Dropbox made the announcement in a post in its help centre. Despite being over 15 years old and no longer supported by Microsoft, Windows XP remains a popular operating system with around 11 percent total market share worldwide. Come June 26, users will not be able to use Dropbox on Windows XP though, forcing customers to rely on the web client or upgrade to a newer version of Windows.
Dropbox explained that Windows XP is now so old it is unable to keep new versions of its desktop app fully compatible. It advised users to consider moving to a newer operating system that remains supported by Microsoft before it shuts down the Windows XP app on August 29, 2016.
“We regularly release new versions of the Dropbox app with additional features, better performance, and enhanced security, and these versions are not always compatible with older operating systems,” said Dropbox. “Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP in April, 2014. We are ending our support of the Dropbox app for Windows XP to keep our product offerings in-line.”
Current users of Dropbox on Windows XP will be able to continue using the program as normal until the end of support. From June 26, 2016, the app’s sign-in functionality will be disabled, preventing users from creating an account or logging into an existing one. People who are already signed in can keep accessing their files until August 29, 2016 when they will be automatically signed out.
No user files will be affected by the changes. All data will remain on Dropbox’s servers, accessible via the web interface at dropbox.com and the company’s supported desktop programs and mobile apps.
“If you are signed out of your Dropbox account, please know that no changes will be made to your account,” said Dropbox. “Your files and photos will be safe. You’ll still be able to access your account—or create a new account—on dropbox.com or on other compatible computers and mobile devices.”
The move is significant as it marks the withdrawal of another major program from Windows XP. Earlier this month, the popular Google Chrome web browser hit version 50 and discontinued support for the aging operating system.
While such announcements won’t go down well with fans of the OS, it is over 15 years old and increasingly outdated. Microsoft no longer releases security updates for Windows XP, putting users at risk. Companies like Dropbox don’t want to have to spend time getting their programs to run well on the legacy technology, discontinued by its maker two years ago.
