In our previous article on Microsoft ending support and updates for Windows XP, we described what made Windows XP so commonly used and the dangers of continuing to run it after April of 2014. Microsoft has put another nail in the coffin for users who want to continue running Windows XP: no more virus definition updates for Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows XP after April 2014.
This will be quite a problem as Microsoft Security Essentials (download here) is the most commonly used free anti-virus and anti-malware on Windows computers.
In this article from ZDNet, a Microsoft spokesperson states:
“Microsoft will not guarantee updates of our antimalware signature and engine after the XP end of support date of April 8, 2014…”
The message further pushes users to upgrade to more modern Windows operating systems such as Windows 7 (which we recommend) and Windows 8. If you want to risk running Windows XP after the April 2014 end of life date, you can use free anti-virus solutions such as AVG or Avira. As long as you are running regular backups or Windows XP isn’t running on a business computer, then the risk is minimized.
If you are not sure if you are running Windows XP or whether you need to upgrade, contact your office or home IT support.
