Some Windows XP users have been alarmed to see warnings from Microsoft Security Essentials that support for the aging operating system is coming to an end. The warning is correct, but some people believe the popup warning is actually a virus or malware.
The popup message is no virus, but a genuine warning that support for XP is coming to an end on April 8th 2014. This means Microsoft will no longer issue security updates, putting you at risk if you continue to use the operating system. Microsoft will patch ‘critical’ security holes for another year, but as the best way to stay safe is to have a modern operating system, the company is making sure users are aware they need to update.
Microsoft has made updating easier by offering PCmover Express for free, to help you move your files across from XP to Windows 7 or 8.1. Find out how here.
Nevertheless, the persistent warning sign has worried many users, and it may not be the best tactic for Microsoft. UK site CRN wrote that in the future criminals might try to copy the style of the Microsoft popup to trick users still using Windows XP. On the other hand, Microsoft has offered years of support to an operating system that is really outdated, and there has to be a time when this stops.
