Hackers Invent Windows Registry Tweak To Extend XP Support

If reports are true, XP users need not worry about Microsoft’s termination of Windows tech support for their operating system. A recent report suggests that hackers have invented a registry tweak, which would allow XP users to continue receiving Windows updates from Microsoft. The report about the hacker tweak and its ability to tap Windows security updates illegally from Microsoft update services was published in a popular hacker news site.

Microsoft ended supporting Windows XP operating systems on 8^th of April, emphasizing on its Windows support policy which permits 5 years of mainstream support and another 5 years of extended support for any operating system from the date of release. In the case of Widows XP, Microsoft had adopted a more relaxed policy. The operating system continued to receive support for nearly three years after its extended support ended three years ago; making the total support it received to 13 years. The decision to support Windows XP, breaching the support policy, was owing due to its huge popularity.

Although Windows XP still accounts for about 25 percent of the total Windows market share, Microsoft is forced to stop supporting the operating system. Experts believe that the slow adoption of Windows 8 has forced Microsoft to stop Windows tech support for XP. Rumour is that Microsoft would have continued supporting XP had people been more receptive to Windows 8.

How does registry tweak for XP work?

The registry tweak designed by hackers for XP will allow an XP running machine to receive updates. Point of sale (POS) systems like ticket machines powered by XP can also enjoy the hacked updates.

XP editions compatible with the hack updates

To be able to install the hacked update, you should have a Windows XP with SP3 (service pack 3). To be able to start receiving the updates, you need to add a new entry to your Windows Registration database. However, be reminded that the process could leave your operating system corrupted and unusable if it is done incorrectly. So, if you are not sure how to add entries to Windows Registration database, do not do it on your own.

Continuing the use of Windows XP without Microsoft support could be unwise as the operating system has become extremely vulnerable over the years. And since there is no more official Microsoft support for the operating system, hacked update is the only option before users.