Microsoft Ends Support for Windows XP

Microsoft will be ceasing support for Windows XP as of April 8, 2014. The company originally stated that all operating system and security definition updates would cease on the April date, including the availability of Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft’s free XP-compatible antivirus software. On January 15th, however, Microsoft stated it will continue to update Microsoft Security Essentials until mid-2015.

Even though Microsoft will continue to update Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows XP itself will become much more vulnerable to attack. Once an operating system is no longer supported, newly discovered vulnerabilities are no longer patched. This means the longer a users continues to run an unsupported operating system like XP, the more possibilities exist for their system to become compromised.

Microsoft is urging current XP users to upgrade to Windows 8.1 if their current computer is compatible, or to purchase a new computer all together. If you have any questions about the switch from XP to another operating system, feel free to call us at West Chester Computer Doctors.

Support is Ending for Windows XP- Microsoft
Microsoft Delays Windows XP Antivirus Doomsday- Information Week