Support for Windows XP ended

After 12 years, support for Windows XP ended April 8, 2014. Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for the Windows XP operating system. It is critical to migrate now to a modern operating system. The best way to migrate from Windows XP to Windows 10 is to buy a new device.

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What does this mean?

Now is the time to take action and upgrade to Windows 10. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware and help keep users and their data safer. PCs running Windows XP after April 8, 2014, are not considered secure.

Windows XP end of support

Office 2003 end of support

How do I migrate off Windows XP?

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Small to medium business

Small to mid-size organizations (<500 employees) should locate a Microsoft Certified Partner to understand the best options to meet their business needs.

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Enterprise customers

Microsoft offers large organizations (500+ employees) in-depth technical resources, tools, and expert guidance to ease the deployment and management of Windows 10, Microsoft 365, and other products and technologies.

Get help with FastTrack Find resources for IT Pros

Now is the time to shift to Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 offers a complete, intelligent solution, including Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security; empowers creativity and secure collaboration.

Learn more

Potential risks of staying with Windows XP

Security

Without critical Windows XP security updates, your PC may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal or damage your business data and information. Antivirus software will also not be able to fully protect you once Windows XP itself is unsupported.

Compliance

Businesses that are governed by regulatory obligations such as HIPAA may find that they are no longer able to satisfy compliance requirements.

Lack of independent software vendorsupport

Many software vendors will no longer support their products running on Windows XP as they are unable to receive Windows XP updates. For example, the new Office takes advantage of the modern Windows and will not run on Windows XP.

Hardware manufacturer support

Most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on existing and new hardware. This will also mean that drivers required to run Windows XP on new hardware may not be available.

Frequently asked questions

Windows XP can still be installed and activated after end of support. Computers running Windows XP will still work but won’t receive any Microsoft Updates or be able to leverage technical support. Activations will still be required for retail installations of Windows XP after this date as well.

Windows XP Mode followed the same support lifecycle as Windows XP, extended support ended on April 8, 2014.

Windows XP used with MED-V followed the same support cycle as Windows XP, support ended Aril 8th, 2014.

Microsoft Security Essentials installed before April 8, 2014 received anti-malware signature updates through July 14, 2015. PCs running Windows XP now should no longer be considered protected.

Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool for Windows XP continued through July 14, 2015. PCs running Windows XP now should no longer be considered protected.

While customers may continue to use System Center, Microsoft Intune, and the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit to manage and deploy Windows XP past April 8, 2014, those products will no longer support Windows XP, and any technical issues which may arise will not be addressed.

See the Windows Embedded product lifecycle page and Microsoft Support for more information on Windows XP Embedded lifecycles.