Is Microsoft's Windows XP still available and supported?

As of April 8th, 2014, Microsoft no longer provides technical support for Windows XP, and it is no longer available for download. The company also no longer creates updates for the operating system.

Windows XP users that experience a system vulnerability, such as a malware infection, cannot receive support from Microsoft, since technical support terminated in 2014. Instead, consumers have to upgrade to at least the Windows 8.1 operating system, which Microsoft supports. Microsoft advertises that Windows 8.1 provides improved management capabilities and better productivity. Support for Windows XP lasted for 12 years. People who use Windows 8.1 have support until the year 2023.