Full Microsoft support for Windows XP has officially ended.

WinXP support is now available only as "extended phase support," requiring a "fee per incident" or subscription to a (very expensive) extended support contract.

The impact of this probably is minimal for most WinXP users, since Microsoft has NEVER provided support for those whose WinXP was installed by a computer builder. The OEM maker has always been responsible for any needed support. Availability of support from OEM builders will depend on policies of each individual OEM.

WinXP users will still receive Critical Security Patches. It is expected that if (when) a Critical Patch breaks something, the free support to fix the patch(es) will still be available from Microsoft as before, but I have not confirmed "official" policy for this.

There are a few "optional patches" that WinXP users will no longer be able to download (from Microsoft) without paying fees.

Notices should be widely splattered around the internet, or you can visit Microsoft's "life cycle" page(s) for full details. One "news report" on this non-event is at PC Advisor, if you need additional superficially authoritative information.

John