Update 2014Jan16: Microsoft must have decided it could use some positive press, because they just decided to extend Security Essentials support on Windows XP until July 14, 2015.

Microsoft has confirmed that they will stop issuing updates for its anti-malware software Security Essentials on Windows XP systems after support for Windows XP expires on April 8, 2014.

While I’m sure this comes as no surprise to anyone, since Microsoft will no longer be issuing any patches for Windows XP past April 8, it’s an important consideration for anyone who plans to run Windows XP after that date. Anyone doing so should also stop using Security Essentials and install anti-malware software that will continue to receive updates.

Free alternatives to Security Essentials

• Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
• AVG AntiVirus Free 2014
• avast! Free Antivirus
• Panda Cloud Antivirus
• Avira Free Antivirus
• Comodo Antivirus Free

Ars Technica has more.