Can You Still Use Windows XP? [6 Tips to Keep Using XP]
To securely keep Windows XP in 2022, go offline more & use good AV.
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Key notes
- If you’re a Windows XP user after the end of its life, the lack of support puts your security at risk.
- Because Microsoft no longer rolls Windows XP security updates, you need an antivirus.
- You should also use a browser that keeps your computer and data safe while browsing.
Windows XP’s end of life has been reached on 8th April 2014, and since then this version of Windows was officially discontinued.
So, you either upgrade to Windows 10 or keep safely using Windows XP after 2014. Does Windows XP still work? The answer is, yes, it does, but it is riskier to use.
In order to help you out, we will describe some tips that will keep Windows XP secure. According to market share studies, there are a lot of users who are still using it on their devices.
Actually, it seems that many users aren’t willing to upgrade to Windows 10 due to various reasons. For them, knowing how to keep using Windows XP after 2014 is essential, or a must-have.
Because of that, we will show you the best tips you can use to protect yourself.
But that’s not the only reason why you shouldn’t want to upgrade to Windows 10, although eventually, you will have to do so.
You will not find compatible drivers with Windows XP. All modern laptops and desktops offer support only for Windows 10.
This isn’t the only issue that you can encounter, and many reported Windows XP needs to be activated before logging in error.
Therefore, if you want to keep on using your favorite Windows system – XP, don’t hesitate and check the tips explained and detailed in the guidelines below.
Don’t worry though, because there are a few tricks to use for keeping Windows XP secured even after EOS.
Can you still use Windows XP in 2022?
Yes, you can still use Windows XP, but there are a few things you should know. The software has been discontinued years ago, so you can’t download it from official sources.
This means that if you’re looking for Windows XP support, you won’t be able to get it from Microsoft or any other official source.
Also, many applications have been updated, and they may not support Windows XP. So don’t be surprised if you can’t run your favorite browser or other software on it.
Even though it’s possible to use it, you’ll likely encounter compatibility issues with modern software.
Can Windows XP still be installed?
Yes, it’s still possible to install Windows XP even after Windows XP’s end of life. However, Windows XP download can be an issue Microsoft isn’t hosting the ISO anymore, so you’ll have to rely on third-party sources.
This isn’t recommended, since third-party sources can be unsafe and modify the installation, so you should always use your original disc or ISO file from a reliable source.
Does Windows XP still get security updates?
No, Windows XP isn’t receiving security updates since 2014, and as such, it’s not safe to use, since it doesn’t offer protection against the latest malware.
What’s the risk in using Windows XP even though Microsoft no longer provides official support for the same? The risks are quite important as we are talking about the security field.
The end of Windows XP means no security updates were released after April 8th, 2014. So, if you don’t know how to properly protect your computer, it might be infected with various malware, bugs, worms, and viruses.
As for Windows XP security, the software is out of date and it won’t protect you, so keep in mind that you’ll be vulnerable to online attacks.
How to safely keep using Windows XP?
If you want to keep using Windows XP in 2022, you need to be very careful in order to ensure your safety. There are multiple ways to go about this, and you will find out all about them in the text below.
1. Use Windows XP in 2022 with a Limited Account
Due to the lack of newly released security updates, using Windows XP in 2022 might be risky. However, we have a workaround for this: you can use a Limited Account, also known as a day-to-day account.
A Limited Account comes with important restrictions that can be used for protecting your computer for malware. Thus, you can safely keep using Windows XP indefinitely.
1. First of all, log in as Administrator and go to Control Panel.
2. From there, click on User Accounts and select your own account.
3. Select Create a new account and type your new pass key twice.
4. Now tap on Home, then click Create a new account.
5. Save a new name for your account and pick Next.
6. Up next, select Limited and click on Create Account.
7. You have just created a Limited User Account.
Malware can do as much damage as the importance of the account it infects. Keep that in mind when using Windows XP. Due to these reasons, the best approach is to stay away from administrator accounts.
A limited account can’t install or remove all applications, or make system-wide changes, such as changing a hard disk’s partitions.
In addition, it’s important to install every Windows XP update to make sure that malware doesn’t interfere.
2. Switch to a better browser and go offline while using Windows XP
On your Windows XP, you should use, a safe and optimized browser that has all the features you need for smooth browsing. Opera One is exactly that. If you aren’t familiar with this one, you can always choose from other Windows XP compatible browsers.
Windows XP will no longer receive Internet Explorer official support which means that your web browser might not offer the security support you need.
Another solution you can apply is to go offline as much as possible. For example, when using different business programs you don’t need an internet connection enabled.
Most of the tools you use might go online for pointing updates or who knows what else. Not all these updates are official and you can catch some malware. Because of that, staying offline as much as possible is a good idea.
Opera One
The offline mode for Opera is your asset when using a Windows XP computer.3. Run Windows XP on a virtual machine
If the tips from above are way too complicated for you and you rather upgrade your computer to Windows 10, then you should use a virtual machine to install Windows XP.
As we already stated above, some apps and programs can run only on Windows XP systems, which means that you must use a virtual machine on any other Windows OS, or else the mentioned tools will not work at all.
Installing a virtual machine is not that hard as you can use official software developed by Microsoft.
Anyway, it will be quite annoying to switch between your regular Windows platform to the virtual machine each time you need to use your programs, but at least you will be secure.
If you’re looking for suitable software, then be sure to check the best virtual machines for Windows 10 and 11.
After Windows XP end of life, running the OS on the virtual machine is the safest way to use it.
4. Be cautious with what you install on your Windows XP PC
Although Windows XP no longer receives security updates, there are numerous ways in which you can still protect your computer against malware or viruses infections.
Anyway, the best manner will be, of course, to be more careful when installing software, when going online, when using your web browser and when downloading something on your laptop or desktop.
By trying to install only official programs, tested and recommended by other users, and by using proper antivirus and antimalware programs, you will be safe when using Windows XP.
5. Install a dedicated antivirus to keep using Windows XP
After Windows XP’s end of life, you won’t get any security updates, but you can still protect your computer. You can anytime download and install free or paid antivirus programs.
The free software is ok, but if you really want to secure your Windows XP system you should choose a paid version of antivirus.
In case you are asking about what happened to Microsoft Security Essentials, you should know that the software received the last update in June 2015.
Anyway, even though Security Essential represents the official Microsoft security tool, we recommend using a better antivirus program.
The security of Windows XP is dependent on the anti-malware and anti-virus solution that is protecting it.
For the best protection, we advise using antivirus for Windows XP Service Pack 3. An important aspect is also how the computer is used online and offline.
In terms of security and protection, the anti-threat solution must support Windows XP with up-to-date anti-malware features, besides the anti-virus benefits.
6. Keep your drivers up to date to keep using Windows XP
It will be extremely important to keep your programs up to date by installing all the latest official updates. In this way, you can protect your Windows XP computer against basic malware infections.
You can also secure your programs and software with third-party driver updaters a tool that can scan your computer for out-of-date software and update it if it finds any new compatible driver options.
You can prevent these problems by using an automatic tool that will search and install the correct drivers on your computer with just a few clicks. That's why we recommend you use Outbyte Driver Updater. Here's how to do it:
- Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
- Launch the software.
- Wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
- Afterward, it will show you a list of the drivers found to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
- Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the newest versions.
- Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Use this software and solve all driver-related issues from your PC.Can I upgrade Windows XP for free?
No, there’s no free upgrade option available for Windows XP. The software was discontinued in 2014, and since then there were 4 different iterations of Windows available.
Sadly, you can’t upgrade to a new operating system from Windows XP, and your only option is to purchase Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Now, as we pointed out in these guidelines, you can still use Windows XP long after Microsoft ended official support.
By using the tips described in this tutorial, you can safely protect your Windows XP computer without upgrading to Windows 10 and without choosing Linux instead of Windows.
Of course, eventually, the upgrade will have to be made as you will not find compatible drivers and software with older versions of the Windows system.
But until then, don’t worry, and keep using your favorite Windows OS on your laptop or desktop. If you choose to use it online, then be sure to check our guide on how to hide your IP address in Windows XP.
Don’t forget to use the comments field below for sharing your Windows XP experience and, of course, for sharing other useful tips with us and with our readers.
