Best Buy attempts to lure Windows XP refugees with a $100 trade-in credit

By Mike Epstein April 4, 2014

hackers already targeting vulnerable xp users windows — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Best Buy is making a move likely in an effort to capitalize on last-minute Windows XP migrants prior to Microsoft’s April 8 end-of-support deadline. Starting Sunday, Best Buy will offer people who trade in their Windows XP PC a $100 credit towards the purchase of a new PC, Mac or Chromebook.

Although ditching Windows XP is certainly not mandatory, using the 13-year old operating system once it stops receiving support could come with serious risks. Both private and government entities have warned of the dangers that could come with continued use of Windows XP. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has advised that people who continue to use XP should switch to a Web browser other than Internet Explorer after April 8. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera will continue to receive XP support, though Chrome and Firefox only support Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later.

Best Buy’s trade in is similar to the one announced by Microsoft a few weeks ago, which offered owners of XP-powered PCs $100 towards the purchase of select Windows 8 PC priced $599 or higher.

If you’re one of the stubborn XP users who simply refuses to budge, feel free to check out our guide on how to survive the end of Windows XP support.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.

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Michael is a New York-based tech and culture reporter, and a graduate of Northwestwern University’s Medill School of…

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