Windows XP is one of the most popular versions of the Microsoft operating system. More than 10 years after its support ended, there are more than 5.1 million users around the world who still use it. That has made us wonder if it is viable to install and use it as our operating system in 2024.
Something you should know before embarking on this mission is that Windows XP It does not have any type of official support. When Microsoft began the extended support period in 2009, the operating system was installed on more than 75% of computers. Five years later, the technology giant stopped offering security updates, although it was forced to release several patches to address vulnerabilities such as the WannaCry ransomware, which emerged in 2017.
Every year-end, dozens of users show off reddit which are maintained in Windows XP, since no need to migrate. Despite the vulnerabilities and the few compatible applications, many remain faithful to this version. After all, Windows XP is one of the friendliest operating systems Microsoft has ever developed.
Why use Windows XP in 2024?
To be honest, there are few reasons why you should use Windows XP in 2024. If you are a retro fan and have a computer from 15 or 20 years ago, you will probably want to install a compatible operating system on it. Although many recommend opting for a lightweight Linux distribution, it does not allow you to access classic software as easily.
Windows XP is easy to use and part of the success of Windows 7 and Windows 10 is that they were inspired by this version. The blue taskbar with the gigantic green start button, the characteristic wallpaper or the ability to apply skins to Windows Media Player are good excuses to go back. Games like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Command and Conquer Generals either NFS Porsche Unleashed They are impossible to run on current hardware or require a lot of work.
The only drawback of that ease of use is contrasted with the complexity of making it work in 2024. Windows XP has more than 23 years of life, so Accessing an installation disk can be difficult. Added to that is that Microsoft deleted the official files from its website four years ago and the Digital River servers no longer work, so you will have to look for an ISO in the Internet Archive or download the Delta Edition.
The danger of using a vulnerable operating system
If you manage to obtain it, the first thing you should do is install an antivirus and the latest updates via system or Legacy Update. It is advisable to have a clean USB with the antivirus installers (Avast), the Pale Moon browser or Legacy Update, as well as hardware drivers. Trying to browse with Internet Explorer without shielding your computer will result in a malware infection in a few minutes.
A few months ago, cybersecurity expert Eric Parker conducted a test on connect a computer with Windows XP to the internet. After 10 minutes, the computer already had a suspicious process and a Trojan that had created a user account. Even if you navigate cautiously in XP, you should always check the list of processes in Windows Task Manager.
Another challenge you will face is compatibility. Most of the apps you used 20 years ago are gone or no longer supported. Some stopped supporting this operating system a long time ago and the latest version is extremely vulnerable.
Although it is technically possible to use Windows XP in your daily life, the time required to configure it eliminates the simplicity that once distinguished it. You can install it in a virtual machine to test its operationas long as you do it with due precautions. Some clients — such as VMWare — enable side-channel mitigations by default that protect against attacks, albeit at the cost of performance.
The times when Windows Messenger, Winamp and Kazaa reigned will no longer return. It is better to keep those memories than to try to install an operating system that is not functional in 2024.
