New Delhi, Jan 17: Software Giant Microsoft has decided to extend XP antimalware protection until July 14, 2015. The company has softened its stance on halting support for Windows XP after the April 2014 cut-off date, stating it will provide antimalware signature updates for XP users till July 14, 2015, a move designed to help businesses complete XP migrations.
Microsoft antimalware support is extended to enterprise XP customers running System Center Endpoint Protection, Forefront Client Security, Forefront Endpoint Protection and Windows Intune. XP antimalware support for consumers is extended to users running Microsoft Security Essentials.
After April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, non-security hot-fixes, free or paid assisted support options and online technical content updates. The only support, Microsoft said, will be antimalware updates.
Leading up to the cut-off date, Microsoft has been stepping up a public campaign to raise awareness with OEMs, channel partners and consumers about the risks of sticking with Windows XP and urging them to upgrade.