Microsoft shuts down support for Windows XP in PCs, laptops

In this Monday, June 18, 2012, file photo, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer comments on the Windows 8 operating system. The PC industry is in a slump, as consumers show more interest in tablet computers and smartphones. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Microsoft announced Thursday that it would shut down support for its 11-year old Windows XP operating system widely used in personal computers and laptops.

“Windows XP will no longer receive security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft after April 8, 2014,” Windows said in a statement.

“More than 3.6 million Filipino Windows XP users need to upgrade as early as this year to avoid risks of destructive malware attacks,” it said.

Windows said that it would end support for XP because “technology has dramatically changed.”

“The expiration of support for Windows XP is deemed necessary due to the dramatic evolution of technology. Business and personal technology has dramatically changed over the last decade,” it said.

Mae Rivera-Moreno, Windows Client Business Lead of Microsoft Philippines, said in that statement that XP was no longer equipped to handle the challenges of the present times.

“While XP was one of the most popular operating systems in Microsoft’s history, it was not designed to handle the challenges of today, such as the increased exposure to cyber-attacks and demands for more data privacy, unlike our newer operating systems such as Windows 7 and 8,” she said.

“By far, the security risk is the most concerning for customers as there are more sophisticated forms of attack which can impact safety of personal information and the hidden costs associated with support and business continuity.
An 11-year-old operating system can no longer address today’s business and technology needs nor security threats,” Moreno said.

Microsoft also cited the sharp increase of “hacktivism” in 2012 as a reason why consumers should upgrade from XP to the latest operating systems such as Windows 7 or 8.