How to Install Windows XP Black Edition on PC?

Quick Summary

Windows XP Integral Edition (formerly Black Edition) is a custom, unofficial version of Windows XP. It includes post-SP3 updates, enhanced drivers, tools, and visual themes, and is hosted on sites like Zone94.com. While free to download and optimized for older PCs, it’s unsupported and may pose security and legal risks. Install via bootable USB using tools like Rufus.

It has been a decade since Microsoft discontinued the Windows XP operating system. However, in some corners of the internet, several Windows enthusiasts continue to maintain and offer the classic Windows XP by renaming it with a cool-sounding suffix and adding several layers of customization.

I have older PC and wanted to explore the Windows XP, and I went with Black Edition, as it was earlier known, was an unofficial version of Windows XP. After 2015, this project was renamed to Windows XP Integral Edition.

Microsoft does not offer this custom OS on its website. Some Windows community developers have tweaked the original OS and are offering the software for free.

This guide explains the features offered on the Windows XP Black Edition. I have installed it on my PC and will teach you the steps to download Windows XP Black Edition and install the OS on your PC.

⚠️ Here’s what you should know:

It’s not supported by Microsoft – XP support officially ended in April 2014.
Unofficial builds can contain malware or backdoors, especially if downloaded from shady websites.
Even if you have a genuine XP key, downloading modified ISOs may still be illegal.

What Features Does the Latest Version of Windows XP Black Edition Offer?

Windows XP Black Edition is currently managed and maintained by a site named Zone94. They regularly release feature updates for the custom Windows OS on their site.

I have mentioned the prominent changes the current version 2024.11.29 of Windows XP Integral Edition brings.

Windows XP Updates	Windows Media Player v11 (Roll Back to 9 possible). Windows Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 (KB969084, KB2813347-v2). Windows Rights Management Client (KB979099) Microsoft Web Folders v12.0.6606.1000 (KB907306, KB2526086=msdaipp.dll,msonsext.dll). Microsoft IME 2002 Japanese Zip Code Dictionary Update 2008 11 Month Edition (imjpzp.dic v8.0.9602.0). Windows High Definition Audio “Function” Driver v1.0a (KB888111). Windows Browser Choice (KB976002-v5). Windows Update v7.6.7600.256. Windows Update Web Control v7.6.7600.257. Microsoft Update Web Control v7.6.7600.257. Microsoft Update Catalog Web Control v7.4.7057.249 (build timestamp 130620-1021). Windows Driver Frameworks 1.9 – User Mode (KB970158) and Kernel Mode (KB970159). Windows Feature Pack for Storage v1.0 (KB952013) – Image Mastering API v2.0 (KB932716-v2, KB952011). Windows Feature Pack for Storage v1.0 (KB952013) – ICCD Smart Card Driver. Windows Installer v4.5.6002.24298 (KB942288, KB4087398). Windows XP exFAT file system driver update package v1.0 (KB955704). Windows XP Root Certificates Update [May 2024 v41.0.2195.2405] (KB931125). Windows XP Revoked Roots Certificates Update [September 2023 v8.0.2195.2309] (SA3123040). Windows XP CAPICOM v2.1.0.2 (KB931906). Microsoft European Union Expansion Font Update v1.2. Microsoft WinUSB 2.0 (KB971286). Microsoft XML Paper Specification Essentials Pack v1.2 (KB971276-v3, KB977585-v2, KB2958997-v4). Microsoft XML Core Services v4.0 SP3 4.30.2117.0 (KB2758694). Microsoft XML Core Services v6.0 SP2 6.20.2509.0 (KB2957482, KB4493790). Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB936929). Windows XP and POSReady 2009 Updates/Hotfixes until 22.5(May).2019. Windows Genuine Advantage Validation v1.9.42.0 (KB905474) {Cr4cked/LgtCkCtl.dl_}. Windows Internet Explorer v8 (Roll Back to 6 possible).
Windows XP Runtime Libraries	Microsoft XNA Framework 1.0 (v1.1.10405.0), 2.0 (v2.0.11128.1), 3.0 (v3.0.11010.0), 3.1 (v3.1.10527.0), 4.0 (v4.0.30901.0). Microsoft Visual F# 2.0 SP1 (v2.0.40219.1). Microsoft Visual J# 2.0 (v2.0.50727.937). Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime (v10.0.60828.0). Microsoft Silverlight v5.1.50918.0 (In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”). Java SE 8 Update 111 (In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”). Microsoft DirectX 9.0c End-User Runtimes v9.29.1974.1 (June 2010). Microsoft .NET Framework [Up-to-Date/10.10(October).2024]: 1.1 SP1, 2.0 SP2, 3.0 SP2, 3.5 SP1, 4.0 Full – {Optional}. Microsoft Visual C++: 2002 (v7.0.9975.0), 2003 (v7.10.6119.0), 2005 SP1 (v8.0.50727.6229), 2008 SP1 (v9.0.30729.7523), 2010 SP1 (v10.40219.473), 2012 Update 5 (v11.0.61135.400), 2013 Update 5 (v12.0.40664.0), 2015-2019 (v14.28.29213.0) – {Optional}. Microsoft Visual Basic: v1.00, v2.0.9.8, v3.0.5.38, v4.0.24.22 (16-bit), v4.0.29.24 (32-bit), v5.2.82.44, v6.1.98.39 (SP6 Update KB3096896) – {Optional}. Clean Flash Player v34.0.0.321 (In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”).
Windows XP Apps	Windows PowerShell 1.0 (KB926139-v2) {In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”}. Windows XP Powertoy – ClearType Tuner v1.01 – {Optional}. Microsoft Calculator Plus v1.0.0.908 {Replaces the default Calculator}. Microsoft BitLocker To Go Reader v1.0 (KB970401). Microsoft Active Directory Application Mode SP1 – {In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”}. Microsoft AppLocale v1.3.3.31 – {In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”}. Windows Management Framework Core v6.3.15.0 (KB968930) – {In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”}. Windows XP Powertoy – Alt-Tab Replacement v1.0 – {Optional}. Windows XP User Profile Hive Cleanup Service v2.0.49 Beta – {Optional}. Windows XP GDI+ Detection Tool v1 (KB873374). Windows Movie Maker 2.1.4028.0 Plus – {In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”}. Outlook Express 6 – {In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”}. Microsoft Tablet PC 2005 v1.7.2600.5685 – {In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”}. Windows XP QFEcheck v6.2.29.0 (KB282784).
Windows XP Patches	Fixed missing dll registry entries for the Microsoft Jet and OLE files (KB4034775 Update Bug) Fixed missing ClipBook Viewer shortcut in the Start Menu Extended Update Support Patch v1.0: Extends the Windows XP update support from “April 2014” till at least “April 2019” (POSReady 2009 Updates). TCP/IP Patch v1.0: Increase the number of Half-Open outgoing TCP connections from 10 to 16777215 (Maximum) [tcpip.sys]. UxTheme Patch v1.0: Allows you to apply unsigned Custom Visual Styles (Windows XP Themes) [uxtheme.dll]. NTDETECT Patch v1.1: Deactivates the resetting of the USB controller to prevent a crash of the USB drive on which the Windows XP installation is carried out [NTDETECT.COM]. RAID-5 Patch v2.0: Enables RAID-5 software support and enables 2TB Mirror RAID support [dmadmin.exe, dmconfig.dll, dmboot.sys, dmio.sys]. MCI-MIDI Patch v1.0: Fixes a 4-second freeze when switching MIDI tracks with the Media Control Interface [mciseq.dll]. SERVICES Patch v1.0: Includes more assigned port numbers for well-known services defined by IANA [services]. NF4SBF v3.1: Fixes a Microsoft .NET Framework 4 bug that causes a slow Windows XP boot-up (File is placed in the Startup menu). TermSrv Patch v1.0: Allows you to have multiple concurrent remote desktop connections [termsrv.dll]. SFC Patch v1.0: Allows you to disable and enable the Windows File Protection with the registry entry “SfcDisable” [sfc_os.dll]. FlopX NT5.1 Patch v1a: Allows Non-standard Floppy Formats [flpydisk.sys]. SndRec32 Patch v2.0: Fixes a Sound Recorder error message on computers that have more than 2GB of RAM and Increases the Recording Time Limit from 60 Seconds to 999 Seconds [sndrec32.exe]. Shell32 Patch v1.0: Fixes the missing Icons in the notification area [shell32.dll]. WOW32 Patch v1.0: Fixes the Win16 Subsystem insufficient resources problem [wow32.dll].
Extra Updates	DriverPacks BASE v11.09.01.2f with Driver Pack Mass Storage v18.04.21 (SATA/AHCI) – Compressed = 10 MB / Uncompressed = 62 MB. Separate Driver Packs: LAN (Cable Ethernet) v18.04.21 – Compressed = 12 MB / Uncompressed = 81 MB – {Optional}. Windows NT Registration Changer v1.0 (In ISO/Disc folder “.\OEM\WinXPPx86IE”). Text file with some valid WGA CD-K3ys (In ISO/Disc folder “.\OEM\WinXPPx86IE”). Help file with lots of useful information (In ISO/Disc folder “.\OEM\WinXPPx86IE”). All modified and patched files are digitally signed with a custom certificate. Additional Drive Packs: WLAN (Wireless Ethernet) v15.01.23.1 – {In ISO/Disc file “Extra Goodies”}. Desktop Personalizations – {Optional}: Themes = “Windows XP Embedded”, “Black Mesa v2.0”, “ChaNinja Style RC5 v1.0”, “Disney – It’s a Magical World v2.0”, “NeoGeniX LS v1.0”, “Luna Element Black v5.1 + CSS”, “Royale Remixed v1.47”, “Windows 7 Colors v1.1”, “Zune Final v1.0”. Wallpapers = Windows XP Pirated Edition, Bliss (1920×1080), Seychelles – La Digue – Beach (1920×1080). Fonts = “Noto Emoji Regular”. Windows File Protection Utility v1.6.2 (In “Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools”). Windows XP CD-K3y Changer v1.2 (In ISO/Disc folder “.\OEM\WinXPPx86IE”).
Components Removed from the OS	3rd-party Drivers: “Display Adapters”, “ISDN”, “Logitech WingMan”, “Scanners”, “Sony Jog Dial”, “Toshiba DVD decoder card”. Disc Files: “clock.avi”, “flash.ocx”, “mmc.chm”, “plugin.ocx”, “rdsktpw.chm”, “swflash.inf”, “swtchbrd.bmp”, “yahoo.bmp”. Disc Folders: “DOTNETFX”, “SUPPORT”, “VALUEADD”, “I386\WIN9XMIG”, “I386\WIN9XUPG”. Applications: “Address Book”, “Internet Games”, “Program Manager”. Multimedia: “Images and Backgrounds”, “Movie Maker”, “Music Samples”. Network: “MSN Explorer”, “Netmeeting”, “Outlook Express”, “Windows Messenger”. Operating System Options: “Blaster and Nachi removal tool”, “Desktop Cleanup Wizard”, “Out of Box Experience (OOBE)”, “Tour”

NOTE: The above changelog cites the features and updates for the current version of the OS. We will update the table as and when Windows XP Black receives updates.

How to Install Windows XP Black Edition?

If you are a long-time Windows OS fan and want to try out the now obsolete Windows XP in a new avatar as XP Integral Edition, here are the installation steps for you.

You have to create a bootable disk containing the Windows XP Integral Edition Installer. Then use the bootable disk to set up and install the custom Windows XP version on your PC.

First, obtain a USB drive that has been formatted and has a storage capacity of 8 GB or more.

Download the latest version of Windows XP Integral Edition ISO file.
Also, download and install Rufus.
Insert the USB drive into the machine.
Launch Rufus on your computer.
Click the dropdown under Boot Selection and choose the ISO file for the Windows XP Integral edition you downloaded previously.
Press Select.
Click on Start to create the bootable disk. Wait until the process is complete.
Next, use the content you burned on the bootable disk to reboot your PC.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Wait for the PC to boot into Windows XP Integral Edition.
Select your customization option and start using the custom Windows XP.

Is it Legal to Use Windows XP Black Edition?

There can be two answers to this question. Yes and NO, depending on how you approach it.

Microsoft no longer distributes, sells, or maintains Windows XP. More importantly, when we speak of Windows XP black/Integral Edition, it was never an official product from Microsoft.

You won’t be subjected to any legal proceedings for using Windows XP Black.

Having said that, modifying commercial software and distributing it for free or reselling it comes under legal offense in many regions. It can be counted as stealing and misuse of intellectual property.

As much as I have read on the web, so far, no one has been under any legal prosecution due to using Windows XP Black/Integral Edition. Perhaps, Microsoft is done with Windows XP and doesn’t care about it anymore.

If any legal issues were going on, we would not see Windows XP modified or custom versions existing on the internet.

Microsoft is a corporate giant that has the best legal team to suppress unauthorized copies of its software.

At the end of the day, it is a personal call to prefer using a modified unofficial system software over the latest official release of the software.

NOTE: DigitBin doesn’t encourage unauthorized reselling/redistribution of software.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What are the Minimum System Requirements for Installing Windows XP Black Edition?

It’s the same as running the classic Windows XP. 233 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM(128 MB recommended), 1.5GB of hard drive space.

Is Windows XP Black/Integral Edition free to download/Use?

YES, the download is free. You can find all the information, downloadable, and updates about Windows XP Black/Integral Edition on a site named Zone94.com.

Is there a Threat of Malware while using Windows XP Black Edition?

There could be significant chances of malware attacks or virus threats while using an unofficial custom-modded version of Windows OS.

Bottom Line

For the small percentage of Windows enthusiasts who still love to tinker around the classic Windows XP, the Black Edition of Windows XP, or Integral Edition as it is called now, is best suited for them, with heaps of options to customize the OS.

While it is officially obsolete, you can use Windows XP in 2024 without having to install the OS.

If you want a customized version of Windows 11, check out our guide on installing the Ghost Spectre Windows 11 custom OS.

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