WinXP Downgrade Rights Extended to 2020

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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)

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