After 12 years sterling service, well perhaps, Microsoft has signalled the end of the road for Windows XP.
Microsoft has officially ended support for the operating system as they focus their resources on Windows 8, and beyond, meaning there will be no more security updates or technical assistance provided by Redmond, or its partners.
Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP from today (8th April). If you already have MSE installed, you will continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC.
Of course, your XP machine will still work but Microsoft warns that it will now be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP from today (8th April). If you already have MSE installed, you will continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC.
Of course, your XP machine will still work but Microsoft warns that it will now be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
Microsoft's answer - buy a Windows 8 PC
Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers concentrate on the newer OS’s, they note that you can expect to encounter greater numbers of apps and devices that do not work fully with Windows XP.
So, what’s the answer? You could check if your old PC is capable of running Windows 8.1 by downloading the Windows Upgrade Assistant but its older hardware is unlikely to be able to cope with the demands.
In reality, it’s far more likely you’re going to need a new PC so it’s time to begin saving but at least MS has provided a tool to make the transition easier.
You can move your Windows XP stuff with Laplink, a free data migration solution that will walk you through all the steps to getting your files, settings, and user profiles from your Windows XP PC to your new Windows laptop, desktop, or tablet.
Are you going to miss XP or is it time to move on?
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