Microsoft has been telling businesses and consumers who are using computers running Windows XP for years that the end is coming. Many businesses and consumers are finally started upgrade with Windows 8 and 8.1 available, but there are still a vast number of people out there running Windows XP. We already know that Microsoft will be offering no more security updates for Windows XP after April of 2014.
Microsoft first made that announcement in 2011. Microsoft announced this week that it may also stop delivering antivirus signature updates for Microsoft Security Essentials. That program suite is Microsoft’s free anti-malware product. Microsoft says it will not guarantee updates for the anti-malware signature and the engine after the XP end of support date of April 8, 2014.
Users can certainly opt for third-party system, but with no more security patches coming, Windows XP will definitely be vulnerable to attack. With Microsoft going to the trouble to say it will guarantee these updates I’d wager that’s pretty much the software giant’s way of saying no more updates will be coming. It’s also worth noting that Windows XP users can’t upgrade directly to Windows 8.1. XP users will have to upgrade Windows 8 and then upgrade to Windows 8.1.
Via ZDNet
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
