Windows XP Service Pack 2 users may have noticed that the latest Microsoft out of band security patch released a few days ago was not offered for their operating system. Neither Windows Update, nor the direct download via Microsoft Downloads listed the security patch. Windows XP SP3 users, and newer Microsoft operating system users, were able to update their systems via the usual update channels.
Some XP SP2 users may have been puzzled by the lack of support, considering that they were able to download July’s Patch Day patches just fine. What has changed between those two patch releases?
The extended support phase of Windows XP SP2 has ended on July 13. This means that Microsoft will not produce security patches, or other updates, for the operating system from that day on.
The first security patch that SP2 users missed arrived unfortunately less than a month after the support period ended.
Windows XP SP2 users will not receive the upcoming massive amount of security patches of this August’s Patch Day, nor will they receive future patches or updates which leaves the operating system vulnerable to attacks.
Windows XP SP2 users basically have two choices. They can update their system to Service Pack 3, an option that probably has the least consequences of them all, or upgrade to a newer operating system. Windows XP SP3 is available directly from Microsoft.
Staying with Windows XP Service Pack 2 and doing nothing is not really a choice, considering the security implications.
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Folks going form SP2 to 3 may need to update drivers.