Why Windows XP is Still in Use in 2025 and the Risks It Carries
Published by Neil on
It’s hard to believe, but Windows XP is still running in some organisations in 2025. Even though mainstream computing moved on years ago, XP continues to power certain systems where legacy software and hardware make upgrades difficult.
Why XP hasn’t gone away Many critical systems were built around XP. In industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, some applications simply cannot run on modern operating systems without costly redevelopment. Replacing or rewriting these applications can mean significant downtime and high expense.
Specialised hardware is another factor. Some devices lack drivers for newer Windows versions, leaving organisations stuck with XP to keep essential operations running.
The risks of running XP today Using XP comes with serious security and operational challenges.
- No security updates. Microsoft stopped supporting XP in 2014, so vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making systems easy targets for malware and ransomware.
- Compliance problems. Regulated industries may be non-compliant if critical systems run unsupported software.
- Operational instability. Older systems are more prone to crashes, hardware failures, and compatibility issues.
- High maintenance costs. Maintaining XP often requires specialised expertise, Nelop’s Legacy Systems services provide the support you need.
Managing legacy systems safely If upgrading is not an option, there are ways to reduce risk:
- Virtualisation. Run XP in a controlled virtual machine on modern hardware to isolate vulnerabilities.
- Network segmentation. Limit exposure by isolating XP systems from critical networks and the internet.
- Gradual modernisation. Rewrite or replace legacy applications to run on supported operating systems.
- Specialist support. Work with companies that focus on legacy systems to keep XP environments secure.
Final thoughts Windows XP may feel like a relic of the past, but for many organisations, it is still essential. The challenge is balancing operational needs with cyber security, compliance, and maintainability. Without careful management, XP systems can become a major risk.
