Microsoft reminds users that Windows XP and Office 2003 support is ending, offers advice

Unless you have been in hibernation under a rock whilst wearing earplugs and a blindfold, you’re undoubtedly aware that support for both Windows XP and Office 2003 is coming to an end. This in itself is not news, but today Microsoft is taking the opportunity to remind us all of the 8 April deadline — as well as pointing out that the operating system and office suite have been supported since the days of Baywatch.

Jay Paulus, director, Windows marketing, Microsoft says that it is time to move on: “It’s been a great run for these popular products, but a decade later, times and technology have evolved. Windows XP and Office 2003 weren’t designed for the world we live in today.”

There has been a lot of debate and discussion about what will happen once the support deadline passes, and this is something that Microsoft is keen to clear up. In case there was any confusion, neither Windows XP nor Office 2003 are going to stop functioning — they will remain usable on 9 April and beyond. But security is a serious issue: “Users will no longer receive new security updates, nonsecurity hotfixes, free or paid support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft.”

Microsoft is understandably pushing people towards Windows 8.1 and Office 365, pointing out that many newer applications will simply not work under Windows XP. It is unusual to hear a company knocking its own product, but here Microsoft explains that Windows XP is “five times as susceptible to viruses and attack” than Windows 8.1.

It’s not just about security, though. Microsoft explains that modern software is designed with modern problems in mind, allowing for a more efficient way of working — and could even save money.

Have you heeded the advice and upgraded all of your software, or are you hanging on until the bitter end and beyond?