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How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support

Windows XP, one of the best versions of the Microsoft Windows Operating System, stopped being supported or updated by Microsoft on April 8, 2014. This article will help XP users move on, whether it means keeping XP or upgrading the OS....
Method 1 of 2:

Upgrading your OS

  1. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 1How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 1
    Insert your Windows Installation media, whether it would be a disc, or a USB flash drive. For this example, we will use Windows 7 media.
  2. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 2How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 2
    Open the setup program. Open Windows Explorer, navigate to your media, and run "Setup.exe".
    1. You can also boot from the installation media. Make sure the setting in your BIOS is on if you decide to boot from the media. This is required if you are dual-booting.
    2. Click Install Now when prompted.
    3. For users who are upgrading, the option "Check Compatibility Online" may appear with "Install Now".
  3. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 3How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 3
    Click "Go online to get the latest updates for installation (Recommended)". After Setup starts, you may be asked if you would like to receive the latest updates for installation. Getting updates ensures that installation succeeds and update your PC.
  4. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 4How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 4
    Choose your Windows Edition. Depending on your media, you may be asked to choose the edition of Windows to install.
    1. Always make sure your product key matches the correct version of Windows.
    2. Keep in mind that your system cannot run a 64-bit OS without a 64-bit capable processor.
  5. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 5How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 5
    Choose if you will upgrade or clean install. Clean Installs don't keep files & settings.
    1. You cannot upgrade a 32-bit edition to a 64-bit edition, and vise versa.
    2. Upgrading will keep files and settings. Your PC will check compatibility with Windows 7.
    3. Some XP users may not be able to directly upgrade. You may need to clean install.
  6. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 6How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 6
    Make sure the license terms are accepted, and setup will begin. Setup may take several hours, so be patient.
    1. It is normal for your PC to restart several times and flash.
    2. If the prompt "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" appears during a setup restart, do not press a key. Windows will proceed to boot from setup.
  7. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 7How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 7
    When setup is complete, enter a username and computer name. After that, proceed with the on-screen instructions.
  8. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 8How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 8
    Enter your 25-character Windows product key. The product key is similar to this:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
    1. Type your key slowly, and ensure you typed it correctly.
    2. DO NOT illegally get product keys. You should purchase a legal, genuine product key.
  9. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 9How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 9
    Find yourself at the desktop. Click the Start Orb, and click "Getting Started" to help you get started with your new version of Windows.
Method 2 of 2:

Staying on Windows XP

  1. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 10How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 10
    Download a reputable antivirus and anti-malware program. These apps protect your PC from malicious software and attackers.
    1. There are fake software programs that claim to be anti-viruses. One clue to help identify imposters is that they usually ask for money for a full version that removes malware. They may also show exaggerated results.
  2. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 11How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 11
    Download a fast, stable browser. Internet Explorer 8, the latest version of IE compatible with XP, is unsupported. It exposes your PC to additional threats. Two good alternatives are Google Chrome and Firefox.
    1. Chrome is ending support for XP soon, so keep that in mind.
  3. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 12How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 12
    Make sure you have all Windows Updates prior to the end of support. These updates help protect your PC and speed it up.
  4. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 13How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 13
    Perform basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning junk files and defragmenting your hard drive. These help speed up your PC.
  5. How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 14How to Move on After Windows XP End of Support Picture 14
    Have installation media ready, in case you need to clean install.
    1. Have a product key with it.
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