Back up for Windows XP may have concluded dorsum in 2014, but that hasn't stopped people from using the operating system. In fact, millions are still thought to exist using software that'south now nineteen years former.

However, this can exist a dangerous strategy. Without direct back up from Microsoft, Windows XP is vulnerable to viruses and malware that would quickly be patched on Windows 10. This ways

If you're still running Windows XP, it's likely that your device is quite old and so may non exist eligible for an upgrade to Windows 10. Information technology's worth checking total device compatibility on the Microsoft website.

Should Windows 10 not exist bachelor, information technology'southward probably time to buy a new laptop or PC. Our best budget laptops chart is a skillful identify to start.

If you can't afford that, you may still be able to install Windows 10. You'll have to do a make clean installation as there's no way to upgrade and proceed your files, settings and programs. It isn't a limitation of Windows 10 simply of XP: even if you wanted to upgrade to Windows 7 from XP you'd have to wipe your hard deejay and showtime again.

How much does Windows 10 cost?

Windows 10 Home costs £119.99/US$139 and Professional person will prepare you back £219.99/The states$199.99. Y'all tin can choose a download or a USB.

Nevertheless, if you don't listen waiting for delivery, you tin purchase Windows ten Dwelling from Amazon for £89 and the Pro version for £99. In that location are also cheaper means to get Windows 10.

You can read our comparing of Windows XP and Windows 10 but the bottom line is Windows 10 is certainly the all-time version of Windows yet.

Should I upgrade from Windows XP?

You'll be surprised at how much your computer appears to speed up when you install Windows fresh. Starting from a clean difficult disk means there's no build-upwardly of programs that offset with Windows, slowing information technology down and using up precious memory.

Another great upgrade for an older PC or laptop is an SSD. Solid-state drives are much, much faster than traditional difficult disks and tin give a new lease of life to a PC you lot idea was destined for the bit heap. Hither's how to upgrade your laptop to an SSD.

If you have a machine that'due south over eight years old, information technology may be a better idea to relieve the money on a Windows 10 licence (and an SSD) and put the greenbacks towards a new laptop or PC.

Equally we said at the showtime, in that location are plenty of reasons why you shouldn't run Windows XP: it'south no longer supported and could exist vulnerable to hackers and viruses. Yous tin can't utilize Google Chrome on XP at present, either. If there's a program y'all tin can only run in XP, then you can create a virtual automobile in Windows 10 and run Windows XP, and your legacy program, in that instead.

Can I update XP to Windows ten?

Sadly, information technology's non possible to practise an 'in-place' upgrade as yous can with Windows 7 and 8. Essentially, you take to wipe your hard disk drive and commencement from scratch.

So, information technology is possible to install Windows ten on an old PC, but information technology'due south not as user-friendly as upgrading and keeping your files, apps and settings.

Here's how to install Windows 10 on a PC or laptop running Windows XP.

Before y'all brainstorm you will need to copy everything you want to proceed to an external hard drive, USB wink drive or a deject storage service such as Dropbox or OneDrive.

Also, find your software installation discs and licence keys. If you lot have misplaced the keys, use a costless plan such as Magical Jellybean Keyfinder to search the Windows registry for these codes, then write them down.

If you keep your email inbox or any archives, be certain to back these upward every bit well, and export internet bookmarks and other settings that y'all want to keep.

Then and just then can you lot begin the bodily installation of Windows 10. In that location's no guarantee that all your programs will be uniform with the new version of Windows, nor your old peripherals - specifically printers and scanners.

Information technology's worth checking online to come across if there'south any information about their compatibility with Windows ten. If a Windows 7 driver exists for your particular model, information technology should work in Windows 10.

Should I simply buy a new laptop or PC?

That's a tough question to answer. If performance is still solid, you might be able to get away with simply upgrading to Windows 10.

Our advice, though, is to save the £100 or so you'd spend on Windows 10 and put it towards a new PC or laptop. Laptops offset at around £200, but you'll pay at least £400 for a good one and £750 or more for a great one. We've put together up-to-engagement lists of the best budget laptops and all-time laptops outright to help you choose.

PCs are slightly unlike every bit you can keep your keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers and just upgrade the PC box itself. This tin can price equally little as £300, but you volition need to upkeep around £400-500 for something that'due south relatively powerful and hereafter-proof.

Check out our best PC deals for some solid options.