Microsoft Discontinues Support for Windows XP

In a move that is a long time coming, Microsoft is finally discontinuing support for one of its most popular operating systems, Windows XP. Since the release of the operating system in 2002, it has been consistently one of the most popular versions of Windows ever. In 2004, ten years ago, it reached 50 percent market saturation -- that is, half of all computer users had a copy of Windows XP. That number broke 75 percent in 2007. Since then, XP has been the center of millions of computer repairs worldwide.

The OS, though excellent, was not without flaws. Even today, XP holds ten percent of the market share. Now, users of the popular operating system will need to seriously consider a switch. Twelve years for a single OS is a long time, particularly given that Windows has gone through Vista, Win7 and Win8 in that time, with a rumored Windows 9 on the horizon.

When Did Support End?

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014. That is, the operating system ended extended support. This may require some explanation.

On April 14, 2009, Microsoft ended primary support for Windows XP. Instead, it entered what is known as Extended Support. Microsoft continued to provide security updates on a monthly basis, to combat the rise of viruses and security holes for the old OS.

Extended support meant that Microsoft would no longer offer free technical support beyond the existing knowledge base, would not honor continued warranty claims and would not continue to make design changes. Third party laptop repairs on the OS were still performed in full, at the discretion of the company.

In 2012, rumors of the end of support abounded. The standard Microsoft product exists in a ten-year cycle of support, but Windows XP proved to be too popular for this standard model. The company extended support beyond 2012 into 2013 and 2014.

March of 2014 heralded the drop of Windows XP popularity to below ten percent for the first time since its creation. April then came with the announcement of the end of support. Microsoft will no longer offer regular security updates, with only the occasional critical update made available to certain users on a subscription plan.

This subscription plan, called Custom Support, exists for computer repairs on a case-by-case basis. It costs on average $200 per year per computer, and only fixes the most important of bugs and security holes. Additionally, even Custom Support will end in 2017.

How Does the End of Support Affect Users?

According to Microsoft itself, the end of support has four major effects.

• It immediately becomes a security risk. With no continued security support, any security hole will remain open unless it is deemed critical, and even then, it is only patched for users of Custom Support. Windows XP will become an increasingly vulnerable operating system over time.

 

• Windows XP immediately becomes a compliance liability issue. Businesses that are required to meet certain computer security standards, such as HIPAA, will no longer meet those standards with Windows XP. Many businesses will have updated by now, but those that have not will need to update immediately.

 

• Software designed for Windows XP will no longer be supported. This has two primary effects. First, the Microsoft-created Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus program will no longer receive updates. Users who persist in using XP will need a third-party application for virus protection. Additionally, many third party vendors will no longer support XP-specific applications. These, of course, vary on a case by case basis, and many such programs have long ceased support already.

 

• Hardware support also ends. This means any possible extended warranties and hardware service agreements for laptop repairs will likely end as well. If you were to upgrade a part, such as a graphics card, in an XP PC, it's possible XP drivers will not support the device. This issue will also worsen over time.

Additionally, any other XP-centered software, such as the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, System Center or Windows Intune, will reach unsupported state over time. They can still be used, but they will no longer receive updates. The result is that all users, from businesses to individuals, should update to Windows 7 or 8.1 as soon as possible.

Dominick Rivoli is the owner at A1 Rivoli, top office equipment and computer service and repair specialists for the Long Island, NY Nassau, and Western Suffolk areas. Visit the website at www.a1rivoli.com.