WinXP Downgrade Rights Extended to 2020

The Windows XP operating system (OS) is still the first choice for 74 per cent of businesses, according to Microsoft. Because of that popularity, the Redmond-based firm has decided to extend Windows XP downgrade rights to 2020. (Source: techrepublic)

Microsoft announced that people running higher-end versions of Windows 7 will be able to 'downgrade' to Windows XP for up to 10 years. Based on past history, however, Microsoft typically terminates downgrade rights shortly after rolling out a new operating system.

Downgrade Rights Available Throughout Win7's Lifecycle

This is the second time Microsoft has extended Windows XP downgrade rights. Originally, Windows 7-to-Windows XP downgrades were limited to six months after Windows 7 was released, but the company changed this policy last June after being scolded by analysts from Gartner Research.

Now, users running Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate will be able to downgrade to Windows XP Professional throughout Windows 7's entire lifecycle. (Source: computerworld.com)

An entry on the Windows Team Blog reads: "Going forward, businesses can continue to purchase new PCs and utilize end user downgrade rights to Windows XP or Windows Vista until they are ready to use Windows 7." (Source: engadget.com)

Windows XP Downgrade is OEM-Exclusive

The Windows 7-to-Windows XP downgrade rights are only available from OEM (original equipment manufacturer) copies of Windows 7 that are pre-installed by computer makers. Currently, Windows 7 Professional is scheduled to be retired in January 2020, and the Ultimate edition is scheduled to be retired in January 2015.(Source: computerworld.com)

Visit Bill's Links and More for more great tips, just like this one!