On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will end support for the Windows XP operating system.
As a result, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. (If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer provide security updates to help protect it.)
To stay protected after support ends, you have two options:
Upgrade your current PC
Very few older computers will be able to run Windows 8.1, which is the latest version of Windows. We recommend that you download and run the Windows Upgrade Assistant to check whether your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8.1, and then follow the steps in the tutorial to upgrade if your PC is compatible. For more detailed information, read the FAQ.
Get a new PC
If your current PC can't run Windows 8.1, it might be time to consider shopping for a new one. Be sure to explore the great selection of new PCs. They're more powerful, lightweight, and stylish than ever before—and with an average price that's considerably less expensive than the average PC was 10 years ago.
For more information, see Support is ending soon.