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Windows XP

2001 → 2014 · Windows

Released in October 2001 with a redesigned look, on the Windows NT and Windows 2000 base. Microsoft supported it until April 2014.1, 4

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Released
25 October 20011, 3
Name
XP is short for "experience"2
Built on
The Windows NT and Windows 2000 base1
Support ended
April 20144

Why it was made

Before XP, Windows came in two lines. Windows 98 and Windows Me were made for homes, while Windows 2000 was made for businesses.1 Windows Me was the last version built on the Windows 95 code. After it, Microsoft said all its future systems would be based on Windows NT and Windows 2000, so XP was built on that base.1

A Windows 95 desktop in teal with the Start menu open over a My Computer window and a Notepad window, and the gray taskbar at the bottom.
Illustration · not a screenshot For comparison: our drawing of Windows 95, the family that home PCs used before XP. See the real screen

What it looked like

XP had a redesigned look and feel, centered on making the PC easier to use.1 The Home Edition had a clean, simple design that kept the features you used most within easy reach.1 It came with Windows Media Player and Windows Movie Maker.1

A Windows XP desktop with a blue sky, white clouds and a green hill. The two-column Start menu is open: a white column with Internet, E-mail and recently used programs, and a light blue column with My Documents, My Pictures, My Music, My Computer and more. Behind it, a My Computer window with a blue task pane shows drives and folders. The blue taskbar has a green Start button and a clock.
Illustration · not a screenshot Our drawing of Windows XP with its blue taskbar, green Start button and two-column Start menu. The menu has the focus, so the My Computer window behind it shows a pale (inactive) title bar. See the real screen

Key moments