Microsoft warns against extended support XP magic trick

Users find hack loophole which appears to extend XP support for five more years

Microsoft has warned users against employing a technical trick which appears to prolong support for Windows XP for another five years.

The software giant ended support, including security updates, for the 13-year-old operating system last month, claiming that those who continue to use the OS are open to a number of security risks.

But some users have found a loophole in the software which seems to extend support for five more years.

According to ZDnet, a simple hack can be carried out to trick Windows Update into providing XP support by making the system look like it is running Windows Embedded software from 2009 - which receives security updates until 2019.

Microsoft said that those using the trick will find themselves in hot water.

"The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers," a spokesperson said.

"Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP. The best way for Windows XP customers to protect their systems is to upgrade to a more modern operating system, like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1."