Windows XP Updates Enabled By Registry Hack

It has been over a month since Microsoft officially killed support for Windows XP. One of the most popular iteration of its Windows operating system, XP is over 12 years old and still powers quite a lot of PCs out there. Microsoft has tried a number of ways to get people to upgrade, even offering them discounts on devices powered by newer versions. Those who are in no mood to upgrade might get excited about the possibility of receiving additional Windows XP updates through a simple registry hack.

The registry hack was first reported by Betanews and then confirmed by ZDNet. Basically it makes the system look like Windows Embedded POS Ready 2009 which will continue to receive software support from Microsoft until April 9, 2019. Windows XP users can essentially get five years of updates with a simple hack.

Since the hack spoofs the system’s identity it basically tricks the update servers at Microsoft into thinking that they’re actually pushing updates for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009. The OS based on Windows XP Service Pack 3. This hack is compatible with 32-bit systems and there appears to be a workaround for 64-bit systems as well.

MIcrosoft hasn’t commented on this registry hack though the possibility exists that it might do something about it. The company is adamant that users should upgrade so they continue to receive the latest software and security updates, after all, Microsoft is right in saying that Windows XP’s underlying technology is old and outdated as opposed to newer versions.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Computers
Tags: Microsoft, Social Hit, windows xp