View source for Windows XP

{{Short description|2001 Microsoft operating system version}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = Windows XP
| version of = [[Windows NT]]
| logo = Windows XP logo and wordmark.svg
| logo size = 200px
| screenshot = Windows XP Luna.png<!-- Do not change unless you have read "Wikipedia:Software screenshots"! -->
| caption = Screenshot of Windows XP running the [[Windows XP visual styles|Luna visual style]], showing the start menu, taskbar, and [[My Computer]] window
| developer = [[Microsoft]]
| discontinued = yes
| first_release_date = {{Start date and age|2001|8|24}}<ref name="MS-ready-for-RTM">{{cite web |title=An Inside Look at the Months-long Process of Getting Windows XP Ready for Release to Manufacturing {{!}} Stories |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2001/08/24/an-Inside-look-at-the-months-long-process-of-getting-windows-xp-ready-for-release-to-manufacturing/ |website=Microsoft Stories |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=June 24, 2018 |date=August 24, 2001 |archive-date=August 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805122634/https://news.microsoft.com/2001/08/24/an-Inside-look-at-the-months-long-process-of-getting-windows-xp-ready-for-release-to-manufacturing/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| first_release_url = 
| GA_date = {{Start date and age|2001|10|25}}<ref name="MS-ready-for-RTM"/>
| GA_url = 
| release_version = Service Pack 3 with May 2019 security update (5.1.2600.7701)
| release_date = {{Start date and age|2019|5|14}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/help/4500331|title=Description of the security update for the remote code execution vulnerability in Windows XP SP3|date=May 14, 2019|publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>
| source_model = {{ubl
| [[Closed-source]]
| [[Source-available]] (through [[Shared Source Initiative]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/resources/sharedsource/windowslp.mspx|title=Windows Licensing Programs|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=September 21, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216125724/http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sharedsource/windowslp.mspx|archive-date=December 16, 2008|date=<!--N/A-->|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>
}}
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] [[commercial software]]
| supported_platforms = [[IA-32]], [[x86-64]], and [[Itanium]]
| kernel_type = [[Hybrid kernel|Hybrid]] ([[Architecture of Windows NT|NT]])
| userland = {{Plainlist|
* [[Windows API]]
* [[NTVDM]] (IA-32 only)
* [[Windows Services for UNIX|SFU]]
}}
| marketing target = Consumer and Business
| updatemodel = {{plainlist|
* [[Windows Update]]
* [[Windows Server Update Services]] (WSUS)
* [[System Center Configuration Manager]] (SCCM)}}
| support_status = ''Excludes [[Windows XP editions#Windows XP 64-Bit Edition|Itanium]] and some [[Windows XP editions#Editions for embedded systems|embedded]] editions:''<br/>Mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009<ref name="lifecycle-db"/><br/>Extended support ended on April 8, 2014<ref name="lifecycle-db"/><br/><br/>Exceptions existed until May 14, 2019<br/>(See [[#Support lifecycle|§ Support lifecycle]] for details)
| preceded_by = {{plainlist|
* [[Windows 2000]] (1999)
* [[Windows Me]] (2000)}}
| succeeded_by = [[Windows Vista]] (2007)
| website = {{URL|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20011101215038/http://microsoft.com/windowsxp/default.asp|2=Windows XP}} (archived at [[Wayback Machine]])
}}
{{Windows XP}}

'''Windows XP''' is<!--Do ''not'' change to "was". This violates [[MOS:TENSE]], which specifies that all articles on operating systems are written in present tense, even if discontinued.--> a major release of [[Microsoft]]'s [[Windows NT]] operating system. It was [[released to manufacturing]] on August 24, 2001, and later to retail on October 25, 2001. It is a direct successor to [[Windows 2000]] for high-end and business users and [[Windows Me]] for home users.

Development of Windows XP began in the late 1990s under the codename "[[Windows Neptune|Neptune]]", built on the [[Architecture of Windows NT#Kernel|Windows NT kernel]] and explicitly intended for mainstream consumer use. An updated version of Windows 2000 was also initially planned for the business market. However, in January 2000, both projects were scrapped in favor of a single OS codenamed "Whistler", which would serve as a single platform for both consumer and business markets. As a result, Windows XP is the first consumer edition of Windows not based on the [[Windows 95]] kernel or [[MS-DOS]].

Upon its release, Windows XP received critical acclaim, noting increased performance and stability (especially compared to Windows Me), a more intuitive user interface, improved hardware support and expanded multimedia capabilities. Windows XP and [[Windows Server 2003]] were succeeded by [[Windows Vista]] and [[Windows Server 2008]], released in 2007 and 2008, respectively. 

Mainstream support for Windows XP ended on April 14, 2009, and extended support ended on April 8, 2014. [[Windows Embedded POSReady 2009]], based on Windows XP Professional, received security updates until April 2019. The final security update for Service Pack 3 was released on May 14, 2019. Unofficial methods were made available to apply the updates to other editions of Windows XP. Microsoft has discouraged this practice, citing compatibility issues.<ref name="updates20192">{{cite web |last=Seltzer |first=Larry |date=May 26, 2014 |title=Registry hack enables continued updates for Windows XP |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/registry-hack-enables-continued-updates-for-windows-xp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126140239/https://www.zdnet.com/article/registry-hack-enables-continued-updates-for-windows-xp/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=January 30, 2021 |website=ZDNet |quote=[UPDATE:] Late Monday we received a statement from a Microsoft spokesperson: We recently became aware of a hack that purportedly aims to provide security updates to Windows XP customers. The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers. Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP. The best way for Windows XP customers to protect their systems is to upgrade to a more modern operating system, like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.}}</ref>

{{As of|2025|df=US}}, globally, 0.4% of Windows PCs<ref name="market">{{Cite web |title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide/#daily-20231224-20240122 |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=StatCounter Global Stats |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420180627/http://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide#daily-20231224-20240122 |url-status=live }}</ref> <!--Windows desktop--> and 0.1% of all devices across all platforms continue to run Windows&nbsp;XP.
{{TOC limit|limit=4}}

==Development==
{{Main|Development of Windows XP}}

In the late 1990s, initial development of what would become Windows XP was focused on two individual products: "[[Windows Odyssey|Odyssey]]", which was reportedly intended to succeed the future [[Windows 2000]] and "[[Microsoft Neptune|Neptune]]", which was reportedly a consumer-oriented operating system using the [[Windows NT]] architecture, succeeding the [[MS-DOS]]-based [[Windows 98]].<ref name="cnet-consolidate">{{cite web | url=https://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-consolidates-Windows-development-efforts/2100-1040_3-236021.html | title=Microsoft consolidates Windows development efforts | publisher=CNET Networks | work=CNET | access-date=January 23, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201144705/http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-consolidates-Windows-development-efforts/2100-1040_3-236021.html | archive-date=February 1, 2014 | df=mdy-all |date=January 24, 2000|first1=Stephanie|last1=Miles}}</ref>

However, the projects proved to be [[Development hell|too ambitious]]. In January 2000, shortly prior to the official release of Windows 2000, technology writer Paul Thurrott reported that Microsoft had shelved both Neptune and Odyssey in favor of a new product codenamed "Whistler", named after [[Whistler, British Columbia]], as many Microsoft employees skied at the [[Whistler-Blackcomb]] ski resort.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url=https://www.winsupersite.com/faq/longhorn.asp | title=Windows "Longhorn" FAQ | publisher=Penton Media | work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows | date=June 22, 2005 | access-date=April 4, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404091719/http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/longhorn.asp | archive-date=April 4, 2008 | df=mdy-all | author=<!--N/A--> }}</ref> The goal of Whistler was to unify both the consumer and business-oriented Windows lines under a single, Windows NT platform. Thurrott stated that Neptune had become "a black hole when all the features that were cut from Windows Me were simply re-tagged as Neptune features. And since Neptune and Odyssey would be based on the same code-base anyway, it made sense to combine them into a single project".<ref name="supersite-roadtoxp">{{cite web | url=https://winsupersite.com/article/product-review/the-road-to-gold-the-development-of-windows-xp-reviewed | title=The Road to Gold: The development of Windows XP Reviewed | publisher=Penton Media | work=Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows | access-date=January 23, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202144509/http://winsupersite.com/article/product-review/the-road-to-gold-the-development-of-windows-xp-reviewed | archive-date=February 2, 2014 | df=mdy-all |date=October 6, 2010|first1=Paul|last1=Thurrott}}</ref>

At [[Professional Developers Conference|PDC]] on July 13, 2000, Microsoft announced that Whistler would be released during the second half of 2001, and also unveiled the first preview build, 2250, which featured an early implementation of Windows XP's visual styles system and interface changes to Windows Explorer and the Control Panel.<ref name="witpro-betabegins">{{cite web | url=https://www.itprotoday.com/windows-server/introducing-whistler-preview-build-2250 | title=Introducing the Whistler Preview, Build 2250 | publisher=Penton Media | work=Windows IT Pro | access-date=June 9, 2018 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142613/http://www.itprotoday.com/windows-server/introducing-whistler-preview-build-2250 | archive-date=June 12, 2018 | df=mdy-all |first1=Paul|last1=Thurrott|date=July 17, 2000}}</ref>

Microsoft released the first public beta build of Whistler, build 2296, on October 31, 2000. Subsequent builds gradually introduced features that users of the release version of Windows XP would recognize, such as [[Internet Explorer 6.0]], the [[Microsoft Product Activation]] system, and the ''[[Bliss (image)|Bliss]]'' desktop background.<ref name="supersite-roadtoxp2">{{cite web | url=https://winsupersite.com/article/product-review/the-road-to-gold-part-two | title=The Road to Gold (Part Two) | publisher=Penton Media | work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows | access-date=January 23, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202144533/http://winsupersite.com/article/product-review/the-road-to-gold-part-two | archive-date=February 2, 2014 | df=mdy-all |date=October 6, 2010|first1=Paul|last1=Thurrott}}</ref>

Whistler was officially unveiled during a media event on February 5, 2001, under the name Windows XP, where XP stands for "eXPerience".<ref name="cnet-xpnamed">{{cite web | url=https://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-to-christen-Windows%2C-Office-with-new-name/2009-1001_3-252047.html | title=Microsoft to christen Windows, Office with new name | publisher=CNET Networks | work=CNET | access-date=January 23, 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201144708/http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-to-christen-Windows%2C-Office-with-new-name/2009-1001_3-252047.html | archive-date=February 1, 2014 | df=mdy-all |date=February 5, 2001|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

===Release===
In June 2001, Microsoft indicated that it was planning to spend at least US$1&nbsp;billion on marketing and promoting Windows XP, in conjunction with [[Intel]] and other PC makers.<ref name="cnet-marketing1bn">{{cite web | url=https://news.cnet.com/2100-1001-269032.html | title=Windows XP marketing tab to hit $1&nbsp;billion | publisher=CNET Networks | work=CNET | access-date=January 23, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201144711/http://news.cnet.com/2100-1001-269032.html | archive-date=February 1, 2014 | df=mdy-all |date=January 2, 2002|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> The theme of the campaign, "Yes You Can", was designed to emphasize the platform's overall capabilities. Microsoft had originally planned to use the slogan "Prepare to Fly", but it was replaced because of sensitivity issues in the wake of the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref name="Change-XP-slogan">{{cite web |url=https://www.computerworld.co.nz/article/511861/microsoft_changes_xp_slogan_wake_us_attacks/ |title=Microsoft changes XP slogan in wake of US attacks |work=Computerworld NZ |publisher=IDG |access-date=August 7, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905135939/http://www.computerworld.co.nz/article/511861/microsoft_changes_xp_slogan_wake_us_attacks/ |archive-date=September 5, 2015}}</ref>

On August 24, 2001, Windows XP build 2600 was [[released to manufacturing]] (RTM). During a ceremonial media event at [[Microsoft Redmond Campus]], copies of the RTM build were given to representatives of several major PC manufacturers in briefcases, who then flew off on decorated helicopters. While PC manufacturers would be able to release devices running XP beginning on September 24, 2001, XP was expected to reach general retail availability on October 25, 2001. On the same day, Microsoft also announced the final retail pricing of XP's two main editions, "Home" (as a replacement for [[Windows Me]] for home computing) and "Professional" (as a replacement for [[Windows 2000]] for high-end users).<ref name="supersite-roadtoxp3">{{cite web |url=https://winsupersite.com/article/product-review/the-road-to-gold-part-three | title=The Road to Gold (Part Three) | publisher=Penton Media | work=Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows | access-date=March 11, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829035957/http://winsupersite.com/article/product-review/the-road-to-gold-part-three |archive-date=August 29, 2017 | url-status=dead|date=October 15, 2001|first1=Paul|last1=Thurrott}}</ref>

==New and updated features==
{{Main|Features new to Windows XP}}

===User interface===
[[File:RoyaleXP2.PNG|thumb|Updated start menu in the ''[[Windows XP Media Center Edition|Media Center Edition]]''-exclusive Royale theme, now featuring two columns]]

While retaining some similarities to previous versions, Windows XP's interface was overhauled with a new visual appearance, with an increased use of [[alpha compositing]] effects, [[drop shadow]]s, and "[[Windows XP visual styles|visual styles]]", which completely changed the appearance of the operating system. The number of effects enabled are determined by the operating system based on the computer's processing power, and can be enabled or disabled on a case-by-case basis. XP also added [[ClearType]], a new [[subpixel rendering]] system designed to improve the appearance of fonts on [[liquid-crystal display]]s.<ref name="Microsoft Corporation">{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/306527|title=HOW TO: Use ClearType to Enhance Screen Fonts in Windows XP|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=October 27, 2002|work=Support|access-date=August 8, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805145836/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306527|archive-date=August 5, 2011|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> A new set of system icons was also introduced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb986055.aspx|title=New Graphical Interface: Enhance Your Programs with New Windows XP Shell Features|work=[[MSDN]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=November 2001|access-date=August 8, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809204642/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb986055.aspx|archive-date=August 9, 2011|first1=Dino|last1=Esposito}}</ref> The default wallpaper, ''[[Bliss (image)|Bliss]]'', is a photo of a landscape in the [[Napa County, California|Napa Valley]] outside [[Napa, California]], with rolling green hills and a blue sky with stratocumulus and cirrus clouds.<ref name="bliss1">{{cite news |url=https://spokesmanreview.com/pf.asp?date=022204&ID=s1490284 |title=No view of Palouse from Windows |first=Paul |last=Turner |newspaper=[[The Spokesman-Review]] |location=Spokane |date=February 22, 2004 |access-date=September 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511110350/http://spokesmanreview.com/pf.asp?date=022204&ID=s1490284 |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Start menu received its first major overhaul in XP, switching to a two-column layout with the ability to list, pin, and display frequently used applications, recently opened documents, and the traditional cascading "All Programs" menu. The [[taskbar]] can now group windows opened by a single application into one taskbar button, with a [[popup menu]] listing the individual windows. The notification area also hides "inactive" icons by default. A "common tasks" list was added, and [[Windows Explorer]]'s sidebar was updated to use a new task-based design with lists of common actions; the tasks displayed are contextually relevant to the type of content in a folder (e.g. a folder with music displays offers to play all the files in the folder, or burn them to a CD).<ref name="sacred">{{cite news|last1=Fitzpatrick|first1=Jason|title=The Start Menu Should Be Sacred (But It's Still a Disaster in Windows 10)|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/224805/the-start-menu-should-be-sacred-but-its-still-a-disaster-in-windows-10/|access-date=July 30, 2016|work=How-To Geek|date=August 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313114850/https://www.howtogeek.com/224805/the-start-menu-should-be-sacred-but-its-still-a-disaster-in-windows-10/|archive-date=March 13, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Wide image|Windows XP task grouping (Luna).png|800px|The "task grouping" feature introduced in Windows XP showing both grouped and individual items}}
Fast user switching allows additional users to log into a Windows XP machine without existing users having to close their programs and log out. Although only one user at the time can use the console (i.e., monitor, keyboard, and mouse), previous users can resume their session once they regain control of the console.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/279765|title=How To Use the Fast User Switching Feature in Windows XP (Revision 1.5)|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=March 27, 2007|work=Microsoft Support|access-date=August 8, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812020916/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279765|archive-date=August 12, 2011|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> [[#Service Pack 2|Service Pack 2]] and [[#Service Pack 3|Service Pack 3]] also introduced new features to Windows XP post-release, including the [[Windows Security Center]], [[Features new to Windows XP#Bluetooth support|Bluetooth support]], [[Features new to Windows XP#Data Execution Prevention|Data Execution Prevention]], [[Features new to Windows XP#Windows Firewall|Windows Firewall]], and support for SDHC cards that are larger than 4&nbsp;GB and up to 32&nbsp;GB.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/Bth_FAQ.docx |title=Bluetooth Wireless Technology FAQ |access-date=August 8, 2011 |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163558/http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/Bth_FAQ.docx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb877979.aspx |title=Manually Configuring Windows Firewall in Windows XP Service Pack 2 |date=May 5, 2010 |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826132201/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb877979.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/843090 |title=Description of the Windows Firewall feature in Windows XP SP2 |access-date=September 18, 2009 |archive-date=September 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917163445/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/843090 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/934428|title=Hotfix for Windows XP that adds support for SDHC cards that have a capacity of more than 4 GB|date=May 22, 2013|website=Support|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205135308/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/934428|archive-date=February 5, 2014|access-date=June 18, 2019|edition=5.0}}</ref>

===Infrastructure===
Windows XP uses [[prefetcher|prefetching]] to improve startup and application launch times.<ref name="ms-WHDC-kernel">{{cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/whdc/driver/kernel/XP_kernel.mspx |title=Kernel Enhancements for Windows XP |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=Windows Hardware Developer Center (WHDC) |date=January 13, 2003 |access-date=August 8, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307105611/http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/driver/kernel/xp_kernel.mspx |archive-date=March 7, 2008 |author=<!--N/A--> }}</ref> It also became possible to revert the installation of an updated [[device driver]], should the updated driver produce undesirable results.<ref>{{cite web|title=HOW TO: Use the Driver Roll Back Feature to Restore a Previous Version of a Device Driver in Windows XP|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|url=https://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=306546|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218123843/http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=306546|archive-date=February 18, 2006|date=October 27, 2002|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

A [[copy protection]] system known as [[Windows Product Activation]] was introduced with Windows XP and its server counterpart, [[Windows Server 2003]]. All non-enterprise (Volume Licensing) Windows licenses must be tied to a unique ID generated using information from the [[computer hardware]], transmitted either via the internet or a telephone hotline. If Windows is not activated within 30 days of installation, the OS will cease to function until it is activated. Windows also periodically verifies the hardware to check for changes. If significant hardware changes are detected, the activation is voided, and Windows must be re-activated.<ref name="ars-activation">{{cite web|title=Windows Product Activation: an early look|url=https://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2001/02/wpa.ars|website=Ars Technica|access-date=February 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205075258/http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2001/02/wpa.ars|archive-date=December 5, 2011|date=February 2, 2001|first1=Ken|last1=Fisher}}</ref>{{Clarify|reason=IIRC it took something on the level of a motherboard + CPU swap and reinstall to trigger this, and re-key was either automatic or really fast through calling the MS number. The parts that should be clarified are the number of key migrations and what hardware changes mattered.  It's currently default-set to 1001 on Windows 10 (and only triggered by full reinstalls on a new motherboard and system without importing the Windows signing keys into the bios first AFAICT).|date=November 2023}}

===Networking and internet functionality===
Windows XP was originally bundled with [[Internet Explorer 6]], [[Outlook Express]] 6, [[Windows Messenger]], and [[MSN Explorer]]. New networking features were also added, including Internet Connection Firewall, [[Internet Connection Sharing]] integration with UPnP, NAT traversal APIs, Quality of Service features, IPv6 and Teredo tunneling, [[Background Intelligent Transfer Service]], extended fax features, network bridging, peer to peer networking, support for most [[DSL]] modems, [[IEEE 802.11]] ([[Wi-Fi]]) connections with [[Wireless Zero Configuration|auto configuration]] and roaming, [[Telephony Application Programming Interface|TAPI 3.1]], and networking over FireWire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457047.aspx|title=Windows XP Networking Features and Enhancements|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|work=[[Microsoft TechNet]]|date=August 8, 2001|access-date=August 8, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726172203/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457047.aspx|archive-date=July 26, 2011|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> [[Remote Assistance]] and [[Remote Desktop Services|Remote Desktop]] were also added, which allow users to connect to a computer running Windows XP from across a network or the Internet and access their applications, files, printers, and devices or request help.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Desktop |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |url=https://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/rdfaq.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704104713/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/rdfaq.mspx |archive-date=July 4, 2007 |date=<!--N/A-->|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> Improvements were also made to ''IntelliMirror'' features such as [[Offline Files]], [[roaming user profile]]s, and [[folder redirection]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Otey |first1=Michael |title=Discover Windows XP |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms954392.aspx |publisher=Microsoft Developer |access-date=June 21, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420161139/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms954392.aspx |archive-date=April 20, 2012 |date=October 2001}}</ref>

===Backward compatibility===
To enable running software that targets or locks out specific versions of Windows, "Compatibility mode" was added. It allows pretending a selected earlier version of Windows to software, starting at Windows 95.<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows XP Program Compatibility Wizard |url=https://www.serverwatch.com/guides/windows-xp-program-compatibility-wizard/ |website=ServerWatch |access-date=November 13, 2021 |date=March 12, 2002 |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113012030/https://www.serverwatch.com/guides/windows-xp-program-compatibility-wizard/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This feature was first introduced in [[Windows 2000]] Service Pack 2, released five months before the release of Windows XP, and was backported from prerelease Windows XP builds. Unlike with Windows XP, however, it was hidden from the operating system as it was not enabled by default and had to be manually activated through the [[regsvr32|Register Server]] utility. It was also only available to administrator users.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Enable Application Compatibility-Mode Technology in Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 |url=https://www.activewin.com/tips/win2000/1/2000_tips_43.shtml |website=Active Win |access-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010818054705/http://www.activewin.com/tips/win2000/1/2000_tips_43.shtml |archive-date=August 18, 2001 |language=en |date=2000}}</ref> Windows XP has this feature activated out of the box and also grants it to regular users.

===Other features===
* Improved [[compatibility layer|application compatibility]] and [[shim (computing)|shims]] compared to Windows 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Proffit |first=Brian |date=September 2, 2002 |title=Old Apps Find A New Home On Windows XP |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wFDKfrkjXLAC&pg=PA76 |magazine=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=July 10, 2018 |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610022353/https://books.google.com/books?id=wFDKfrkjXLAC&pg=PA76 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[DirectX]] 8.1, upgradeable to DirectX 9.0c.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Karp |first1=David |last2=O'Reilly |first2=Tim |last3=Mott |first3=Troy |title=Windows XP in a Nutshell: [a desktop quick reference] |date=2005 |publisher=O'Reilly |location=Beijing [u.a.] |isbn=978-0-596-00900-7|page=[https://archive.org/details/windowsxpinnutsh00karp/page/141 141] |edition=2nd |url=https://archive.org/details/windowsxpinnutsh00karp|url-access=registration }}</ref>
* A number of new features in [[Windows Explorer]] including task panes, thumbnails, and the option to view photos as a slideshow.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Richtmyer |first1=Richard |title=Opening up Windows XP |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/08/23/technology/windowsxp/index.htm |website=CNN Money |access-date=June 24, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223092719/http://money.cnn.com/2001/08/23/technology/windowsxp/index.htm |archive-date=December 23, 2017 |date=August 23, 2001}}</ref>
* Improved imaging features such as ''Windows Picture and Fax Viewer''.<ref name="WPFW">{{cite web |url = https://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/image_overview.mspx?mfr=true |title = Windows Picture and Fax Viewer overview |work = Windows XP Professional Product Documentation |publisher = Microsoft Corporation |access-date = November 23, 2010 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101202003013/http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/image_overview.mspx?mfr=true |archive-date = December 2, 2010 |df = dmy-all |date = <!--N/A--> |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>
* Faster start-up, (because of improved [[Prefetcher|Prefetch]] functions) logon, logoff, [[Hibernation (computing)|hibernation]], and application launch sequences.<ref name="ms-WHDC-kernel" />
* Numerous improvements to increase the system reliability such as improved [[System Restore]],<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204174622/http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/dnwxp/html/windowsxpsystemrestore.asp |archive-date=February 4, 2005|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/dnwxp/html/windowsxpsystemrestore.asp |title=Microsoft Windows XP System Restore|publisher=Microsoft|last1=Harder|first1=Bobbie|date=April 2001}}</ref> [[Automated System Recovery]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Petri |first1=Daniel |title=What is ASR in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003? |url=https://www.petri.com/whats_asr_in_windows_xp_2003 |website=Petri |publisher=Blue Whale Web Media Group |access-date=June 24, 2018 |date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312131838/https://www.petri.com/whats_asr_in_windows_xp_2003 |archive-date=March 12, 2017 }}</ref> and driver reliability improvements through Device Driver Rollback.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Columbus |first1=Louis |title=Exploring Windows XP's Device Driver Rollback and System Restore |url=https://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=21919 |website=InformIT |publisher=Pearson Education |access-date=June 24, 2018 |date=June 29, 2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105185554/http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=21919 |archive-date=January 5, 2014}}</ref>
* Hardware support improvements such as [[FireWire]] 800,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Norton |first1=Peter |last2=Mueller |first2=John Paul |title=Peter Norton's Complete Guide to Windows XP |date=2002 |publisher=Pearson Education |isbn=9780132715386 |page=N/A |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QLtjChi0LkMC&pg=PT339 |access-date=July 10, 2018 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415032546/https://books.google.com/books?id=QLtjChi0LkMC&pg=PT339 |url-status=live }}</ref> and improvements to [[multi-monitor]] support under the name "DualView".<ref>{{cite web |last1=McNamee |first1=Kieran |title=Setting up dual monitors using Windows XP Home |url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/70163/setting_up_dual_monitors_using_windows_xp_home/ |website=PC World |access-date=June 24, 2018 |language=en-AU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205070537/http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/70163/setting_up_dual_monitors_using_windows_xp_home |archive-date=February 5, 2017 |date=June 27, 2003 }}</ref>
* [[Fast user switching]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Architecture of Fast User Switching |url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/294737 |website=Microsoft Knowledgebase |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802094623/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/294737 |archive-date=August 2, 2009 |date=January 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>
* The [[ClearType]] font rendering mechanism, which is designed to improve text readability on [[liquid-crystal display]] (LCD) and similar monitors, especially laptops.<ref name="Microsoft Corporation"/>
* [[Side-by-side assembly|Side-by-side assemblies]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Satran |first1=Michael |title=About Side-by-Side Assemblies |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/sbscs/about-side-by-side-assemblies- |website=docs.microsoft.com |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=June 24, 2018 |language=en-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624182601/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/sbscs/about-side-by-side-assemblies- |archive-date=June 24, 2018 |date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> and [[registration-free COM]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wienholt |first1=Nick |title=Simplify Application Deployment with Registration-Free COM - Developer.com |url=https://www.developer.com/net/cplus/article.php/3626016/Simplify-Application-Deployment-with-Registration-Free-COM.htm |website=www.developer.com |publisher=QuinStreet Enterprise |access-date=June 24, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216070912/http://www.developer.com/net/cplus/article.php/3626016/Simplify-Application-Deployment-with-Registration-Free-COM.htm |archive-date=December 16, 2010 |date=August 14, 2006}}</ref>
* General improvements to international support such as more locales, languages and scripts, [[Multilingual User Interface|MUI]] support in Terminal Services, improved [[Input Method Editor]]s, and National Language Support.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Honeycutt |first1=Jerry |title=Introducing Microsoft Windows Server 2003 |date=2003 |publisher=Microsoft |location=Redmond, Wash. |isbn=9780735615700 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/introducingmicro00hone/page/293 293–298] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/introducingmicro00hone/page/293 }}</ref>

==Removed features==
{{Main|List of features removed in Windows XP}}

Some of the programs and features that were part of the previous versions of Windows did not make it to Windows XP. Various [[MS-DOS]] commands available in its [[Windows 9x]] predecessor were removed,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/dos_diffs.mspx?mfr=true |title=New ways to do familiar tasks |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=Windows XP Product Documentation |access-date=May 21, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060503205403/http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/dos_diffs.mspx?mfr=true |archive-date=May 3, 2006 |author=<!--N/A-->|date=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> as were the [[POSIX]] and [[OS/2]] subsystems.<ref name="gg463468">{{cite web|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/gg463468.aspx|title=Kernel Enhancements for Windows XP|publisher=Microsoft|date=January 13, 2003|work=[[MSDN]]|access-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306034824/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/gg463468.aspx|archive-date=March 6, 2013|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

In networking, [[NetBEUI]], [[NWLink]] and [[NetDDE]] were [[deprecated]] and not installed by default.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Steven|last1=Pittsley |title=Easy install guide for NetBEUI and IPX in Windows XP Pro |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/easy-install-guide-for-netbeui-and-ipx-in-windows-xp-pro/ |website=TechRepublic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411093725/https://www.techrepublic.com/article/easy-install-guide-for-netbeui-and-ipx-in-windows-xp-pro/ |archive-date=April 11, 2017|url-status=live|date=June 13, 2002}}</ref> [[Legacy Plug and Play|Plug-and-play–incompatible]] communication devices (like [[modem]]s and [[network interface card]]s) were no longer supported.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/295745 |title=Non-Plug and Play Network Device Support in Windows XP |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=October 18, 2001 |work=Support |access-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030215121/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/295745 |archive-date=October 30, 2004 |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

Later service packs from Service Pack 2 onwards would gradually remove features from Windows XP, such as support for [[TCP half-open]] connections,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ms740548.aspx|title=TCP/IP Raw Sockets (Windows)|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|work=[[MSDN]]|access-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128183317/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ms740548.aspx|archive-date=January 28, 2013|url-status=live|author=<!--N/A-->|date=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> [[Program Manager]] and the ''Address bar'' toolbar option on the taskbar.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pash |first1=Adam |title=Field Guide to Windows XP SP3 |url=https://lifehacker.com/385295/field-guide-to-windows-xp-sp3 |website=Lifehacker |publisher=Univision Communications |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115215957/https://lifehacker.com/385295/field-guide-to-windows-xp-sp3 |archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live|date=April 29, 2008}}</ref> The boot screens for all editions of Windows XP have also been unified by Service Pack 2 onwards, where the blue progress bar is used for all editions including Home Edition (which previously used a green progress bar in Service Pack 1 and prior) and the SKU and copyright years on the boot screen were removed.

==Editions==
{{Main|Windows XP editions}}

[[File:XP-Editions.svg|thumb|280px|Diagram representing the main editions of Windows XP. It is based on the category of the edition (grey) and codebase (black arrow).]]

Windows XP was released in two major editions on launch: ''Home Edition'' and ''Professional Edition''. Both editions were made available at retail as pre-loaded software on new computers and as boxed copies. Boxed copies were sold as "Upgrade" or "Full" licenses; the "Upgrade" versions were slightly cheaper, but require an existing version of Windows to install. The "Full" version can be installed on systems without an operating system or existing version of Windows.<ref name=cnet-marketing1bn/> The two editions of XP were aimed at different markets: ''Home Edition'' is explicitly intended for consumer use and disables or removes certain advanced and enterprise-oriented features present on ''Professional'', such as the ability to join a [[Windows domain]], [[Internet Information Services]], and [[Multilingual User Interface]]. Windows 98 or Me can be upgraded to either ''Home Edition'' or ''Professional'' and [[Windows NT 4.0]] or 2000 can only be upgraded to ''Professional''.<ref name=technet-differences>{{cite web|title=Differences with Windows XP Home Edition|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457127.aspx|work=TechNet|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=January 26, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209183913/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457127.aspx|archive-date=February 9, 2014|date=September 11, 2009|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> Windows' [[software license agreement]] for pre-loaded licenses allows the software to be "returned" to the OEM for a refund if the user does not wish to use it.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.networkworld.com/news/2006/110706-dell-windows.html | title=Dell customer gets Windows refund | publisher=IDG | work=LinuxWorld | date=November 6, 2006 | access-date=September 13, 2008 | first=Don | last=Marti | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927111046/http://www.networkworld.com/news/2006/110706-dell-windows.html | archive-date=September 27, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Despite the refusal of some manufacturers to honor the entitlement, it has been enforced by courts in some countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pages.citebite.com/s2u3d5wajak|title=HP must reimburse Italian PC buyer the amount paid for Microsoft software|publisher=Heise online|date=October 29, 2007|access-date=September 13, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015203020/http://pages.citebite.com/s2u3d5wajak|archive-date=October 15, 2008|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

Two specialized variants of XP were introduced in 2002 for certain types of hardware, exclusively through [[OEM]] channels as pre-loaded software. ''[[Windows XP Media Center Edition]]'' was initially designed for high-end [[home theater PC]]s with [[TV tuner]]s (marketed under the term "Media Center PC"), offering expanded multimedia functionality, an [[electronic program guide]], and [[digital video recorder]] (DVR) support through the [[Windows Media Center]] application.<ref name="cnet-xpmceannounce">{{cite web | url=http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-reveals-media-XP-details/2100-1016_3-944063.html | title=Microsoft reveals media XP details | publisher=CNET Networks | work=CNET | access-date=January 26, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207142141/http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-reveals-media-XP-details/2100-1016_3-944063.html | archive-date=February 7, 2015 | df=mdy-all |first1=Joe|last1=Wilcox|date=July 16, 2002}}</ref> Microsoft also unveiled ''[[Windows XP Tablet PC Edition]]'', which contains additional [[Stylus (computing)|pen input]] features, and is optimized for mobile devices meeting its [[Microsoft Tablet PC|Tablet PC]] specifications.<ref name="cnet-tabletpcdrive">{{cite web | url=http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-launches-tablet-PC-drive/2100-1005_3-964903.html | title=Microsoft launches tablet PC drive | publisher=CNET Networks | work=CNET | access-date=January 26, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207141635/http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-launches-tablet-PC-drive/2100-1005_3-964903.html | archive-date=February 7, 2015 | df=mdy-all |date=November 7, 2002|first1=Joe|last1=Wilcox|first2=Sandeep|last2=Junnarkar}}</ref> Two different [[64-bit]] editions of XP were made available. The first, ''Windows XP 64-Bit Edition'', was intended for [[IA-64]] ([[Itanium]]) systems; as IA-64 usage declined on workstations in favor of [[AMD]]'s [[x86-64]] architecture, the Itanium edition was discontinued in January 2005.<ref name=computerworld-xpitaniumdiscontinued>{{cite web|title=Microsoft nixes Windows XP for Itanium|url=https://www.computerworld.com/s/article/98716/Microsoft_nixes_Windows_XP_for_Itanium?taxonomyId=125|work=Computerworld|publisher=[[IDG]]|access-date=January 26, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202171023/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/98716/Microsoft_nixes_Windows_XP_for_Itanium?taxonomyId=125|archive-date=February 2, 2014|date=January 5, 2005|first1=Joris|last1=Evers}}</ref> A new 64-bit edition supporting the x86-64 architecture, called ''Windows XP Professional x64 Edition'', was released in April 2005.<ref name="release-date-x64">{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2005/04/25/microsoft-raises-the-speed-limit-with-the-availability-of-64-bit-editions-of-windows-server-2003-and-windows-xp-professional/ |title=Microsoft Raises the Speed Limit with the Availability of 64-Bit Editions of Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Professional |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=April 25, 2005 |access-date=September 10, 2015 |archive-date=February 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225210214/http://news.microsoft.com/2005/04/25/microsoft-raises-the-speed-limit-with-the-availability-of-64-bit-editions-of-windows-server-2003-and-windows-xp-professional/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Microsoft also targeted [[emerging market]]s with the 2004 introduction of ''[[Windows XP Starter Edition]]'', a special variant of ''Home Edition'' intended for low-cost PCs. The OS is primarily aimed at first-time computer owners, containing heavy [[Software localization|localization]] (including wallpapers and screen savers incorporating images of local landmarks), and a "My Support" area which contains video tutorials on basic computing tasks. It also removes certain "complex" features, and does not allow users to run more than three applications at a time. After a pilot program in India and Thailand, ''Starter'' was released in other emerging markets throughout 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-xp/windows-xp-starter-edition|title=Windows XP Starter Edition|first=Paul|last=Thurrott|date=January 3, 2005|access-date=April 12, 2008|work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows|publisher=[[Penton Media]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828180310/http://winsupersite.com/windows-xp/windows-xp-starter-edition|archive-date=August 28, 2013}}</ref> In 2006, Microsoft also unveiled the [[FlexGo]] initiative, which would also target emerging markets with [[subsidized]] PCs on a pre-paid, subscription basis.<ref name=cnet-payasyougo>{{cite web|title=Microsoft pitches pay-as-you-go PCs|url=http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-pitches-pay-as-you-go-PCs/2100-1003_3-6074589.html|work=CNET|publisher=CNET Networks|access-date=January 26, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207143018/http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-pitches-pay-as-you-go-PCs/2100-1003_3-6074589.html|archive-date=February 7, 2015|date=May 23, 2006|first1=Ina|last1=Fried}}</ref>

As a result of [[unfair competition]] lawsuits in Europe and South Korea, which both alleged that Microsoft had improperly leveraged its status in the PC market to favor its own bundled software, Microsoft was ordered to release special editions of XP in these markets that excluded certain applications. In March 2004, after the [[European Commission]] [[European Union Microsoft competition case|fined]] Microsoft €497&nbsp;million (US$603&nbsp;million), Microsoft was ordered to release "N" editions of XP that excluded Windows Media Player, encouraging users to pick and download their own [[Media player (application software)|media player]] software.<ref name="WinXPSBBC">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4388349.stm|publisher=BBC|title=Microsoft and EU reach agreement|date=March 28, 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922061907/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4388349.stm|archive-date=September 22, 2015|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> As it was sold at the same price as the edition with Windows Media Player included, certain OEMs (such as [[Dell]], who offered it for a short period, along with [[Hewlett-Packard]], [[Lenovo]] and [[Fujitsu Siemens]]) chose not to offer it. Consumer interest was minuscule, with roughly 1,500 units shipped to [[OEMs]], and no reported sales to consumers.<ref name="WinXPSSeattlePi">{{cite news | url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/205093_msftfolo24.html <!-- 451 Unavailable For Legal Reasons --> | title=Europe gets 'reduced' Windows | publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]] | work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer | date=December 24, 2004 | first1=Todd | last1=Bishop | access-date=November 30, 2018 | archive-date=October 6, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006095524/https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Europe-gets-reduced-Windows-1162710.php | url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2005, the [[Fair Trade Commission (South Korea)|Korean Fair Trade Commission]] ordered Microsoft to make available editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 that do not contain Windows Media Player or Windows Messenger.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20051207-5702.html | title=South Korea fines Microsoft for antitrust abuses | publisher=Condé Nast Publications | work=Ars Technica | date=December 7, 2005 | access-date=April 12, 2008 | first=Nate | last=Anderson | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422014515/http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20051207-5702.html | archive-date=April 22, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The "K" and "KN" editions of Windows XP were released in August 2006, and are only available in English and Korean, and also contain links to third-party [[instant messenger]] and media player software.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://support.microsoft.com/kb/922474 |title = Changes to Windows XP Home Edition K and Windows XP Professional K from earlier versions of Windows XP (MSKB 922474) |date = September 15, 2006 |access-date = January 26, 2014 |work = Microsoft Support |publisher = Microsoft |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131219020559/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922474 |archive-date = December 19, 2013 |df = mdy-all |author = <!-- N/A -->}}</ref>

==Service packs==
A [[service pack]] is a cumulative update package that is a superset of all updates, and even service packs, that have been released before it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14162/windows-service-pack-and-update-center|title=Service Pack and Update Center|date=September 10, 2016|website=Support|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831045620/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14162/windows-service-pack-and-update-center|archive-date=August 31, 2017|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> Three service packs have been released for Windows XP. Service Pack 3 is slightly different, in that it needs at least Service Pack 1 to have been installed, in order to update a live OS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc507836.aspx|title=Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)|date=November 18, 2011|website=[[Microsoft TechNet|Microsoft]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=August 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822181613/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc507836.aspx|archive-date=August 22, 2017|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> However, Service Pack 3 can still be [[Slipstream (computing)|embedded into a Windows installation disc]]; SP1 is not reported as a prerequisite for doing so.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://lifehacker.com/386526/slipstream-service-pack-3-into-your-windows-xp-installation-cd|title=Slipstream Service Pack 3 into Your Windows XP Installation CD|last=Purdy|first=Kevin|work=Lifehacker|access-date=August 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822180903/http://lifehacker.com/386526/slipstream-service-pack-3-into-your-windows-xp-installation-cd|archive-date=August 22, 2017}}</ref>

===Service Pack 1===
Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows XP was released on September 9, 2002.<ref name="cnet-xpsp1">{{cite web | url=https://reviews.cnet.com/windows/microsoft-windows-xp-service/4505-3672_7-20039834.html | title=Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 review | publisher=CNET Networks | work=CNET | access-date=January 26, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209135918/http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/microsoft-windows-xp-service/4505-3672_7-20039834.html | archive-date=February 9, 2008 | df=mdy-all|date=<!--N/A-->|first1=Edward|last1=Mendelson |author-link1=Edward Mendelson}}</ref> It contained over 300 minor, post-RTM bug fixes, along with all security patches released since the original release of XP. SP1 also added USB 2.0 support, the [[Microsoft Java Virtual Machine]], [[.NET Framework]] support, and support for technologies used by the then-upcoming ''Media Center'' and ''Tablet PC'' editions of XP.<ref name=pcmag-xpsp1>{{cite web|title=Windows XP SP1 Irons out the Wrinkles|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,526004,00.asp|work=PC Magazine|access-date=January 26, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226221844/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,526004,00.asp|archive-date=February 26, 2014}}</ref> The most significant change on SP1 was the addition of ''Set Program Access and Defaults'', a settings page which allows programs to be set as default for certain types of activities (such as media players or web browsers) and for access to bundled, Microsoft programs (such as Internet Explorer or Windows Media Player) to be disabled. This feature was added to comply with the settlement of ''[[United States v. Microsoft Corp.]]'', which required Microsoft to offer the ability for OEMs to bundle third-party competitors to software it bundles with Windows (such as [[Internet Explorer]] and [[Windows Media Player]]), and give them the same level of prominence as those normally bundled with the OS.<ref name="cnet-xpsp1"/>

On February 3, 2003, Microsoft released Service Pack 1a (SP1a). It was the same as SP1, except the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine was excluded.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=813926|access-date=September 21, 2007|title=Differences Between Windows XP SP1 and Windows XP SP1a|date=February 3, 2003|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070127143544/http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=813926|archive-date=January 27, 2007|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

Windows XP Service Pack 1 was later included in [[Windows XP Tablet PC Edition]] and [[Windows XP Media Center Edition]].

===Service Pack 2===
[[File:Windows Security Center XP SP2.png|thumb|right|[[Windows Security Center]] window running Windows XP Service Pack 2, showing no virus protection installed]]

Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP Home edition and Professional edition was released on August 25, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389|access-date=September 21, 2007|title=How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041014021822/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389 |archive-date=October 14, 2004 |date=March 26, 2007|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> Headline features included [[Wi-Fi Protected Access|WPA]] encryption compatibility for Wi-Fi and usability improvements to the Wi-Fi networking user interface,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shinder |first1=Deb |title=Windows XP Service Pack 2: How it affects wireless networking |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-xp-service-pack-2-how-it-affects-wireless-networking/ |website=TechRepublic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613224317/https://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-xp-service-pack-2-how-it-affects-wireless-networking/ |archive-date=June 13, 2017 |date=August 26, 2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref> partial [[Bluetooth stack#Microsoft Windows stack|Bluetooth]] support,<ref name="WinBT 2010 FAQ">{{cite web|url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/Bth_FAQ.docx|title=Bluetooth Wireless Technology FAQ – 2010|date=July 24, 2012|access-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211522/http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/Bth_FAQ.docx|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> and various improvements to security systems.

Headed by former computer hacker [[Window Snyder]],<ref>{{cite book |title=Cult of the Dead Cow: How the Original Hacking Supergroup Might Just Save the World |first=Joseph |last=Menn |publisher=Public Affairs |location=New York |date=2019 |page=49{{ndash}}50 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Grimes|first=Roger A.|title=Hacking the hacker: learn from the experts who take down hackers|publisher=Wiley|year=2017|isbn=978-1-119-39626-0|location=Indianapolis, IN|chapter=46 - Profile: Window Snyder|oclc=983465946}}</ref> the service pack's security improvements (codenamed "Springboard",<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.itprotoday.com/windows-8/windows-xp-sp2-be-springboard-longhorn|title=Windows XP SP2 to be 'Springboard' to Longhorn|journal=Windows IT Pro|first1=Paul |last1=Thurrott|date=October 15, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623230427/http://www.itprotoday.com/windows-8/windows-xp-sp2-be-springboard-longhorn|archive-date=June 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> as these features were intended to underpin additional changes in [[Windows Longhorn|Longhorn]]) included a major revision to the included firewall (renamed Windows Firewall, and now enabled by default), and an update to [[Data Execution Prevention]], which gained hardware support in the [[NX bit]] that can stop some forms of [[buffer overflow]] attacks. [[Raw socket]] support is removed (which supposedly limits the damage done by [[zombie (computing)|zombie machines]]) and the [[Windows Messenger service]] (which had been abused to cause pop-up advertisements to be displayed as system messages without a web browser or any additional software) became disabled by default. Additionally, security-related improvements were made to e-mail and web browsing. Service Pack 2 also added [[Security Center]], an interface that provides a general overview of the system's security status, including the state of the firewall and automatic updates. Third-party firewall and [[antivirus software]] can also be monitored from Security Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/overview.mspx|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|title=Windows XP Service Pack 2 information|date=August 4, 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016045833/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/overview.mspx|archive-date=October 16, 2007|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

In August 2006, Microsoft released updated installation media for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 SP2 (SP2b), in order to incorporate a patch requiring [[ActiveX]] controls in Internet Explorer to be manually activated before a user may interact with them. This was done so that the browser would not violate a patent owned by [[Eolas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.technet.com/backroom/archive/2006/08/21/448330.aspx|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|title=Why Windows XP SP2b and Windows Server 2003 SP2a?|date=August 21, 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090812134958/http://blogs.technet.com/backroom/archive/2006/08/21/448330.aspx|archive-date=August 12, 2009|first1=Victor|last1=Mux}}</ref> Microsoft has since licensed the patent, and released a patch reverting the change in April 2008.<ref name="msdnblog">{{cite web |title=IE Automatic Component Activation Now Available |work=IEBlog |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=April 8, 2008 |url=https://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/04/08/ie-automatic-component-activation-now-available.aspx |access-date=April 11, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411232949/http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/04/08/ie-automatic-component-activation-now-available.aspx |archive-date=April 11, 2008 |first1=Jefferson|last1=Fletcher}}</ref> In September 2007, another minor revision known as SP2c was released for XP Professional, extending the number of available [[product key]]s for the operating system to "support the continued availability of Windows XP Professional through the scheduled system builder channel end-of-life (EOL) date of January 31, 2009."<ref name=msdn-sp2c>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2c Release|url=https://blogs.technet.com/b/backroom/archive/2007/08/09/microsoft-windows-xp-professional-service-pack-2c-release.aspx|work=MSDN|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=January 26, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094121/http://blogs.technet.com/b/backroom/archive/2007/08/09/microsoft-windows-xp-professional-service-pack-2c-release.aspx|archive-date=February 2, 2014|date=August 9, 2007|first1=Victor|last1=Mux}}</ref>

Windows XP Service Pack 2 was later included in [[Windows XP Starter Edition]], [[Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005]], [[Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005]], [[Windows Embedded for Point of Service]] and [[Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs]].

===Service Pack 3===
The third and final Service Pack, SP3, was released through different channels between April 29<ref name="TRSP3date">{{cite web |first1=Gordon |last1=Kelly |title=Windows XP SP3 Release Date(s) Confirmed |url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/windows-xp-sp3-release-date-s-confirmed-2737589 |website=Trusted Reviews |access-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623230020/http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/windows-xp-sp3-release-date-s-confirmed-2737589/ |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |url-status=dead |date=April 16, 2008 }}</ref> and June 10, 2008,<ref>{{cite web |author=Emil Protalinski |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2008/04/microsoft-releases-the-long-anticipated-windows-xp-sp3/ |title=Microsoft releases the long-anticipated Windows XP SP3 (updated) |publisher=Ars Technica |date=April 29, 2008 |accessdate=February 10, 2022 |archive-date=January 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115182112/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2008/04/microsoft-releases-the-long-anticipated-windows-xp-sp3/ |url-status=live }}</ref> about a year after the release of [[Windows Vista]], and about a year before the release of Windows 7. Service Pack 3 was not available for Windows XP x64 Edition, which was based on the Windows Server 2003 kernel and, as a result, used [[Windows Server 2003#Updates|its service packs]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc773361(v=ws.10) | title=Release Notes for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 | date=October 8, 2009 | access-date=November 11, 2019 | archive-date=November 11, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111110411/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc773361(v%3Dws.10) | url-status=live }}</ref> rather than the ones for the other editions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Oiaga |first1=Marius |title=64-Bit Windows XP Service Pack 3? |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/64-Bit-Windows-XP-Service-Pack-3-73982.shtml |website=Softpedia |publisher=SoftNews NET |access-date=June 24, 2018 |language=en-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508180044/https://news.softpedia.com/news/64-Bit-Windows-XP-Service-Pack-3-73982.shtml |archive-date=May 8, 2018 |date=December 14, 2007}}</ref>

It began being automatically pushed out to ''Automatic Updates'' users on July 10, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9107918 | title=Microsoft sets XP SP3 automatic download for Thursday | publisher=IDG | work=Computerworld | date=July 8, 2008 | access-date=July 8, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709220104/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9107918 | archive-date=July 9, 2008 | df=mdy-all |first1=Gregg|last1=Keizer}}</ref> A feature set overview which detailed new features available separately as stand-alone updates to Windows XP, as well as [[backported]] features from Windows Vista, was posted by Microsoft.<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=May 6, 2008 |url=https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&DisplayLang=en |access-date=May 7, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506093528/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&DisplayLang=en |archive-date=May 6, 2008 |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> A total of 1,174 fixes are included in SP3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480|title=List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=June 23, 2018|date=May 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509105822/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480 |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> Service Pack 3 could be installed on systems with Internet Explorer up to and including version 8; [[Internet Explorer 7]] was not included as part of SP3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/No-Internet-Explorer-7-Will-Not-Be-a-Part-of-Windows-XP-SP3-73896.shtml|title=No, Internet Explorer 7 Will Not(!) Be a Part of Windows XP SP3|first=Marius|last=Oiaga|publisher=SoftNews NET|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118180234/http://news.softpedia.com/news/No-Internet-Explorer-7-Will-Not-Be-a-Part-of-Windows-XP-SP3-73896.shtml|archive-date=January 18, 2012|date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> It also did not include [[Internet Explorer 8]], which was included in [[Windows 7]], which was released one year after XP SP3.

Service Pack 3 included security enhancements from those of SP2, including APIs allowing developers to enable [[Data Execution Prevention]] for their code, independent of system-wide compatibility enforcement settings,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/michael_howard/archive/2008/01/29/new-nx-apis-added-to-windows-vista-sp1-windows-xp-sp3-and-windows-server-2008.aspx|title=New NX APIs added to Windows Vista SP1, Windows XP SP3 and Windows Server 2008|work=Michael Howard's Web Log|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=January 29, 2008|access-date=August 8, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825070102/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/michael_howard/archive/2008/01/29/new-nx-apis-added-to-windows-vista-sp1-windows-xp-sp3-and-windows-server-2008.aspx|archive-date=August 25, 2011|first1=Michael|last1=Howard}}</ref> the [[Security Support Provider Interface]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/951608|title=Description of the Credential Security Support Provider (CredSSP) in Windows XP Service Pack 3|access-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009060022/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/951608 |archive-date=October 9, 2009|publisher=Microsoft |date=May 6, 2008|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> improvements to [[WPA2]] security,<ref>{{cite web |date=May 13, 2005|author1=Enterprise IT Planet Staff |title=Upgraded Wi-Fi Security for Windows XP SP2 |url=http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3504881/Upgraded-Wi-Fi-Security-for-Windows-XP-SP2.htm |website=Wi-Fi Planet |publisher=QuinStreet Enterprise |access-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623232221/http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3504881/Upgraded-Wi-Fi-Security-for-Windows-XP-SP2.htm |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and an updated version of the Microsoft Enhanced Cryptographic Provider Module that is [[FIPS 140-2]] certified.<ref name="SP3Overview">{{cite web|url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/6/8/7/687484ed-8174-496d-8db9-f02b40c12982/Overview%20of%20Windows%20XP%20Service%20Pack%203.pdf|title=Overview of Windows XP Service Pack 3|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117080827/http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/8/7/687484ed-8174-496d-8db9-f02b40c12982/Overview%20of%20Windows%20XP%20Service%20Pack%203.pdf|archive-date=January 17, 2009|date=<!--N/A-->|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

In incorporating all previously released updates not included in SP2, Service Pack 3 included many other key features. [[Windows Imaging Component]] allowed camera vendors to integrate their own proprietary image codecs with the operating system's features, such as thumbnails and slideshows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/947898/en-us|title=Information about Windows Imaging Component|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510013416/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947898/en-us |archive-date=May 10, 2011 |publisher=Microsoft|date=August 13, 2002|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> In enterprise features, [[Remote Desktop Protocol]] 6.1 included support for ClearType and 32-bit color depth over RDP,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://codeyarns.com/2010/01/27/windows-cleartype-on-rdp/ |title=Windows: ClearType on RDP |publisher=CodeYarns.com |date=January 27, 2010 |access-date=June 16, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030912/http://codeyarns.com/2010/01/27/windows-cleartype-on-rdp/ |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |first1=Ashwin|last1=Nanjappa}}</ref> while improvements made to [[Windows Management Instrumentation]] in Windows Vista to reduce the possibility of corruption of the WMI repository were [[backport]]ed to XP SP3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/933062|title=A hotfix is available that improves the stability of the Windows Management Instrumentation repository in Windows XP|work=Support|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=October 8, 2011|access-date=January 20, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305004704/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933062|archive-date=March 5, 2013|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

In addition, SP3 contains updates to the operating system components of Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, and security updates for .NET Framework version 1.0, which is included in these editions. However, it does not include update rollups for the Windows Media Center application in Windows XP MCE 2005.<ref name="SP3FAQ">{{cite web|url=https://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/itproxpsp/thread/e6a8fb92-526e-4686-930b-2af2d9180e22/|title=FAQs regarding SP3 RTM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824120828/http://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/itproxpsp/thread/e6a8fb92-526e-4686-930b-2af2d9180e22/ |archive-date=August 24, 2011 |publisher=Microsoft|access-date=June 23, 2018|date=April 22, 2008|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> SP3 also omits security updates for Windows Media Player 10, although the player is included in Windows XP MCE 2005.<ref name="SP3FAQ" /> <!-- PLEASE DON'T ADD WMP 11 HERE SINCE IT IS ''not'' INCLUDED IN ANY WINDOWS XP SKU. WMP 10 IS --> The Address Bar DeskBand on the Taskbar is no longer included because of antitrust violation concerns.<ref name=tr-sp3address>{{cite web|title=How do I... Return the Address bar Windows XP SP3 removed?|url=https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/how-do-i-return-the-address-bar-windows-xp-sp3-removed/|website=TechRepublic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=May 5, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905192952/http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/how-do-i-return-the-address-bar-windows-xp-sp3-removed/|archive-date=September 5, 2015|date=May 8, 2008|first1=Mark|last1=Kaelin}}</ref>

Unofficial SP3 ZIP download packages were released on a now-defunct website called The Hotfix from 2005 to 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/140833/ | title=Windows XP SP3 preview surfaces on Web | publisher=IDG | work=[[PC World]] | date=October 6, 2005 | access-date=October 29, 2020 | archive-date=October 31, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031131504/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/140833/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/10/5399-2/ | title=Sneak preview of Windows XP SP3 surfaces | publisher=Ars Technica | work=[[Ars Technica]] | date=October 6, 2005 | access-date=October 29, 2020 | archive-date=November 4, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104014413/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/10/5399-2/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The owner of the website, Ethan C. Allen, was a former Microsoft employee in Software Quality Assurance and would comb through the [[Microsoft Knowledge Base]] articles daily and download new [[hotfix]]es Microsoft would put online within the articles. The articles would have a "kbwinxppresp3fix" and/or "kbwinxpsp3fix" tag, thus allowing Allen to easily find and determine which fixes were planned for the official SP3 release to come. Microsoft publicly stated at the time that the SP3 pack was unofficial and advised users to not install it.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/139412/ | title=Microsoft employee blasts 'fake' service pack | publisher=IDG | work=[[PC World]] | date=October 14, 2005 | access-date=October 29, 2020 | archive-date=October 31, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031144052/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/139412/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/10/5438-2/ | title=Windows XP SP3 preview a fake | publisher=Ars Technica | work=[[Ars Technica]] | date=October 15, 2005 | access-date=October 29, 2020 | archive-date=October 31, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031235144/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/10/5438-2/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Allen also released a Vista SP1 package in 2007, for which Allen received a [[cease-and-desist]] email from Microsoft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pcworld.co.nz/article/180853/microsoft_leans_vista_sp1_site/ | title=Microsoft leans on Vista SP1 site | publisher=IDG | work=[[PC World]] | date=October 4, 2007 | access-date=October 29, 2020 | archive-date=May 18, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518095126/https://www.pcworld.co.nz/article/180853/microsoft_leans_vista_sp1_site/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Windows XP Service Pack 3 was later included in [[Windows Embedded Standard 2009]] and [[Windows Embedded POSReady 2009]].

==System requirements==
System requirements for Windows XP are as follows:

{{System requirements
| caption = System requirements
| useminandrec = yes
| collapse = 
| align = none
| width = 100%
| pad = <!-- Default is 1em -->
| font-size = Normal
<!--
Mandatory section
-->| platform1 = Home/Professional Edition{{efn-ua|1={{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/314865|access-date=March 12, 2007|title=System requirements for Windows XP operating systems|date=April 28, 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806133141/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314865|archive-date=August 6, 2011|author=<!--N/A-->}} }}
| os1 = 
| os1rec = 
| cpu1 = {{unbulleted list|[[Pentium]] or compatible, 233 [[MHz]]{{efn-ua|name=ref1|1=Even though this is Microsoft's stated minimum processor speed for Windows XP, it is possible to install and run the operating system on early [[IA-32]] processors such as a [[P5 (microarchitecture)|P5]] [[Pentium]] without [[MMX (instruction set)|MMX]] instructions. Windows XP is not compatible with processors older than Pentium (such as 486) or the [[Cyrix 6x86]] because it requires the <code>[[CMPXCHG8B]]</code> instruction.}}{{efn-ua|1={{cite web|title=Windows XP Minimal Requirement Test|publisher=Winhistory.de|date=September 9, 2011|url=http://winhistory.de/more/386/xpmini.htm.en|access-date=January 1, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221022344/http://www.winhistory.de/more/386/xpmini.htm.en|archive-date=December 21, 2011|author=<!--N/A-->}}}}|[[BIOS]] or compatible firmware{{efn-ua|name=No_GPT_or_UEFI|1={{cite web |url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2581408 |title=Windows XP: Required firmware and partition mapping scheme of hard disk drive |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427084734/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2581408/windows-support-for-hard-disks-that-are-larger-than-2-tb |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |author=<!--N/A-->}}}}}}
| cpu1rec = {{unbulleted list|[[Pentium]] or compatible, 300&nbsp;MHz|[[BIOS]] or compatible firmware{{efn-ua|name=No_GPT_or_UEFI}}}}
| memory1 = 64 [[Megabyte|MB]]{{efn-ua|name=ref2|1=A Microsoft TechNet paper from Summer 2001 (before Windows XP's actual release), states that: "A computer with 64 MB of RAM will have sufficient resources to run Windows XP and '''a few''' applications with moderate memory requirements." (Emphasis added.) These were said to be office productivity applications, e-mail programs, and web browsers (of the time). With such a configuration, user interface enhancements and fast user switching are turned off by default. For comparable workloads, 64&nbsp;MB of RAM was then regarded as providing an equal or better user experience on Windows XP with similar settings than it would with [[Windows Me]] on the same hardware. In a later section of the paper, superior performance over Windows Me was noted with 128&nbsp;MB of RAM or more, and with computers that exceed the minimum hardware requirements.}}{{efn-ua|1={{cite journal|last1=Sechrest|first1=Stuart|last2=Fortin|first2=Michael|journal=[[Microsoft TechNet]]|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457057.aspx|access-date=April 8, 2008|title=Windows XP Performance|date=June 1, 2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727133954/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457057.aspx|archive-date=July 27, 2010}}}}
| memory1rec = 128 MB
| gpu1 = 
| gpu1rec = 
| sound1 = N/A
| sound1rec = [[Sound card]] plus [[Computer speaker|speakers]]/[[headphones]]
| network1 = 
| network1rec = 
| hdspace1 = {{unbulleted list|1.5 GB|[[Master boot record]] used{{efn-ua|name=No_GPT_or_UEFI}}}}
| hdspace1rec = {{Plainlist|
* 2.15 GB for Service Pack 1 and 1a{{efn-ua|1={{cite web|title=Hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 1|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=October 29, 2007|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/326583|access-date=April 6, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421100321/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326583|archive-date=April 21, 2012|author=<!--N/A-->}}}}
* 3.95 GB for Service Pack 2{{efn-ua|1={{cite web|title=The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=April 18, 2005|url=https://support.microsoft.com/kb/837783|access-date=December 1, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124093717/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/837783|archive-date=November 24, 2010|author=<!--N/A-->}}}}
* 4.83 GB for Service Pack 3{{efn-ua|name=technetsp3install|1={{cite web|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx#1|title=Windows XP – End of Support, Migration Guide, Download – TechNet|website=technet.microsoft.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513171653/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx#1|archive-date=May 13, 2008|date=2007|author=<!--N/A-->}}}}
}}
| media1 = [[CD-ROM drive]] or compatible
| media1rec = 
| display1 = [[Super VGA]] (800 × 600) or over
| display1rec = [[XGA]] (1024 × 768) or over
| input1 = [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[mouse (computing)|mouse]]
| input1rec = 
| platform2 = Professional x64 Edition{{efn-ua|1={{cite web|title=Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2 VL EN (MSDN-TechNet)|publisher=Programmer Stuffs|date=March 23, 2011|url=http://ismagazine.com/WindowsXPProfessionalx64.aspx|access-date=May 2, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714171953/http://ismagazine.com/WindowsXPProfessionalx64.aspx|archive-date=July 14, 2014}}}}
| os2 = 
| os2rec = 
| cpu2 = {{unbulleted list|[[x86-64]] or compatible|[[BIOS]] or compatible firmware{{efn-ua|name=No_GPT_or_UEFI}}}}
| cpu2rec = 
| memory2 = 256 MB
| memory2rec = 
| gpu2 = 
| gpu2rec = 
| sound2 = N/A
| sound2rec = [[Sound card]] plus [[Computer speaker|speakers]]/[[headphones]]
| network2 = 
| network2rec = 
| hdspace2 = {{unbulleted list|1.5 GB|[[Master boot record]] used{{efn-ua|name=No_GPT_or_UEFI}}}}
| hdspace2rec = 
| media2 = [[CD-ROM drive]] or compatible
| media2rec = 
| display2 = [[Super VGA]] (800 × 600) or over
| display2rec = [[XGA]] (1024 × 768) or over
| input2 = [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[mouse (computing)|mouse]]
| input2rec = 
| platform3 = 64-Bit Edition{{efn-ua|1={{cite web|title=Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition|work=Microsoft TechNet|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=August 15, 2001|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457053.aspx|access-date=May 2, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419104714/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457053.aspx|archive-date=April 19, 2012|author=<!--N/A-->}}}}
| os3 = 
| os3rec = 
| cpu3 = [[Itanium]] 733 [[MHz]]
| cpu3rec = [[Itanium]] 800 [[MHz]]
| memory3 = 1 GB
| memory3rec = 
| gpu3 = 
| gpu3rec = 
| sound3 = 
| sound3rec = 
| network3 = 
| network3rec = 
| hdspace3 = 6 GB
| hdspace3rec = 
| media3 = [[CD-ROM drive]] or compatible
| media3rec = 
| display3 = [[Super VGA]] (800 × 600) or over
| display3rec = [[XGA]] (1024 x 768) or over
| input3 = [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]]
| input3rec = 
}}
'''Notes'''
{{notelist-ua}}

===Physical memory limits===
The maximum amount of RAM that Windows XP can support varies depending on the product edition and the processor architecture. All 32-bit editions of XP support up to 4&nbsp;GB, except the Windows XP Starter edition, which supports up to 512&nbsp;MB of RAM.<ref name="RAMlimitWindows">{{cite web|url=https://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=3743 |title=What is the maximum amount of RAM the Windows operating system can handle? |publisher=Crucial |access-date=June 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511193445/http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=3743 |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |date=<!--N/A-->|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> The 64-bit editions support up to 128&nbsp;GB.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa366778(v=vs.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_xp |title = Physical Memory Limits: Windows XP |work = Memory Limits for Windows Releases |publisher = [[Microsoft]] |access-date = January 14, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140106195757/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa366778(v=vs.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_xp |archive-date = January 6, 2014 |df = mdy-all|date=<!--N/A--> |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

===Processor limits===
Maximum number of physical processors that Windows XP supports is: 1<ref>{{cite web |last = Kumar |first = I. Suuresh |title = Multi-core processor and multiprocessor limit for Windows XP |work = Microsoft Answers |publisher = [[Microsoft]] |date = October 25, 2010 |url = https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-hardware/multi-core-processor-and-multiprocessor-limit-for/abd0a0ce-4ac2-484b-88cb-fbf93beb54e0 |access-date = April 18, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140419020721/http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-hardware/multi-core-processor-and-multiprocessor-limit-for/abd0a0ce-4ac2-484b-88cb-fbf93beb54e0 |archive-date = April 19, 2014 |df = mdy-all}}</ref> for Starter Edition, Home Edition, Media Center Edition, and Tablet PC Edition; and 2<ref>{{cite web |url = https://support.microsoft.com/kb/888732 |title = Processor and memory capabilities of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and of the x64-based versions of Windows Server 2003 (Revision 7.0) |publisher = [[Microsoft]] |work = Microsoft Support |date = December 20, 2010 |access-date = August 8, 2011 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110812043621/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888732 |archive-date = August 12, 2011 |df = mdy-all |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> for Professional.

Maximum number of logical processors{{efn|A logical processor is either: One of the cores on one of the physical processors without [[Simultaneous multithreading|SMT]]; or one of the two threads handled by one of the cores on one of the physical processors with SMT.}} that Windows XP supports is: 32<ref>{{cite web |title = Processor Affinity Under WOW64 |work = [[MSDN]] |publisher = [[Microsoft]] |date = January 27, 2011 |url = https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384228 |access-date = August 8, 2011 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110506203054/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384228 |archive-date = May 6, 2011 |df = mdy-all|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> for 32-bit (x86-32) and 64<ref>{{cite web |url = https://support.microsoft.com/kb/888732 |title = Maximum quantity of logical processors in a PC supported by Microsoft Windows XP professional, x64 edition |publisher = [[Microsoft]] |date = December 20, 2010 |access-date = January 20, 2013 |work = Support |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130111015952/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888732 |archive-date = January 11, 2013 |df = mdy-all |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> for 64-bit (x86-64).

==Upgradeability==
Several Windows XP components are upgradable to the latest versions, which include new versions introduced in later versions of Windows, and other major Microsoft applications are available. These latest versions for Windows XP include:

* [[ActiveSync]] 4.5
* [[DirectX|DirectX 9.0c]] (June 7, 2010, Redistributable)
* [[Internet Explorer 8]]
* Windows Media Format Runtime and [[Windows Media Player 11]]
* [[Microsoft Virtual PC]] 2007 SP1
* [[.NET Framework 4.0]]
* [[Visual Studio 2010]]
* [[Windows Script Host]] 5.7
* [[Windows Installer]] 4.5
* [[Microsoft NetMeeting]] 3.02
* [[Windows Sidebar]]
* [[Windows Defender]]
* [[Office 2010]] SP2
* The [[Windows Services for UNIX]] subsystem can be installed to allow certain [[Unix]]-based applications to run on the operating system.

==Support lifecycle==
{{Infobox
| title=Support status summary
| headerstyle = background-color: #e8ece4
| header1 = Expiration date
| label2 = Mainstream support
| data2 = {{End date|2009|4|14}}<ref name="lifecycle-db" />
| label3 = Extended support
| data3 = {{End date|2014|4|8}}<ref name="lifecycle-db" /> <br /> The official exceptions ended in May 14, 2019.
| header4 = Applicable [[Windows XP editions|XP editions]]:
| data5 = Home Edition, Professional Edition, [[Windows XP Professional x64 Edition|Professional x64 Edition]], Professional for Embedded Systems, [[Windows XP Media Center Edition|Media Center Editions]] (all), Starter Edition, Tablet PC Edition and Tablet PC Edition 2005,<ref name="lifecycle-db" /> as well as [[Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search: Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs|url=https://support2.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&qid=&alpha=Windows+Fundamentals+for+Legacy+PCs&Filter=FilterNO|work=Microsoft Support|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=October 13, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005010726/http://support2.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN|archive-date=October 5, 2014|author=<!--N/A-->|date=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>
| header6 = Exceptions
| label7 = [[Windows XP Editions|Windows XP 64-Bit Edition]] ([[Itanium]] edition, including Version 2003)
|data7 = Unsupported as of June 30, 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2005/ms05-036 |access-date=April 26, 2018 |date=July 12, 2015 |title=Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-036 – Critical |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426213340/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2005/ms05-036 |archive-date=April 26, 2018 |author=<!--N/A--> }}</ref>
| label8 = [[Windows XP Embedded]]
| data8 = Mainstream support ended on January 11, 2011<ref name="lifecycle-db" /><br />Extended support ended on January 12, 2016<ref name="lifecycle-db" />
| label9 = [[Windows Embedded for Point of Service]]
| data9 = Mainstream support ended on April 12, 2011<ref name=WEPOS-Life/><br />Extended support ended on April 12, 2016<ref name=WEPOS-Life>{{cite web|title=Windows XP Embedded Supported for Two or More Years|url=https://redmondmag.com/articles/2014/02/19/windows-xp-embedded-support.aspx|publisher=1105 Media|access-date=June 23, 2018|website=Redmond Magazine|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170220071056/https://redmondmag.com/articles/2014/02/19/windows-xp-embedded-support.aspx|archive-date=February 20, 2017|url-status=live|date=February 19, 2014|first1=Kurt|last1=Mackie}}</ref>
| label10 = [[Windows Embedded Standard 2009]]
| data10 = Mainstream support ended on January 14, 2014<br />Extended support ended on January 8, 2019<ref name="Standard-2009">{{cite web|title=Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search: Windows Embedded Standard 2009|url=https://support2.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&alpha=Windows+Embedded+Standard+2009&Filter=FilterNO|work=Microsoft Support|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=October 13, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713174701/http://support2.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&alpha=Windows+Embedded+Standard+2009&Filter=FilterNO|archive-date=July 13, 2015|date=<!--N/A-->|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>
| label11 = [[Windows Embedded POSReady 2009]]
| data11 = Mainstream support ended on April 8, 2014<br />Extended support ended on April 9, 2019<ref name="POSReady-2009">{{cite web|title=Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search: Windows Embedded POSReady 2009|url=https://support2.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&alpha=Windows+Embedded+POSReady+2009&Filter=FilterNO|work=Microsoft Support|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=October 13, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010033141/http://support2.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&alpha=Windows+Embedded+POSReady+2009&Filter=FilterNO|archive-date=October 10, 2014|date=<!--N/A-->|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>
}}

Support for the original release of Windows XP (without a service pack) ended on August 30, 2005.<ref name="lifecycle-db">{{cite web|title=Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search: Windows XP|url=https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?alpha=Windows+XP|work=Microsoft Support|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=May 14, 2022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720010405/http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?alpha=Windows+XP|archive-date=July 20, 2012|date=<!--N/A-->|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> Both Windows XP Service Pack 1 and 1a were retired on October 10, 2006,<ref name="lifecycle-db" /> and both [[Windows 2000]] and Windows XP SP2 reached their end of support on July 13, 2010, about 24 months after the launch of Windows XP Service Pack 3.<ref name="lifecycle-db" /> The company stopped general licensing of Windows XP to OEMs and terminated retail sales of the operating system on June 30, 2008, 17 months after the release of Windows Vista.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-extends-Windows-XPs-stay/2100-1016_3-6210524.html | title=Microsoft extends Windows XP's stay | publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] | work=[[CNET]] | date=September 27, 2007 | access-date=June 5, 2008 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830072544/http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-extends-Windows-XPs-stay/2100-1016_3-6210524.html | archive-date=August 30, 2008 | df=mdy-all |first1=Ina|last1=Fried}}</ref> However, an exception was announced on April 3, 2008, for OEMs producing what it defined as "ultra low-cost personal computers", particularly [[netbook]]s, until one year after the availability of [[Windows 7]] on October 22, 2009. Analysts felt that the move was primarily intended to compete against [[Linux]]-based netbooks, although Microsoft's Kevin Hutz stated that the decision was due to apparent market demand for low-end computers with Windows.<ref>{{cite news|title=Microsoft to keep Windows XP alive—but only for Eee PCs and wannabes |work=[[Computerworld]] |publisher=IDG |url=https://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9074720 |access-date=April 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408004318/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9074720 |archive-date=April 8, 2008 |date=March 3, 2008|first1=Eric|last1=Lai}}</ref>

Variants of Windows XP for [[embedded system]]s have different support policies: Windows XP Embedded SP3 and Windows Embedded for Point of Service SP3 were supported until January and April 2016, respectively. [[Windows IoT|Windows Embedded Standard 2009]], which was succeeded by [[Windows IoT|Windows Embedded Standard 7]], and [[Windows Embedded Industry|Windows Embedded POSReady 2009]], which was succeeded by [[Windows Embedded POSReady 7]], were supported until January and April 2019, respectively.<ref name=zdnet-embeddedsupport>{{cite web|title=Microsoft: 'Remember, some XP-based embedded systems to get support to 2019'|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-remember-some-xp-based-embedded-systems-to-get-support-to-2019/|work=[[ZDNet]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=April 6, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404160842/http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-remember-some-xp-based-embedded-systems-to-get-support-to-2019-7000026449/|archive-date=April 4, 2014|date=February 18, 2014|first1=Liam|last1=Tung}}</ref> These updates, while intended for the embedded editions, could also be downloaded on standard Windows XP with a registry hack, which enabled unofficial patches until April 2019. However, Microsoft advised Windows XP users against installing these fixes, citing compatibility issues.<ref name="updates2019">{{cite web |last=Seltzer |first=Larry |date=May 26, 2014 |title=Registry hack enables continued updates for Windows XP |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/registry-hack-enables-continued-updates-for-windows-xp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126140239/https://www.zdnet.com/article/registry-hack-enables-continued-updates-for-windows-xp/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=January 30, 2021 |website=ZDNet |quote=[UPDATE:] Late Monday we received a statement from a Microsoft spokesperson: We recently became aware of a hack that purportedly aims to provide security updates to Windows XP customers. The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers. Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP. The best way for Windows XP customers to protect their systems is to upgrade to a more modern operating system, like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Enthusiast developer keeps Windows XP alive with unofficial 'Service Pack 4' |work=[[PCWorld]] |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2599290/enthusiast-developer-keeps-windows-xp-alive-with-unofficial-service-pack-4.html |access-date=October 26, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026081119/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2599290/enthusiast-developer-keeps-windows-xp-alive-with-unofficial-service-pack-4.html |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |date=August 27, 2014|first1=Jared|last1=Newman}}</ref>

===End of support===
On April 14, 2009, the main Windows XP exited mainstream support and entered the extended support phase; Microsoft continued to provide security updates every month for Windows XP, however, free technical support, warranty claims, and design changes were no longer being offered. Extended support for the main version ended on April 8, 2014, over 12 years after the release of Windows XP; normally Microsoft products have a support life cycle of only 10 years.<ref name="ditchxp">{{cite news|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Businesses-urged-to-ditch-XP/tabid/412/articleID/293539/Default.aspx|title=Businesses urged to ditch XP|last=Satherley|first=Dan|date=April 9, 2013|work=3 News NZ|access-date=June 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713063911/http://www.3news.co.nz/Businesses-urged-to-ditch-XP/tabid/412/articleID/293539/Default.aspx|archive-date=July 13, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Beyond the final security updates released on April 8 for the main version, no more security patches or support information are provided for XP free-of-charge; "critical patches" will still be created, and made available only to customers subscribing to a paid "Custom Support" plan.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/1402013/microsoft-will-craft-xp-patches-after-april-14-but-not-for-you.html | title=Microsoft will craft XP patches after April '14, but not for you | publisher=IDG | work=[[Computerworld]] | date=August 26, 2013 | access-date=December 12, 2013 | last=Keizer | first=Gregg | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020025419/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9241912/Microsoft_will_craft_XP_patches_after_April_14_but_not_for_you?pageNumber=1 | archive-date=October 20, 2013 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> As it is a Windows component, all versions of Internet Explorer for Windows XP also became unsupported.<ref name="cw-dumpie">{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2488477/us-cert-urges-xp-users-to-dump-ie.html|title=US-CERT urges XP users to dump IE|last1=Keizer|first1=Gregg|date=March 11, 2014|work=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628025857/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2488477/us-cert-urges-xp-users-to-dump-ie.html|archive-date=June 28, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref>

In January 2014, it was estimated that more than 95% of the 3 million [[automated teller machine]]s in the world were still running Windows XP (which largely replaced [[IBM]]'s [[OS/2]] as the predominant operating system on ATMs); ATMs have an average lifecycle of between seven and ten years, but some have had lifecycles as long as 15. Plans were being made by several ATM vendors and their customers to migrate to Windows 7-based systems over the course of 2014, while vendors have also considered the possibility of using Linux-based platforms in the future to give them more flexibility for support lifecycles, and the [[ATMIA|ATM Industry Association (ATMIA)]] has since endorsed [[Windows 10]] as a further replacement.<ref name=atmia-w10>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.atmia.com/news/atmia-position-paper-recommending-migration-to-windows-10/2607/|title=ATMIA position paper recommending migration to Windows 10|publisher=ATM Industry Association|date=June 1, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525045048/https://www.atmia.com/news/atmia-position-paper-recommending-migration-to-windows-10/2607/|archive-date=May 25, 2017|author=ATM Industry Association (collectively)|website=www.atmia.com|language=en}}</ref> However, ATMs typically run the embedded variant of Windows XP, which was supported through January 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-01-16/atms-face-deadline-to-upgrade-from-windows-xp | title=ATMs Face Deadline to Upgrade From Windows XP | publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.]] | work=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]] | date=January 16, 2014 | access-date=January 17, 2014 | first=Nick | last=Summers | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116190619/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-01-16/atms-face-deadline-to-upgrade-from-windows-xp | archive-date=January 16, 2014 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> As of May 2017, around 60% of the 220,000 ATMs in India still run Windows XP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wannacry ransomware cyber attack: Indian ATMs could be at high risk as most run on Windows XP|url=http://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/wannacry-ransomware-cyber-attack-indian-atms-high-risk-windows-xp/story/252161.html|website=Business Today|access-date=May 18, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517085703/http://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/wannacry-ransomware-cyber-attack-indian-atms-high-risk-windows-xp/story/252161.html|archive-date=May 17, 2017|date=May 15, 2017|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

Furthermore, at least 49% of all computers in [[China]] still ran XP at the beginning of 2014. These holdouts were influenced by several factors; prices of genuine copies of later versions of Windows in the country are high, while Ni Guangnan of the [[Chinese Academy of Sciences]] warned that Windows 8 could allegedly expose users to [[Mass surveillance in the United States|surveillance by the United States government]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Windows 8 a 'threat' to China's security |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-27712908 |access-date=October 8, 2018 |publisher=BBC |date=June 5, 2014 |archive-date=October 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008064251/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-27712908 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Chinese government]] banned the purchase of Windows 8 products for government use in May 2014 in protest of Microsoft's inability to provide "guaranteed" support.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2157220/china-bans-government-purchases-of-windows-8-surprising-microsoft.html |title=China bans government purchases of Windows 8 |date=May 20, 2014 |work=PCWorld |publisher=IDG |access-date=May 20, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520220932/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2157220/china-bans-government-purchases-of-windows-8-surprising-microsoft.html |archive-date=May 20, 2014 |first1=Michael|last1=Kan}}</ref> The government also had concerns that the impending end of support could affect their [[Copy protection#Anti-piracy|anti-piracy]] initiatives with Microsoft, as users would simply pirate newer versions rather than purchasing them legally. As such, government officials formally requested that Microsoft extend the support period for XP for these reasons. While Microsoft did not comply with their requests, a number of major Chinese software developers, such as Lenovo, [[Kingsoft]] and [[Tencent]], will provide free support and resources for Chinese users migrating from XP.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/reu-microsoft-partners-lenovo-tencent-to-offer-xp-tech-support-in-china/1889658.html |title=Microsoft Partners Lenovo, Tencent to Offer XP Tech Support in China |publisher=Voice of America |date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=April 16, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413124242/http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-microsoft-partners-lenovo-tencent-to-offer-xp-tech-support-in-china/1889658.html |archive-date=April 13, 2014 }}</ref> Several governments, in particular those of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, elected to negotiate "Custom Support" plans with Microsoft for their continued, internal use of Windows XP; the British government's deal lasted for a year, and also covered support for [[Office 2003]] (which reached end-of-life the same day) and cost [[Pound sterling|£]]5.5&nbsp;million.<ref name="ars-notdeadyet">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/04/not-dead-yet-dutch-british-governments-pay-to-keep-windows-xp-alive/|title=Not dead yet: Dutch, British governments pay to keep Windows XP alive|last1=Gallagher|first1=Sean|date=April 6, 2014|work=[[Ars Technica]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast Publications]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014235635/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/04/not-dead-yet-dutch-british-governments-pay-to-keep-windows-xp-alive/|archive-date=October 14, 2019|access-date=October 15, 2019}}</ref>

On March 8, 2014, Microsoft deployed an update for XP that, on the 8th of each month, displays a pop-up notification to remind users about the end of support; however, these notifications may be disabled by the user.<ref name="zdnet-nag">{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-start-nagging-windows-xp-users-about-april-8-end-of-support-date/|title=Microsoft to start nagging Windows XP users about April 8 end-of-support date|last=Foley|first=Mary Jo|author-link=Mary Jo Foley|date=March 3, 2014|work=[[ZDNet]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014235309/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-start-nagging-windows-xp-users-about-april-8-end-of-support-date/|archive-date=October 14, 2019|access-date=October 15, 2019}}</ref> Microsoft also partnered with Laplink to provide a special "express" version of its [[PCmover]] software to help users migrate files and settings from XP to a computer with a newer version of Windows.<ref name="infoworld-laplinkxp">{{cite web|url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2610199/microsoft--use-laplink-s-windows-xp-migration-tools--not-ours.html|title=Microsoft: Use Laplink's Windows XP migration tools, not ours|last1=Yegulalp|first1=Serdar|date=March 3, 2014|work=Infoworld|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015001320/https://www.infoworld.com/article/2610199/microsoft--use-laplink-s-windows-xp-migration-tools--not-ours.html|archive-date=October 15, 2019}}</ref>
[[File:Electroencephalograph Neurovisor-BMM 40 (close view).jpg|thumb|An [[electroencephalograph]] running on Windows XP. The medical industry's continued use of Windows XP is partly due to medical applications being incompatible with later versions of Windows.]]
Despite the approaching end of support of the main version, there were still notable holdouts that had not migrated past XP; many users elected to remain on XP because of the poor reception of [[Windows Vista]], sales of newer PCs with newer versions of Windows declined because of the [[Great Recession]] and the effects of Vista, and deployments of new versions of Windows in enterprise environments require a large amount of planning, which includes testing applications for compatibility (especially those that are dependent on Internet Explorer 6, which is not compatible with newer versions of Windows).<ref name=bbc-xpwontdie>{{cite web|title=XP – the operating system that will not die|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-26432473|work=BBC News|access-date=March 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324064133/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-26432473|archive-date=March 24, 2014|date=March 5, 2014|first1=Mark|last1=Ward}}</ref> Major security software vendors (including Microsoft itself) planned to continue offering support and definitions for Windows XP past the end of support to varying extents, along with the developers of [[Google Chrome]], [[Mozilla Firefox]], and [[Opera (web browser)|Opera]] web browsers;<ref name=cw-dumpie/> despite these measures, critics similarly argued that users should eventually migrate from XP to a supported platform.<ref name=pcadvisor-xpsecure>{{cite web|title=What should XP users do when Microsoft ends support? Upgrade to Windows 8, buy a new PC, keep running XP?|url=http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/3501239/what-should-xp-users-do-when-microsoft-ends-support/|work=PC Advisor|access-date=April 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214073957/http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/3501239/what-should-xp-users-do-when-microsoft-ends-support/|archive-date=February 14, 2014 |date=April 7, 2014|first1=Matt|last1=Egan}}</ref>

The United States' [[United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team|Computer Emergency Readiness Team]] released an alert in March 2014 advising users of the impending end of support, and informing them that using XP after April 8 may prevent them from meeting US government information security requirements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA14-069A-0 |title=Alert (TA14-069A): Microsoft Ending Support for Windows XP and Office 2003 |date=March 11, 2014 |access-date=April 6, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316152204/http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA14-069A-0 |archive-date=March 16, 2014 |author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>
Microsoft continued to provide [[Security Essentials]] [[virus definitions]] and updates for its [[Malicious Software Removal Tool]] (MSRT) for XP until July 14, 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9245548/Microsoft_will_furnish_malware_assassin_to_XP_users_until_mid_2015 | title=Microsoft will furnish malware assassin to XP users until mid-2015 | publisher=IDG | work=Computerworld | date=January 19, 2014 | first=Gregg | last=Keizer | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122034045/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9245548/Microsoft_will_furnish_malware_assassin_to_XP_users_until_mid_2015 | archive-date=January 22, 2014 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> As the end of extended support approached, Microsoft began to increasingly urge XP customers to migrate to newer versions such as Windows 7 or 8 in the interest of security, suggesting that attackers could [[reverse engineer]] security patches for newer versions of Windows and use them to target equivalent vulnerabilities in XP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Warns of Permanent Zero-Day Exploits for Windows XP|work=Infosecurity|publisher=Reed Exhibitions|date=August 20, 2013|access-date=August 27, 2013|url=https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/34069/microsoft-warns-of-permanent-zeroday-exploits-for-windows-xp-/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826004304/http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/34069/microsoft-warns-of-permanent-zeroday-exploits-for-windows-xp-/|archive-date=August 26, 2013|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref> Windows XP is [[Remote code execution|remotely exploitable]] by numerous security holes that were discovered after Microsoft stopped supporting it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/alerts/ICS-ALERT-15-041-01|title=Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-011 JASBUG|access-date=September 18, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811104408/https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/alerts/ICS-ALERT-15-041-01|archive-date=August 11, 2015|date=February 10, 2015|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://securityintelligence.com/ibm-x-force-researcher-finds-significant-vulnerability-in-microsoft-windows/#.VGRn6fmsU-V|title=IBM X-Force Researcher Finds Significant Vulnerability in Microsoft Windows|publisher=Securityintelligence.com|access-date=September 18, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703130744/http://securityintelligence.com/ibm-x-force-researcher-finds-significant-vulnerability-in-microsoft-windows/#.VGRn6fmsU-V|archive-date=July 3, 2015|date=November 11, 2014|first1=Robert|last1=Freeman}}</ref>

Similarly, specialized devices that run XP, particularly [[medical device]]s, must have any revisions to their software—even security updates for the underlying operating system—approved by relevant regulators before they can be released. For this reason, manufacturers often did not allow any updates to devices' operating systems, leaving them open to security exploits and malware.<ref name="mitreview-medicalviruses">{{cite web|last1=Talbot|first1=David|date=October 17, 2012|title=Computer Viruses Are "Rampant" on Medical Devices in Hospitals|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/news/429616/computer-viruses-are-rampant-on-medical-devices-in-hospitals/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161019024034/https://www.technologyreview.com/s/429616/computer-viruses-are-rampant-on-medical-devices-in-hospitals/|archive-date=October 19, 2016|access-date=April 6, 2014|work=MIT Technology Review}}</ref>

Despite the end of support of the main version, Microsoft has released three emergency security updates for the operating system to patch major security vulnerabilities:

* A patch released in May 2014 to address recently discovered vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer 6 through 11 on all versions of Windows.<ref name="ars-ieemergency">{{cite web|title=Emergency patch for critical IE 0-day throws lifeline to XP laggards, too|url=https://arstechnica.com/security/2014/05/emergency-patch-for-critical-ie-0day-throws-lifeline-to-xp-laggards-too/|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Conde Nast|access-date=May 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517085415/https://arstechnica.com/security/2014/05/emergency-patch-for-critical-ie-0day-throws-lifeline-to-xp-laggards-too/|archive-date=May 17, 2017|date=May 1, 2014|first1=Dan|last1=Goodin}}</ref>
* A patch released in May 2017 to address a vulnerability that was being leveraged by the [[WannaCry ransomware attack]].<ref name="verge-highlyunusual">{{cite web|title=Microsoft issues 'highly unusual' Windows XP patch to prevent massive ransomware attack|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/13/15635006/microsoft-windows-xp-security-patch-wannacry-ransomware-attack|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=May 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514023327/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/13/15635006/microsoft-windows-xp-security-patch-wannacry-ransomware-attack|archive-date=May 14, 2017|date=May 13, 2017|first1=Tom|last1=Warren}}</ref>
* A patch released in May 2019 to address a [[BlueKeep|critical code execution vulnerability]] in [[Remote Desktop Services]] which can be exploited in a similar way as the WannaCry vulnerability.<ref name="verge-wannacrylike">{{cite web|title=Microsoft warns of major WannaCry-like Windows security exploit, releases XP patches|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/14/18623565/microsoft-windows-xp-remote-desktop-services-worm-security-patches|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=May 14, 2019|access-date=May 16, 2019|first1=Tom|last1=Warren|archive-date=September 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902162957/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/14/18623565/microsoft-windows-xp-remote-desktop-services-worm-security-patches|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2019/05/14/prevent-a-worm-by-updating-remote-desktop-services-cve-2019-0708/|title=Prevent a worm by updating Remote Desktop Services (CVE-2019-0708) |website=MSRC Blog |access-date=May 16, 2019|date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514210409/https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2019/05/14/prevent-a-worm-by-updating-remote-desktop-services-cve-2019-0708/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Researchers reported in August 2019 that Windows 10 users may be at risk for "critical" system compromise because of design flaws of hardware [[device driver]]s from multiple providers.<ref name="FRBS-20190811">{{cite news |last=Winder |first=Davey |title=Critical Windows 10 Warning: Millions Of Users At Risk |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2019/08/11/critical-windows-10-warning-confirmed-millions-of-users-are-at-risk/ |date=August 11, 2019 |work=[[Forbes]] |access-date=August 11, 2019 |archive-date=August 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811101251/https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2019/08/11/critical-windows-10-warning-confirmed-millions-of-users-are-at-risk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same month, computer experts reported that the [[BlueKeep]] [[security vulnerability]], {{CVE|2019-0708}}, that potentially affects older unpatched Microsoft Windows versions via the program's [[Remote Desktop Protocol]], allowing for the possibility of [[remote code execution]], may now include related flaws, collectively named ''[[DejaBlue]]'', affecting newer Windows versions (i.e., [[Windows 7]] and all recent versions) as well.<ref name="WRD-20190813">{{cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Andy |title=DejaBlue: New BlueKeep-Style Bugs Renew The Risk Of A Windows worm |url=https://www.wired.com/story/dejablue-windows-bugs-worm-rdp/ |date=August 13, 2019 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|wired]] |access-date=August 15, 2019 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413152701/https://www.wired.com/story/dejablue-windows-bugs-worm-rdp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, experts reported a [[Microsoft]] [[security vulnerability]], {{CVE|2019-1162}}, based on [[legacy code]] involving [[Ctfmon.exe|Microsoft CTF and ctfmon (ctfmon.exe)]], that affects all [[Windows]] versions from the older Windows XP version to the most recent Windows 10 versions; a patch to correct the flaw is currently available.<ref name="TP-20190814">{{cite news |last=Seals |first=Tara |title=20-Year-Old Bug in Legacy Microsoft Code Plagues All Windows Users |url=https://threatpost.com/20-year-old-bug-legacy-microsoft-windows-users/147336/ |date=August 14, 2019 |work=ThreatPost.com |access-date=August 15, 2019 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417180352/https://threatpost.com/20-year-old-bug-legacy-microsoft-windows-users/147336/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Microsoft announced in July 2019 that the Microsoft Internet Games services on Windows XP and Windows Me would end on July 31, 2019 (and for Windows 7 on January 22, 2020).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/farewell-to-microsoft-internet-games-on-windows-xp/035d5144-6c1b-49bb-b3d5-37f6355fec39?auth=1|title=Farewell to Microsoft Internet Games on Windows XP, Windows ME, and Windows 7|website=answers.microsoft.com|language=en-US|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714150805/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/farewell-to-microsoft-internet-games-on-windows-xp/035d5144-6c1b-49bb-b3d5-37f6355fec39?auth=1|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, Microsoft announced that it would disable the Windows Update service for SHA-1 endpoints for older Windows versions. Since Windows XP did not get an update for SHA-2, Windows Update Services are no longer available on the OS as of late July 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows Update SHA-1 based endpoints discontinued for older Windows devices|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-update-sha-1-based-endpoints-discontinued-for-older-windows-devices-10b58bd9-5ba2-b23d-498b-139ce5c709af|access-date=April 6, 2021|website=support.microsoft.com|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417045726/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-update-sha-1-based-endpoints-discontinued-for-older-windows-devices-10b58bd9-5ba2-b23d-498b-139ce5c709af|url-status=live}}</ref> As of March 2024, many of the old updates for Windows XP are available on the [[Microsoft Update Catalog]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Update Catalog|url=https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=windows%20xp|access-date=March 6, 2025|website=www.catalog.update.microsoft.com|archive-date=August 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812131023/https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=Windows%20xp|url-status=live}}</ref> A third-party tool named Legacy Update allows previously released updates for Windows XP to be installed from the Update Catalog.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=July 10, 2023 |title=Windows 95, 98, and other decrepit versions can grab online updates again |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/07/windows-95-98-and-other-decrepit-versions-can-grab-online-updates-again/ |access-date=August 5, 2024 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

=== Third-party support ===
In February 2016, [[Opera (company)|Opera]] announced that version 36 of [[Opera (web browser)|its web browser]] would be the last version of the web browser to support Windows XP and Windows Vista.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brinkmann |first=Martin |date=February 17, 2016 |title=Opera 36 will be the last for Windows XP and Vista |url=https://www.ghacks.net/2016/02/17/opera-36-will-be-the-last-for-windows-xp-and-vista/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=[[Ghacks]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304044300/https://www.ghacks.net/2016/02/17/opera-36-will-be-the-last-for-windows-xp-and-vista/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Google Chrome]] ended support for Windows XP and Windows Vista in April 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trenholm |first=Richard |date=November 11, 2015 |title=Google finally pulling the plug on Chrome for Windows XP |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-finally-pulling-the-plug-on-chrome-for-windows-xp/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=[[CNET]] |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416004213/https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-finally-pulling-the-plug-on-chrome-for-windows-xp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Firefox]] 52 ESR (Extended Support Release), which was released in March 2017, was the last version to support Windows XP and Windows Vista.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2017 |title=Final Firefox version with Windows XP, plugin support released today |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/03/final-firefox-version-with-windows-xp-plugin-support-released-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114122205/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/03/final-firefox-version-with-windows-xp-plugin-support-released-today/ |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us}}</ref> Support for Firefox 52 ESR ended in June 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tung |first=Liam |date=October 5, 2017 |title=Windows XP users: Your last supported refuge in Firefox ends in 2018, says Mozilla |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-xp-users-your-last-supported-refuge-in-firefox-ends-in-2018-says-mozilla/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008125800/http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-xp-users-your-last-supported-refuge-in-firefox-ends-in-2018-says-mozilla/ |archive-date=October 8, 2017 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=[[ZDNET]] |language=en}}</ref>

[[Blizzard Entertainment]] ended support for ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', ''[[StarCraft II]]'', ''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Hearthstone]]'', and ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' on Windows XP and Vista in October 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Humphries |first=Matthew |date=July 20, 2017 |title=Blizzard Ending Support for Windows XP and Vista |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/blizzard-ending-support-for-windows-xp-and-vista |access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=[[PCMAG]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Steam (service)|Steam]] ended support for Windows XP and Vista on January 1, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liu |first=Zhiye |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Reminder: Steam Will Drop Support for Windows XP and Vista on January 1 |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/steam-valve-support-windows-xp-vista,37299.html |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=[[Tom's Hardware]] |language=en |archive-date=July 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712032447/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/steam-valve-support-windows-xp-vista,37299.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

There are several unofficial web browser projects that maintain support for Windows XP, well after official web browsers dropped support for the operating system. [[Supermium]], a [[Fork (software development)|fork]] of the [[Chromium (web browser)|Chromium]] project that Google Chrome is based on, is maintained for Windows XP and later unsupported versions of Windows as of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Proven |first=Liam |date=March 6, 2024 |title=Supermium drags Google Chrome back in time to Windows XP, Vista, and 7 |url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/03/06/supermium_chrome_for_xp/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=[[The Register]] |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528083542/https://www.theregister.com/2024/03/06/supermium_chrome_for_xp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> MyPal, a fork of [[Firefox 68]], is also being actively maintained for Windows XP.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Proven |first=Liam |date=July 24, 2023 |title=Want to live dangerously? Try running Windows XP in 2023 |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/07/24/dangerous_pleasures_win_xp_in_23/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=[[The Register]] |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713035439/https://www.theregister.com/2023/07/24/dangerous_pleasures_win_xp_in_23/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Timeline Windows XP}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+End of support date for Windows XP versions<ref>{{Cite web |last=GitHub-Name |title=Windows XP - Microsoft Lifecycle |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-xp |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=learn.microsoft.com |language=en-us}}</ref>
!'''Version'''
!'''Released'''
!'''Standard'''
'''support'''
!'''Extended'''
'''support'''
|-
|Original Release
| align="center" |October 25, 2001
| align="center" |August 30, 2005
| rowspan="5" align="right" |April 8, 2014
|-
|Service Pack 1
| align="center" |September 9, 2002
| rowspan="2" align="center" |October 10, 2006
|-
|Service Pack 1a
| align="center" |February 3, 2003
|-
|Service Pack 2
| align="center" |August 25, 2004
| align="center" |July 13, 2010
|-
|Service Pack 3
| align="center" |April 29, 2008
| align="center" |April 8, 2014
|}

==Reception==
On release, Windows XP received critical acclaim. [[CNET]] described the operating system as being "worth the hype", considering the new interface to be "spiffier" and more intuitive than previous versions, but feeling that it may "annoy" experienced users with its "hand-holding". XP's expanded multimedia support and CD burning functionality were also noted, along with its streamlined networking tools. The performance improvements of XP in comparison to 2000 and Me were also praised, along with its increased number of built-in device drivers in comparison to 2000. The software compatibility tools were also praised, although it was noted that some programs, particularly older MS-DOS software, may not work correctly on XP because of its differing architecture. They panned Windows XP's new licensing model and product activation system, considering it to be a "slightly annoying roadblock", but acknowledged Microsoft's intent for the changes.<ref name=cnet-xpreview>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Windows XP – Home Edition review|url=https://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-windows-xp-home-edition/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070531181049/http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3672_7-5020549-2.html|archive-date=May 31, 2007|work=CNET|access-date=March 25, 2014|date=October 10, 2002|first1=Matt|last1=Lake}}</ref> ''[[PC Magazine]]'' provided similar praise, although noting that a number of its online features were designed to promote Microsoft-owned services, and that aside from quicker boot times, XP's overall performance showed little difference over Windows 2000.<ref name=pcmag-xpreview>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Ships Its Biggest OS Upgrade Ever—Early!|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,5772,00.asp|work=PC Magazine|access-date=March 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325083348/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,5772,00.asp|archive-date=March 25, 2014|date=September 3, 2001|first1=Edward|last1=Mendelson |author-link1=Edward Mendelson}}</ref> Windows XP's default theme, Luna, was criticized by some users for its childish look.<ref name="Manes2004">{{cite web|title=Full Disclosure: Your Take on Windows' Worst Irritations|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/117427/full_disclosure_your_take_on_windows_worst_irritations.html|date=August 26, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008081626/http://www.pcworld.com/article/117427/full_disclosure_your_take_on_windows_worst_irritations.html|archive-date=October 8, 2009|last=Manes|first=Stephen|author-link=Stephen Manes|work=[[PCWorld]]|publisher=[[IDG]]}}</ref><ref name="Bright2014">{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/04/memory-lane-before-everyone-loved-windows-xp-they-hated-it/|newspaper=[[Ars Technica]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|date=April 10, 2014|last=Bright|first=Peter|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424071600/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/04/memory-lane-before-everyone-loved-windows-xp-they-hated-it/|title=Memory lane: Before everyone loved Windows XP, they hated it|archive-date=April 24, 2014|access-date=June 20, 2014}}</ref>

Despite extended support for the main Windows XP ending in 2014, many users – including some enterprises – were reluctant to move away from an operating system they viewed as a stable known quantity despite the many security and functionality improvements in subsequent releases of Windows. Windows XP's longevity was viewed as testament to its stability and Microsoft's successful attempts to keep it up to date, but also as an indictment of its direct successor's [[Criticism of Windows Vista|perceived failings]].<ref name="ArsTenYearsXP">{{cite web |title=Ten years of Windows XP: how longevity became a curse |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2011/10/ten-years-of-windows-xp-how-longevity-became-a-curse/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=WIRED Media Group |access-date=June 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142054/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2011/10/ten-years-of-windows-xp-how-longevity-became-a-curse/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |date=October 25, 2011|first1=Peter|last1=Bright}}</ref>

===Market share===
{{See also|Usage share of operating systems}}
{{Update-section|date=October 2024}}
According to [[web analytics]] data generated by [[Net Applications#Market share statistics|Net Applications]], Windows XP was the most widely used operating system until August 2012, when Windows 7 overtook it (later overtaken by [[Windows 10]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://marketshare.hitslink.com:80/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=11&qpcustomb=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120909203552/http://marketshare.hitslink.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=11&qpcustomb=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 9, 2012|title=Operating system market share|date=September 9, 2012|access-date=September 8, 2018}}</ref> while [[StatCounter]] indicates it happening almost a year earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide/#monthly-201106-201304|title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide|website=StatCounter Global Stats|language=en|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420180627/http://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide#monthly-201106-201304|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2014, Net Applications reported a market share of 29.23%<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57618211-75/oops-windows-xp-gains-in-january-but-so-does-windows-8.1/ | title=Oops, Windows XP gains in January but so does Windows 8.1 | publisher=CBS Interactive | work=CNET | date=February 2, 2014 | access-date=March 16, 2014 | last=Crothers | first=Brooke | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221215154/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57618211-75/oops-windows-xp-gains-in-january-but-so-does-windows-8.1/ | archive-date=February 21, 2014 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> of "desktop operating systems" for XP (when XP was introduced there was not a separate mobile category to track), while [[W3Schools]] reported a share of 11.0%.<ref name=marketshare>{{cite web|url=https://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_os.asp|title=OS Platform Statistics|publisher=w3schools|access-date=September 14, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917051729/http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_os.asp|archive-date=September 17, 2015|date=<!--N/A-->|author=<!--N/A-->}}</ref>

{{As of|2022|9}}, in most regions or continents, Windows XP market share on PCs, as a fraction of the total Windows share, had gone below 1% (0.5% in Africa<ref>{{cite web |title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Africa |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/africa#monthly-202002-202209 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220922002604/https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/africa%23monthly-202002-202209 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=StatCounter Global Stats |language=en}}</ref>). Windows XP allegedly retains a double-digit market share in a few countries such as Armenia, where 72% of Windows PCs in the country are still using Windows XP {{asof|lc=y|2025|07}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Armenia |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/armenia |access-date=August 24, 2025 |website=StatCounter Global Stats |language=en}}</ref><!-- For me at least, Wayback hasn't saved the specific searches; archived versions are redirects to the search page. --><!-- Armenia does show some fluctuation, and while Windows 7 was most popular there in 2017, it has just been gradually replaced by Windows 10, still now XP shows most popular. https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/albania/#weekly-202015-202024 https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/eritrea/#weekly-202015-202024 -->

==Source code leak==
On September 23, 2020, [[source code]] for Windows XP with Service Pack 1 and [[Windows Server 2003]] was leaked onto the imageboard [[4chan]] by an unknown user. Anonymous users managed to compile the code, as well as a Twitter user who posted videos of the process on YouTube proving that the code was genuine.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cimpanu|first=Catalin|title=Windows XP leak confirmed after user compiles the leaked code into a working OS|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-xp-leak-confirmed-after-user-compiles-the-leaked-code-into-a-working-os/|access-date=October 1, 2020|website=ZDNet|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930191933/https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-xp-leak-confirmed-after-user-compiles-the-leaked-code-into-a-working-os/|url-status=live}}</ref> The videos were later removed on [[Copyright infringement|copyright grounds]] by [[Microsoft]]. The leak was incomplete as it was missing [[Winlogon]] and some other components.<ref>{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=September 25, 2020|title=Windows XP source code leaks online|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/25/21455655/microsoft-windows-xp-source-code-leak|access-date=October 1, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929071344/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/25/21455655/microsoft-windows-xp-source-code-leak|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web|last=Alcorn|first=Paul|date=September 30, 2020|title=Windows XP Source Code Leaked, Posted to 4chan (Update, It Works)|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/working-windows-xp-source-code-posted-to-4chan-update|access-date=October 1, 2020|website=Tom's Hardware|language=en|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006095535/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/working-windows-xp-source-code-posted-to-4chan-update|url-status=live}}</ref> The original leak itself was spread using [[magnet link]]s and torrent files whose payload originally included Server 2003 and XP source code and which was later updated with additional files, among which were previous leaks of Microsoft products, its patents, media about [[conspiracy theories]] on [[Bill Gates]] by [[Anti-vaccine activism|anti-vaccination movements]] and an assortment of PDF files on different topics.<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows XP Source Code Leaked By Apparent Bill Gates Conspiracist|url=https://gizmodo.com/windows-xp-source-code-leaked-by-apparent-bill-gates-co-1845181128|access-date=October 1, 2020|website=Gizmodo|date=September 25, 2020 |language=en-us|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001165023/https://gizmodo.com/windows-xp-source-code-leaked-by-apparent-bill-gates-co-1845181128|url-status=live}}</ref>

Microsoft issued a statement stating that it was investigating the leaks.<ref name="tomshardware" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://grahamcluley.com/download-windows-xp-source-code-leaks/|title=The Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 source code leaks online|date=September 25, 2020|website=Graham Cluley|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926025455/https://grahamcluley.com/download-windows-xp-source-code-leaks/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.computing.co.uk/news/4020805/windows-xp-source-code-leaked|title=Windows XP source code leaked online|date=September 28, 2020|website=www.computing.co.uk|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=October 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002194737/https://www.computing.co.uk/news/4020805/windows-xp-source-code-leaked|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[BlueKeep (security vulnerability)]]
* [[Comparison of operating systems]]
* [[History of operating systems]]
* [[List of operating systems]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Commons category|Microsoft Windows XP}}
* {{cite book|title=Microsoft Windows XP Plain & Simple|first1=Jerry|last1=Joyce|first2=Marianne|last2=Moon|publisher=[[Microsoft Press]]|year=2004|isbn=978-0-7356-2112-1}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140415223948/http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help Windows XP support has ended]

{{Microsoft Windows family}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Windows XP| ]]
[[Category:2001 software]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2014]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2019]]
[[Category:Windows NT|XP]]
[[Category:IA-32 operating systems]]
[[Category:Obsolete technologies]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2001]]
[[Category:Microsoft Windows|XP]]