Downloading a Windows XP ISO is not automatically illegal. Downloading a cracked or pre-activated ISO is. The ISO itself is just software. The legality hinges on whether you have a valid product key (license) for that edition of Windows XP. If you own a genuine retail or OEM key, you are legally entitled to obtain the installation media.
Microsoft no longer hosts Windows XP ISOs publicly, but they remain available via: how to get windows xp iso
Now you know exactly how to get that ISO, the right way. Happy retro computing. Downloading a Windows XP ISO is not automatically illegal
Obtaining a Windows XP ISO has become more difficult since Microsoft discontinued official support and downloads years ago. Currently, you cannot buy or download a fresh copy directly from Microsoft. The legality hinges on whether you have a
These ISOs are typically unmodified retail or volume license copies. Volume license versions don’t require activation (but still need a valid key).
While Microsoft no longer hosts these files for the general public, they are available through community-maintained archives.