Windows XP End-of-Sales: Moving to Windows Vista

Now that Windows XP is off the market, there’s never been a better time to transition to Windows Vista. With higher levels of reliability, security, performance, administration, and support offered by Windows Vista with Service Pack 1, you can make a strong business case for transitioning today.

OEM Distributors can continue to sell Windows XP to their system builder customers while they work through their existing inventory. Although Windows XP is no longer being sold, Microsoft will support the software until 2014.

On-Demand Webcasts

Windows XP vs. The Modern Desktop Part 1

Windows XP vs. The Modern Desktop Part 2

Windows XP vs. The Modern Desktop Part 3

  • Making the Move to Windows Vista
    Now is the time to talk with your customers about Windows Vista. It has features they are sure to love: it’s more secure, it’s reliable, it’s fun, and it makes work easier. Help your customers understand everything Windows Vista can do for them.

    SKUChannelEnd of Sales Date End of Mainstream Support Phase* End of Extended Support Phase*
    Windows XP Home,
    Pro, Media Center,
    Tablet PC,
    Pro 64 Bit     		Direct OEM June 30, 2008 April 14, 2009 April 8, 2014
    FPP June 30, 2008 April 14, 2009 April 8, 2014
    System Builder Channel January 31, 2009 April 14, 2009 April 8, 2014
    Windows XP Ultra-low cost PCs (ULCPC) June 30, 2010 April 14, 2009 April 8, 2014

    * Both the Mainstream Support and Extended Support phases require the product' supported service pack be installed to continue to receive support (including security updates).
    For more information, please see the service pack policy at http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifesupsps.

  • Making the Move to Windows Vista
    With Windows XP "going away," now is a great time to talk with your customers about Windows Vista. It has features they are sure to love: it’s more secure, it’s reliable, it’s fun, and it makes work easier. Help your customers understand everything Windows Vista can do for them.
More Secure
  • Help remove spyware with Windows Defender
  • Keep children safer with Parental Controls
  • Browse the web more securely with Microsoft Internet Explorer 7's Phishing Filter
Reliable
  • Help protect your data with automatic backups
  • Windows Vista tunes itself for enhanced performance
  • Windows Update installs updates automatically
Fun
  • Share pictures with Windows Photo Gallery
  • Watch and record TV with Windows Media Center in Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate editions
  • Enjoy games with DirectX 10 graphics
Makes Work Easier
  • Finding documents, email, photos and movies is easier with Instant Search
  • Effectively synchronize documents and access information and devices with Windows Mobility Center and Sync Center
  • Connect with customers and colleagues online with Windows Meeting Space
  • Downgrade Rights Lock icon indicates link to private US OEM Web site, which requires MSPP registration and sign-in.
    After customers understand the benefits of moving to Windows Vista, you may find a few customers who still want to downgrade to Windows XP. Certain customer groups are eligible to downgrade. If your customer is eligible, downgrade rights allow them to acquire Windows Vista, but continue to run Windows XP until they are ready to upgrade. Note that only certain versions of Windows Vista are eligible for end user downgrade rights. If your customer wants to downgrade, get the detailed information Lock icon indicates link to private US OEM Web site, which requires MSPP registration and sign-in. you need to proceed.

Windows XP End-Of-Sales Marketing Resources Windows XP EOS campaign materials are available for the local OEM channel. These materials will help you and your customers understand Windows XP End-Of-Sales, the benefits of Windows Vista, and will help facilitate your customers’ transition from Windows XP to Windows Vista.

Additional Resources