Microsoft Sweetens XP Upgrade Offers As Support Deadline Nears

Microsoft Sweetens XP Upgrade Offers As Support Deadline Nears

Microsoft is sweetening the pot in hopes of getting holdouts to switch from their dated Windows XP machine to something a bit more modern. Last week, the Redmond-based company offered a $50 gift card to those purchasing a Windows 8.1 computer but they’ve since improved that offer in more ways than one.

From now through June 15, XP users looking to move to a new system are eligible for a $100 discount on a qualifying machine priced at $599 or higher. A Microsoft rep said the deal will only show up for those who visit the Microsoft Store via a Windows XP machine in a clear nod to make sure that only XP users receive the savings.

Users that prefer to shop via brick and mortar can physically bring their XP machine to one of over 80 retail Microsoft stores across the country as proof of eligibility.

In addition to the $100 savings, buyers will also qualify for 90 days of free support and free data transfer. The data migration tool from Laplink was announced earlier this month and is available to all users free of charge from Microsoft's website.

With two offers coming from Microsoft in as many weeks, some will no doubt be enticed to play the waiting game to see if the company has even sweeter deals up its proverbial sleeve. That could be a dangerous proposition, however, as XP will most certainly become an easy target for hackers once the April 8 end-of-support date has passed.