researchers use XP ISOs to study the evolution of malware within "sandboxed" virtual machines, as its lack of modern defenses like Secure Boot makes it a perfect laboratory subject.

: Without official Microsoft updates, these ISOs are often "slipstreamed" with third-party drivers or, more dangerously, pre-installed malware and backdoors.

Searching for free downloads of 32-bit or 64-bit ISOs through unofficial channels carries significant weight: