Microsoft warns users against Windows XP update registry hack

2 min. read

Published onMay 27, 2014

published onMay 27, 2014

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

It recently came to light that it was — theoretically — possible to keep Windows XP fuelled with updates until 2019. A registry hack is all that is needed to trick Windows Update into thinking you’re running a copy of the still-supported Windows Embedded POSReady 2009.When we reported about this yesterdaywe advised against it, and it seems that Microsoft feels the same.

In a statement issued to ZDNet the company warns that the updates that are made accessible using the tweak are not really designed for Windows XP. The advice is to avoid forcing the update process and to instead upgrade to a more recent version of Windows.

The statement reads:

We recently became aware of a hack that purportedly aims to provide security updates to Windows XP customers. The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers. Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP. The best way for Windows XP customers to protect their systems is to upgrade to a more modern operating system, like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

Will you heed the warning, or are you willing to take the risk and use the registry tweak to grab yourself a few more updates?

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft warns users against Windows XP update registry hack#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft warns users against Windows XP update registry hack