Twelve years after it first launched, Microsoft will no longer provide security and software updates for Windows XP and 10-year-old Office 2003 after 8 April 2014. There will also not be customer technical service assistance for Windows XP and Office 2003. This means that individuals will no longer receive the updates that help protect their PCs from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
As part of Windows’ on-going awareness effort, on March 8, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. local time, customers using Windows XP (Home and Professional editions) will receive a notification via Windows Update informing them of the support deadline and encouraging them to visit Windows.com to find out more about what end of support means for them.
Mae Moreno, Windows Client Lead at Microsoft Philippines said, “Windows XP and Office 2003 were widely used and have helped hundreds of millions of people to get productive for both work and play. But 12 years later, the way people use technology has evolved. Just like you cannot imagine yourself using a mobile phone which is 12 years old, Windows XP and Office 2003 are no longer adequate for the new, always-on world that we live in.”
Retiring a product is a normal part of the product lifecycle. While most Microsoft software is supported for 10 years, Windows XP has been supported for more than 12 years–longer than any other Windows version.
Mae Moreno explained, “Cost should no longer be a barrier. The average cost of a PC today is 40% less than in 2002. Millions of consumers in Asia Pacific have already made the move to Windows 8.1 and are enjoying the benefits of a clean, fast and integrated user experience.”
“Don’t expose yourself and your family with an unprotected PC. Upgrade to a Windows 8.1 device and Office 365 today, which contains everything you already love, and more,” furthered Mae Moreno.