I set up a Windows XP virtual machine specifically for these three classic apps

From Windows Messenger and Outlook Express to MSN, Windows XP used to support a long list of interesting applications. While all of these apps were great in their own way, I spent most of my time on my Windows XP computer using three main apps.

In fact, I missed these three apps so much that I installed a Windows XP virtual machine on my computer to try them again in 2025. These are the apps I’m talking about.

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3D pinball machine Space Cadet

I first used Windows XP on my computer in 2010, when I was only 12 years old. So it should come as no surprise that 3D Pinball Space Cadet, one of the games that came pre-installed with Windows XP, was one of the applications I spent most of my time on.

Unlike modern complex games, 3D Pinball Space Cadet was simple yet very fun to play. To start the game, launch the ball into the playfield and use the left and right flippers to keep it in play so it doesn’t fall into the drain at the bottom. There are three main obstacles (lights, ramps and bumpers) placed in different locations around the playing field, and you earn different points for hitting them.

Your mission in the game starts when you hit the targets indicated by blue flashing lights. After completing each mission you will earn bonus points and be promoted. You will see yourself rise from the rank of Cadet to Admiral.

Initially, I focused on random hits to quickly move up the game, but my older brother, who taught me how to play, advised me to focus on missions instead. That was hands down the best advice I ever received for the game. He also taught me how to nudge the ball, which I started using regularly to prevent it from falling to the bottom. Just as a heads up, my highest score in the game is 1,451,750, which is the best among the four friends I play with regularly.

3D Pinball Space Cadet for Windows was not available exclusively for Windows XP. It had been included with Windows since the Windows 95 days, and Windows XP was the last operating system it was used on. That said, you can find plenty of alternatives to this game for Windows 11, but none can really match the experience that the original 3D Pinball Space Cadet game offers.

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Windows Movie Maker

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweak_UI Windows Movie Maker is another app that I still use occasionally on my Windows XP virtual machine. The tool was originally released in 2000 with Windows Me as a competitor to Apple’s iMovie.

While the tool didn’t offer advanced features found in modern editing software, it was still one of the best editors during the Windows XP era. I still remember using it to edit videos I recorded with the camcorder I got in 2012. The main edits I applied with the tool were adding transition effects and rotating videos.

The tool remained a part of Windows until the Windows 8 era, but in 2017, Microsoft decided to discontinue it and integrate all its features into the Microsoft Photos app. There are much better video editing tools available today. Microsoft’s own Clipchamp is a good example. But when I use Windows Movie Maker, it takes me back and reminds me of my childhood.

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Fat weight

From Windhawk to Microsoft PowerToys, there are plenty of tools available today to help you customize Windows 11. However, during the Windows XP era, options were quite limited. TweakUI was one of the few tools that allowed you to customize the Windows XP interface, and I have to say that the tool was great. It’s so good that I still have it installed on my Windows XP virtual machine and use it regularly to change how the system behaves.

The best thing about the tool is that everything it offers is organized into categories, making it easy to quickly find the setting you’re looking for. For example, if I want to change the mouse speed, I go to the ‘Mouse’ category, while if I want to manage the icons that appear on the desktop, I go to the ‘Desktop’ category.

Overall, TweakUI is a great Windows customization tool that allows you to manage most Windows settings directly from the Control Panel, instead of having to go to the Control Panel, which some users may find intimidating due to the number of options it offers.

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While the above-mentioned apps are great, I have to say that if you are someone who has used Windows 10 or 11 all your life, you might find these apps quite boring and slow to use. However, if you’ve ever used Windows XP or 7, you’ll really enjoy trying out these apps again and reliving your memories.