Microsoft has softened its stand on Security Essentials for Windows XP and has extended support for its antimalware software till July 2015.
Microsoft has noted that although operating system patches including security updates for Windows XP will end on April 8 this year, it will keep on providing signature updates until July 14, 2015. Redmond claims that this extension will help organizations complete their migration.
“Microsoft has announced the Windows XP end of support date of April 8, 2014. After this date, Windows XP will no longer be a supported operating system”, noted Microsoft in a blog post
“To help organizations complete their migrations, Microsoft will continue to provide updates to our antimalware signatures and engine for Windows XP users through July 14, 2015.”
Beyond Microsoft Security Essential, the deadline extension also applies to enterprise products like System Center Endpoint Protection, Forefront Client Security, Forefront Endpoint Protection and Windows Intune on Windows XP.
Earlier this month Microsoft had quietly announced that it “will stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP” on April 8, 2014.
The news came as a shock to many businesses who had decided to keep on using Windows XP beyond the EOL by opting for an annual subscription at a hefty cost.
