It’s the end of an era for millions of PC users as Windows XP was retired from Microsoft’s active operating systems.

From today, the tech company will stop supporting Windows XP, leaving millions of users who have yet to upgrade to a newer operating system potentially at risk from viruses and flaws in the software.

The final security updates and patches for the software will be released today, and although older fixes will remain available for download, no new ones will be issued in the future.

Released in 2001, Windows XP has since been overtaken by Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. However, about 10 per cent of computers in Ireland still use Windows XP, including some users in government departments. Other State organisations, such as the British government, are facing large bills to continue supporting the software.

"The world has changed dramatically since 2001," said Microsoft's Patrick Ward. "Consumers and businesses who are still using Windows XP should be aware that it is 21 times less secure than Windows 8. And after April 8th, everyday transactions such as buying things online could be a big security risk for them." Security experts have also warned about the risks of continuing to use the software once the updates are no longer being issued.

Third-party firms
Although the system will no longer be supported by Microsoft, PCs running the software will continue to work as normal for the foreseeable future, and third-party firms such as antivirus companies will continue to offer software for the system for coming months.

Microsoft's Security Essentials software will also continue to be updated for XP beyond today, but only for users who have already downloaded the software; no new downloads of the will be available. Other advice includes using a browser that will continue to be updated for XP. Google, for example, has previously said it plans to offer a version of Chrome for XP until at least next year.