I decided to write this article after the disappointment Notepad3 users showed when we dropped Windows XP support. The decision to drop XP support was based on Support for Windows XP being dropped by Microsoft back in 2014.
Windows XP was released in October, 2001 as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. The interface was overhauled with a new visual appearance. This release also added ClearType and subpixel rendering to improve the appearance of fonts on LCD displays. It also introduced new system icons. XP also introduced product activation that required each Windows license be activated. – Microsoft Windows Complete History
This all means that Windows XP is almost 18 years old. That is 18 years of performance, visual, security and usability enhancements ago.
Windows XP is the most stable Microsoft Operating System
No, it is not! In fact, Windows 10 is the most stable Windows to date and is being improved every day. I understand that Windows Vista and Windows 8 was duds, but why a user would still refuse to even upgrade to Windows 7 is strange to me. BTW. Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 on January 13, 2015, but extended support won’t end until January 14, 2020. However, I believe that most software companies will continue creating software for Windows 7 way past 2020.
How many Windows XP users are there?
When we speak about the Windows Version Market Share we are referring to the percentage of users still using a specific version of Windows. Take a look at the chart below. It shows that 43% of all Windows users are running Windows 10. Second (42%), and third place (9%), goes to Windows 7 and 8.1 respectively. And Windows XP comes in at about 3%. From a developer’s point of view, it is not a good idea to trade new features for Windows XP support.
Based on Windows Version Market Share data history, we can predict that Windows 7 will lose about 20% of its market share by 2020. But as previously stated, because it should still have a market share above 20%, software companies will continue supporting it until it drops under the 5% mark. Or, at least, clever companies will continue to support it. This all said, we can’t predict the direction tools like Visual Studio will move in, so it could be another trade between new features and Windows 7 support. Developers could start dropping Windows 7 support sooner than anticipated.
Conclusion
Windows XP is old! and upgrading to at least Windows 7 is a good idea. However, I would suggest upgrading to Windows 10 and not Windows 7. This way you can enjoy all the new Windows feature and security enhancements for years to come. Furthermore, you know the latest software and hardware will work with it. I hope this article helped you understand why your favorite software does not support Windows XP anymore.
My name is Derick Payne, a proud son of George, South Africa, and a seasoned veteran of the tech industry. With a deep-seated passion for programming and an unwavering commitment to innovation, I’ve spent the past 23 years pushing the envelope of what’s possible. As the founder of Rizonetech and Rizonesoft, I’ve had the unique opportunity to channel my love for technology into creating solutions that make a difference. The journey has been fulfilling, the progress invigorating, and the future? Well, the future is limitless.