With less than a month to go, Microsoft continues to remind (nag) Windows XP users that support for the platform will end on April 8, 2014. After repeated warnings, the company is now taking the financial route by waving money under their noses.
As shown here (opens in new tab), if customers abandon their Windows XP rig and purchase a new Windows 8.1 device, they'll receive a $100 gift card -- doubling last week's $50 gift card offer -- along with 90 days of free tech support, and a free data transfer. While that doesn't seem like much when compared to the cost of a new laptop or desktop, this move shows that Microsoft is willing to take a cut in the wallet to get everyone on the same platform.
"End of support means that software updates for Windows XP will no longer be distributed by Microsoft or its hardware partners," reads the company's FAQ. "This includes security updates that help protect PCs from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal or damage personal information. It also includes maintenance updates that improve reliability and performance and ensure that Windows XP works well with other software and hardware."
So why is Microsoft shutting down Windows XP? Look at it this way: the platform arrived in 2001, but was under development in the late 1990s. Sure, Windows XP was an awesome platform in its day, but it's time to let go… if you can, of course. There are likely still customers and businesses alike out there running legacy software that may not run correctly with Windows 8.1.
"While most Microsoft software is supported for 10 years, Windows XP has been supported for more than 12 years, longer than any other Windows version," the FAQ reads. "It's been a great run for this popular and even beloved operating system; it's now time for Microsoft, along with our hardware partners, to retire support for Windows XP so we can focus on supporting more recent technologies for delivering great customer experiences."
To see a list of devices Microsoft suggests, head here (opens in new tab). These include all-in-ones, tablets, 2-in-1 PCs and laptops.