Microsoft ended extended support for Windows XP in April 2014, but we all know that due to parallel versions for embedded systems, "real" support lasted five more years. Add the availability of several still-compatible programs, and the question some enthusiasts ask is: What does it take to use Windows XP in 2021? Today we'll explore the answer.
Before you begin…
We must view and interpret this correctly: It is only an experiment. Just as we can play with DOS using a retro computer or install Windows 9x in a virtualizer, Windows XP is just another option to explore, modify, break, and repair. Now, we perfectly understand that many users are facing enormous difficulties, and that has led them to consider a return to Windows XP to extend the life of an old computer. In general, we have seen Linux distros that are better prepared for that task, and we recommend following that route first. But if you still want to return to XP… remember:
- Extended support for Windows XP ended on April 8, 2014, and its last patches are from 2019. From every point of view, it is an obsolete operating system, and Microsoft has done everything possible to ensure it.
- Under no circumstances should it be installed on a production system, or with any critical role. The only support for solving errors or conflicts is what you can find yourself on the web. You are alone.
- Any task that requires credentials or a more advanced security profile should be excluded from the system. Although there is updated and secure software, Windows XP does not meet either of the two conditions.
- The ideal configuration for this system would be "offline", completely isolated from the Internet. If you are thinking of specific tasks like a "retro-gaming computer" or an "emulation box", the web connection is optional.
- In summary: You are walking on broken glass. Be very careful. Do not save anything you are not willing to lose.
How to use Windows XP in 2021
ISO: Windows XP Integral Edition
I imagine any interested enthusiast would ask at this point: "What guarantees do we have that that Windows XP ISO has not been modified with malicious material?" And the only valid answer is "none", for the simple fact that there are no guarantees when using Windows XP in 2021, regardless of the chosen image.
But the main advantage of this Windows XP Integral Edition published by Ramsey on the Zone94 portal is that it does much of the heavy lifting for us, integrating all hotfixes up to May 2019. It also includes high-profile resources such as the All-in-One package of .NET Framework (which adds all editions on Windows XP without conflicts), and secondary modules that must be installed manually. Among them are ACPI drivers, NVMe support, SATA drivers, USB 3.0 compatibility, and a mod that activates Physical Address Extensions, enabling Windows XP to use 4 GB of RAM or more.
The most important limitation of Integral Edition is that it is not in Spanish, and you will have to download the Language Pack from the same site (5 gigabytes) for its subsequent installation. And needless to say... don't expect it to work on the first try. Getting your hands dirty is mandatory here, whether by applying patches in true 'outside' mode or by searching for forgotten drivers in manufacturers' 'legacy' sections. One more detail: The firewall is disabled by default. It doesn't protect much, but you should activate it.
Browsers: Serpent and MyPal
The first is a project by Roytam1, also known as Basilisk XP or Serpent Basilisk UXP. In essence, it is a fork of Firefox ESR 52.9.0 (the last to support XP) that adds improvements without sacrificing WebExtensions or support for XP/Vista. Roytam1 updates his builds at least once a week (they work as portable browsers, without formal installation), and there are many classic compatible extensions if you know where to find them.
The second is MyPal, managed by Feodor2 on GitHub. Unlike Serpent, MyPal takes its code from Pale Moon, which abandoned Windows XP many moons ago. Its update cycles are more relaxed, and for logical compatibility reasons, some elements incorporated into Pale Moon are left behind. Still, MyPal can receive many of its extensions without problems. Beyond updates, some web services simply will not work.
Compression: 7-Zip and WinRAR
Very easy: the 19.00 build of 7-Zip and the latest update 6.00 of WinRAR work perfectly on Windows XP, and judging by their classic development pace, that condition will remain intact for a long time.
Office: OpenOffice
Yes, I suppose anyone can track down and install both Microsoft Office and its endless updates, but the first thing that came to my mind here was LibreOffice... and I discovered that XP support got stuck at version 5.4. Instead, the most recent build of OpenOffice installs on Windows XP without errors.
Audio playback: Winamp
Why reinvent the wheel? Winamp and Windows XP accompanied an entire generation of users, and personally I don't think it makes sense to separate them. The latest beta available on Winamp.com installs on XP, or alternatively, you can get an older build from sites like OldVersion.com. Don't forget to download Winamp skins!
Video playback: VLC Player
The most recent compilation of Windows XP Integral Edition includes a copy of Media Player Classic Home Cinema with a pack of codecs, but the people at VLC Player do not hesitate to extend their support to old editions of Windows. The only technical detail is that you must download the portable edition.
Password management: KeePass
Let's suppose you decide to ignore all my warnings (it wouldn't be the first time), and you plan to access web services from Windows XP. For goodness' sake, at least download a copy of KeePass and use a strong password for your database. It must be the portable edition, otherwise the installer will show an error.
Antivirus: Panda Dome Free
Long story short, Panda Dome is the only antivirus that still works correctly on Windows XP. Panda will ask you to register, its execution can be particularly hard on some processors, and before you must install the AIO of .NET Framework, or its dependencies will drive you crazy. Other than that... better than nothing.
Additional protection: Sandboxie
Even with updated browsers and an antivirus in the background, downloading files with Windows XP represents a gigantic risk... but if you're going to do it anyway, it's not a bad idea to add Sandboxie. The problem is that you can't install its latest build: support for Windows XP came up to version 5.40, available for download on the forums. Of course... sandboxing is only as strong as the underlying kernel...
Conclusion
Windows XP in 2021 is... a shortcut to madness. Why deny it? Security problems are around the corner, a large number of services have stopped working, and the compromises the user must accept are enormous. I admit that it wasn't that complicated to find an updated image, a compatible browser, and modern programs, but I still maintain my original position: This is an experiment, and nobody should do anything serious with Windows XP today. So... good luck? You're going to need it.
