Microsoft ending support for Windows XP

Microsoft has announced that as of April 8, 2014, Windows XP will no longer be supported. According to Microsoft, after that date, "your XP computer[s] will no longer receive automatic updates."

Even though Microsoft will offer some transitional anti-malware support for Windows XP through July 14, 2015, the end of XP support means that after April 8, 2014, Windows XP computers and the information stored on them are at serious risk. According to Microsoft,

If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer should still work, but it will become five times more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. And as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, a greater number of programs and devices like cameras and printers won’t work with Windows XP.

What actions should I take?

• Replace or upgrade your XP computer:
  • You can replace your Windows XP computer with one that is running Windows 7 or Windows 8.
    • For UD-specific purchase information, visit Computing Purchases at UD.
  • You can check if your XP system can be upgraded to Windows 7 with Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
    • You may need to upgrade your computer's RAM or other components to meet Windows 7's minimum requirements.
    • If it is a University-owned computer, you can upgrade a system to Windows 7 using UD's campus license.

  • For further information about upgrading an XP system, contact your department's IT professionals or the IT Support Center.
• Remove XP systems from the Internet or put XP systems on a private network:
  • If your department uses applications or equipment that relies on Windows XP systems, we recommend one of two options:
    • Disconnect those XP systems from the Internet on April 8.
    • Re-configure those XP systems you cannot disconnect from the Internet with private, non-routable Internet addresses, including use of a bastion host between legacy XP systems and the campus network. (Contact the IT Support Center for more information.)

  • If you have a home XP system, make sure you upgrade the computer or remove it from the Internet and your home wireless network.

  Further Information

  Information from Microsoft
  • Support is ending for Windows XP
  • Support for Windows XP is ending (Enterprise version)
  • Why Windows XP support is ending
  • Microsoft anti-malware support for Windows XP
  • Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

  For further information, contact your department's IT professionals or contact the IT Support Center by submitting a Help Request Form or calling (302) 831-6000.

  Last update: February 19, 2014

  If you require further assistance with the instructions or information on this page, contact the IT Support Center Link opens in a new window.

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