Beginning March 8th, Microsoft will push out a pop up to Windows XP computers. The pop up will tell them that Windows XP will no longer be supported after April 8th.
Windows XP End of Support is on April 8th, 2014. Click Here to learn more.
Don’t show this message again.
The Click Here link points to Microsoft’s Windows XP End of Support website.
The pop-ups will reappear every 8th of the month unless the “Don’t show this message again” box is checked. Users on both Windows XP Home and Professional editions will receive the pop-up if they are configured to receive updates via Windows Update.
While it is important to upgrade away from Windows XP due to the unpatched vulnerabilities, this is also short notice regarding the pop-ups and an annoyance to users who do not have the ability to upgrade, technically or financially. Software or hardware that won’t run on newer operating systems and the high cost of replacing the computer as well as tight budgets can handcuff many people. It would be nice to have a systematic method to disable the pop-ups for IT departments and consultants of organizations that are not able to upgrade and don’t utilize WSUS.
The pop-ups may be a good way to reach those that have not paid attention to the looming deadline and may not even know what version of Windows they are running. Microsoft also made the website AmIRunningXP.com to help people find out if their computer is running the 12-year-old operating system.
To help with the migration, Microsoft has partnered with LapLink to provide PCmover Express for Windows XP. This software will copy your files and settings to a new device running Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. You will be able to download the software later this week from WindowsXP.com.
Source: Windows Experience blog