Windows XP discs can still be found online despite end of support

Apr 11, 2014 07:58 GMT  ·  By

Windows XP might not be receiving other updates or security patches, but the operating system can still be found online at various retailers that are selling the original discs for less than $10 (€7.2).

A simple search on eBay returns thousands of results that allow you to purchase Windows XP for only a few bucks, but there also are some entries that are asking more than $100 (€72) for a genuine copy of the operating system.

In case you’re wondering why anyone would buy such a product now that support is no longer offered, it’s pretty simple. Basically, Windows XP remains the only Windows version that runs smoothly on old computers, so in case you’re planning to use your ancient PC just for watching movies, listening to music, or creating documents, this could be the best operating system for you.

What’s more, activation is also possible despite end of support, with Microsoft confirming that those who are running a Windows XP copy on their computers can activate it just like they did before April 8 when the company pulled the plug on its old platform.

“Windows XP can still be installed and activated after end of support. Computers running Windows XP will still work but they won’t receive any Microsoft Updates or be able to leverage technical support. Activations will still be required for retail installations of Windows XP after this date as well,” Microsoft says.

Also on April 8, Microsoft retired Security Essentials for Windows XP, but the existing installations will continue to receive updates until mid-2015.

The company says that, even with a security product running on your computer, Windows XP is still not protected well enough to make sure that you won’t get hacked, so upgrading to a newer OS version is the only way to stay on the safe side.

“Microsoft Security Essentials will not be available for download on Windows XP after April 8, 2014. If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive anti-malware signature updates through July 14, 2015. However, please note that PCs running Windows XP after April 8, 2014 should not be considered protected,” the company said.

And still, Windows XP continues to be used by more than 28 percent of computers worldwide, with many users planning to stay on this OS version for many months from now. It remains to be seen however how many will actually upgrade when new vulnerabilities are found.