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-Beyond the official releases, a vibrant community emerged creating various modified or 'modded' versions of Windows XP. These [Custom OS](/wiki/Custom_OS) often integrated updated drivers, pre-installed software, security fixes, or visual enhancements not officially supported by Microsoft. An example of such community-driven customization is 'Windows XP Delta Edition', which aimed to provide a refreshed experience with added functionalities.
+Beyond the official releases, a vibrant community emerged creating various modified or 'modded' versions of Windows XP. These [Custom OS](/wiki/Custom_OS) often integrated updated drivers, pre-installed software, security fixes, or visual enhancements not officially supported by Microsoft. An example of such community-driven customization is '[Windows XP Delta Edition](/wiki/Windows_XP_Delta_Edition)', which aimed to provide a refreshed experience with added functionalities.
+1-1
-During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS. Early betas included a theme called "Watercolor" which had a pretty cool style, and another less attractive theme, both designed to impress early users and pirates.
+During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS. Early betas included a theme called "Watercolor" which had a pretty cool style, and another less attractive theme, which was mainly used as a trick in leaked builds during Luna's development, rather than to impress users.
+3-3
-During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
-- [Windows 7](/wiki/Windows_7)
-- [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT)
+During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS. Early betas included a theme called "Watercolor" which had a pretty cool style, and another less attractive theme, both designed to impress early users and pirates.
+- [Windows](/wiki/Windows)
+- [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft)
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+19-17
-Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
-## Origins and Development
-It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
-During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
-## Key Features
+Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
+## Origins and Development
+It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
+During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
+## Key Features
... 31 more lines
—
—
+1-1
-\## See also
+## See also
+2-2
-Despite its end of support, Windows XP left a lasting legacy as one of the most successful and beloved operating systems in history, shaping the computing experience for millions globally and paving the way for future [Windows](/wiki/Windows) versions.
-## See also
+Despite its end of support, Windows XP left a lasting legacy as one of the most successful and beloved operating systems in history, shaping the computing experience for millions globally and paving the way for future [Windows](/wiki/Windows) versions.
+\## See also
+2-2
-During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
-\## Key Features
+During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
+## Key Features
+2-2
-Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
-## See also
+Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
+## See also
+2-2
-The OS's remarkable longevity meant it remained in widespread use for over a decade, far exceeding typical software lifecycles. This presented challenges, particularly concerning security, as new vulnerabilities were constantly discovered and exploited, requiring continuous updates and patches from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft).
-## End of Support and Legacy
+The OS's remarkable longevity meant it remained in widespread use for over a decade, far exceeding typical software lifecycles. This presented challenges, particularly concerning security, as new vulnerabilities were constantly discovered and exploited, requiring continuous updates and patches from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft).
+## End of Support and Legacy
+1-1
-\## End of Support and Legacy ##
+## End of Support and Legacy
+2-2
-## Key Features
-## End of Support and Legacy
+\## Key Features
+\## End of Support and Legacy ##
+17-18
-Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
-## Origins and Development
-It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me). The NT kernel was crucial because it offered a more robust, preemptive multitasking environment with protected memory, preventing applications from crashing the entire system. It also provided a more secure foundation with built-in security features and a 32-bit (and later 64-bit) architecture designed for reliability, unlike the less stable DOS-based systems.
-During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
-
+Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
+## Origins and Development
+It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
+During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
+## Key Features
... 30 more lines
+1-1
-It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
+It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me). The NT kernel was crucial because it offered a more robust, preemptive multitasking environment with protected memory, preventing applications from crashing the entire system. It also provided a more secure foundation with built-in security features and a 32-bit (and later 64-bit) architecture designed for reliability, unlike the less stable DOS-based systems.
+18-18
-Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
-## Origins and Development
-It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
-During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
-
+Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
+## Origins and Development
+It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
+During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
+
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-<img src="/uploads/1761490389926-hu5mbynuy1v.png" alt="Microsoft Windows XP logo" style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 200px;">
-Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
-## Origins and Development
-It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
-During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
+Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
+## Origins and Development
+It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
+During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
+
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+<img src="/uploads/1761490389926-hu5mbynuy1v.png" alt="Microsoft Windows XP logo" style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 200px;">
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-The OS's remarkable longevity meant it remained in widespread use for over a decade, far exceeding typical software lifecycles. This presented challenges, particularly concerning security, as new vulnerabilities were constantly discovered and exploited, requiring continuous updates and patches from Microsoft.
+
+The OS's remarkable longevity meant it remained in widespread use for over a decade, far exceeding typical software lifecycles. This presented challenges, particularly concerning security, as new vulnerabilities were constantly discovered and exploited, requiring continuous updates and patches from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft).
+1
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-Launched on October 25, 2001, Windows XP introduced numerous new features, including a redesigned Start Menu, improved [Plug and Play](/wiki/Plug_and_Play) capabilities, faster boot times, and enhanced [multimedia](/wiki/Multimedia) support. It was available in several editions, most notably Home Edition for personal users and Professional Edition for businesses, offering advanced networking and security features.
+Launched on October 25, 2001, Windows XP introduced numerous new features, including a redesigned Start Menu, improved [Plug and Play](/wiki/Plug_and_Play) capabilities, faster boot times, and enhanced [multimedia](/wiki/Multimedia) support.
+
+It was available in several editions, most notably Home Edition for personal users and Professional Edition for businesses, offering advanced networking and security features.
+4
+## Origins and Development
+## Key Features
+## Market Dominance
+## End of Support and Legacy
+10-3
-- [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98)
-- [User Interface](/wiki/User_Interface)
-- [Software](/wiki/Software)
+It was a pivotal release, merging the consumer-oriented [Windows 9x](/wiki/Windows_9x) line with the business-focused [Windows NT](/wiki/Windows_NT) line. This unification aimed to provide the stability and security of the NT kernel to all users, moving away from the DOS-based architecture of its predecessors like [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98) and [Windows Me](/wiki/Windows_Me).
+During its development, Windows XP was known by the codename "Whistler." The project's goal was to create a more robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing operating system. This involved a complete overhaul of the user interface, introducing the distinctive "Luna" visual style, which became synonymous with the OS.
+Launched on October 25, 2001, Windows XP introduced numerous new features, including a redesigned Start Menu, improved [Plug and Play](/wiki/Plug_and_Play) capabilities, faster boot times, and enhanced [multimedia](/wiki/Multimedia) support. It was available in several editions, most notably Home Edition for personal users and Professional Edition for businesses, offering advanced networking and security features.
+Windows XP quickly became the dominant operating system worldwide due to its reliability and user-friendliness. Its long lifespan was extended through several major [Service Packs](/wiki/Service_Pack). [Service Pack 2](/wiki/Service_Pack_2) (SP2), released in 2004, was particularly significant, introducing major security enhancements like the Windows Firewall, Data Execution Prevention (DEP), and the Security Center, largely in response to the increasing threat of internet worms and viruses.
+The OS's remarkable longevity meant it remained in widespread use for over a decade, far exceeding typical software lifecycles. This presented challenges, particularly concerning security, as new vulnerabilities were constantly discovered and exploited, requiring continuous updates and patches from Microsoft.
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#11 week ago
+6
Migrated from pages table
+Windows XP was a prominent [operating system](/wiki/Operating_System) from [Microsoft](/wiki/Microsoft), launched in 2001. Its iconic interface and stable performance defined a significant era in personal computing.
+## See also
+- [Windows 98](/wiki/Windows_98)
+- [Windows 7](/wiki/Windows_7)
+- [User Interface](/wiki/User_Interface)
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