As Windows XP was abandoned by its creator long ago, it is now obsolete, and no new updates or support are available for this old system; the latest software’s compatibility with it is now minimal. Newer software applications often require newer operating systems to run properly. But most of the latest software is no longer supported by these old operating systems. If you are still using Windows XP, you need to find older versions of the programs which are compatible with this operating system. However, you don’t need to spend hours to find compatible programs for your old PC, as here we will discuss 15 such applications that support Windows XP well.
In this post, we are sharing some useful and best Windows XP software that you can still use on your old computer, and are fully compatible with Windows XP. Please note that we do not recommend using older systems like Windows XP unless absolutely necessary and suggest upgrading your PC and operating system. Old software lacks the latest security features and protections against the latest threats, putting your computer at risk. But if you still want to use your old PC, these applications can definitely help make your old PC more productive and let you accomplish your work easily.
Windows XP is one of the oldest versions of the Windows Operating System, which was released in the year 2001. It lasted for more than 6 years and it is also considered one of the most successful versions of the Windows OS. In January 2007, Microsoft released the upgraded version of Windows Vista. So far, Microsoft has invested heavily in its Operating System and added many features, including AI features and also many bloatware in Windows 11, the current version.
But Windows XP had made its own place amongst its users. Because of this, many people are still using Windows XP. On the other hand, some old computers do not support the newer versions of Windows and still have to use the old Windows OS. According to a Statecounter data as of 2025, around 0.5% to 0.2% of PC users still use Windows XP OS worldwide.
List of Best Windows XP Software:
Windows XP Service Pack SP3:
Until 2013, Microsoft released various security and other essential updates for Windows XP. The last biggest update for XP was Service Pack 3 (SP3). A service pack is a collection of previously released updates and security fixes for an operating system. But, in April 2014, Microsoft stopped providing essential security updates and other updates for Windows XP and also discontinued technical support for Windows XP. This is the last major update from Microsoft for Windows XP, and it enables this old operating system to support many of the latest applications.
You can click here to get Windows XP Service Pack SP3.
Web browser for Windows XP:
The web browser is one of the most important applications for our personal computers. All online works, such as accessing and viewing, sending emails, searching content, chatting, shopping, banking, reading news, and watching online videos, are done through a web browser. If your web browser is outdated, then it will not be able to support the latest web content and applications. And most importantly, if your web browser gets outdated and does not receive any new security updates, then it will be very easy to hack and access any important data and information on your computer by online hackers and viruses through your web browser.
Windows XP doesn’t support the newer versions of modern web browsers. On the other hand, Microsoft has already stopped providing security updates and technical support for Windows XP as well as Internet Explorer 8 (the last supported version of Internet Explorer by Windows XP). Therefore, you need a modern web browser that is supported by a Windows XP PC and also gets new updates and support from the browser’s manufacturer. And if you’re looking for such a type of web browser, then, first comes the name of Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is one of the few browsers that continues to support Windows XP.
Mozilla Firefox for Windows XP:
Firefox is another best Windows XP software that still works. Firefox is one of the most popular, powerful, open-source free internet browsers. Due to so many latest and important features like modern security protection, tabbed browsing, spell checking, incremental find, live bookmarking, Smart Bookmarks, pre-loaded download manager, and private browsing, Mozilla Firefox is quite popular amongst internet users.
Mozilla Firefox version 52, released in March 2017, was the last fully supported version of Firefox for Windows XP. XP does not support Firefox released after this version. Firefox 52 has all the new major security features and is a fully functional modern web browser for XP. Because Mozilla is still providing updates and support for Firefox 52.
Download Mozilla Firefox for Windows XP :
Google Chrome for Windows XP:
Another modern web browser for Windows XP is Google Chrome. Google Chrome is simple but a powerful web browser combining a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the web faster, safer, and easier. The final version of Google Chrome is available for Windows XP version 49. But, in April 2016, Google stopped supporting for Chrome v.49. This version of Chrome still runs smoothly on XP, but you won’t be able to use the newest features and security updates available for the newer version of Chrome.
Although this is an old browser, it is a more up-to-date and secure browser than Internet Explorer 8. It’s much faster than IE 8 and there are many useful features in this modern Internet browser.
Free Antivirus for Windows XP:
An antivirus program protects your computers from viruses, trojans, malware, hackers, online phishing, etc., and other security threats and keeps your computer safe and healthy. Since a piece of a virus can destroy your entire computer system and make your computer just a piece of junk, it can spy on your personal information, like security passwords and credit card PINs, etc.
In the case of Windows XP, antivirus software is more important because it is already obsolete, and no new security patches or updates are available for XP. Therefore, installing antivirus software on your old PC is strongly recommended.
You can try the following free antivirus applications for Windows XP.
Panda Dome Free:
Even though there are so many other reputable free AV products available, we have kept Panda Dome Free antivirus at the top, because it is the most advanced program currently available to protect your old PC, and almost all the other reputable companies have discontinued support for Windows XP. As listed on their website, Panda Dome Free edition supports all Windows versions, from the latest Windows 11 to the older Windows XP with SP3.
Panda Security has continued to offer updates and support for all its customers with XP installed on their computers. Another advantage of Panda Dome that makes it perfect for Windows XP is its lower system impact compared to other popular antivirus tools, making it a better alternative to Avast and AVG Free Antivirus for older PC’s running Windows XP.
You can download the Panda Dome Free version for Windows XP here.
Avast Free Antivirus for Windows XP:
Avast is one of the trusted brands in the antivirus software market, providing essential security protection for our devices. Avast provides both the free version and paid version of Antivirus software for Windows PC. The free version comes with basic security protection and limited features. But still, it is enough to protect your device from various security threats. It is fully compatible with the Windows XP Operating System. But you must have Service Pack 3 (XP SP3) on your PC. If you do not have Service Pack 3, you can download Windows XP SP3 here.
You can download Avast Free Antivirus 18.8.2356 full version for Windows XP from the link below:
Download Avast Free using this link
AVG Antivirus Free:
AVG is another top security product and the best Windows XP software to protect your old PC. Like Avast, AVG also provides free as well as paid Antivirus software for Windows XP SP3. And also provides regular essential security updates and technical support. AVG Free Edition antivirus for Windows XP gives you complete protection from viruses, online threats, malware, etc.
You can download AVG Antivirus Free 18.8. 4084 for Windows XP from the link below:
Get AVG Free for Windows XP here
Firewall for Windows XP:
Along with the Antivirus protection, you also need a Firewall service for better protection of your PC. A firewall is a security software used to block unauthorised access to the incoming and outgoing network. A firewall prevents potentially harmful programs, malware, spyware, and online attacks that spread over a network.
If you want to keep your computer really safe from potential threats, then it is recommended to install both firewalls and antivirus programs on your computer. If your Antivirus program does not have an inbuilt Firewall program, you can download a free Firewall program from below. Here is the latest and best Windows XP software to use as a Firewall.
Get Comodo Free Firewall 6113 for Windows XP
PDF file reader/viewer software for XP:
Adobe Reader for Windows XP:
Adobe Reader or simply Adobe Reader is one of the most popular free PDF file reading, managing, and printing software. The final version of Adobe Reader supported by Windows XP is Adobe Reader 11.0. You can download the Adobe Reader Windows XP version from the below download link.
Use this link to get Adobe Reader 11.0.08 from its official source.
Sumatra PDF Viewer for Windows XP:
Another versatile free PDF reader software for Windows XP is Sumatra PDF Reader. It is an open-source, free PDF viewer for Windows that also supports ebooks in EPUB and MOBI format, OXPS, XPS, DjVu, CHM, CBZ, CBR reader files, etc. Sumatra PDF Reader is a small, lightweight, and fast PDF viewer with a very simple interface. Sumatra PDF is considered the best lightweight and best Windows XP software to read PDF files.
Although the latest version of Sumatra PDF reader does not support Windows XP, version 3.1.2 is the last version that supports Windows XP and works well.
Get Sumatra PDF Reader for Windows XP here
Office Suite for Windows XP:
An office suite is usually a bundle of related programs, including a word processor, spreadsheet programs, presentation software, databases, and other related programs. An office program is an all-in-one solution for data entry, accounting tasks, desktop publishing, database management, graphics design, etc. Some popular free Office Suites for Windows XP are:
Apache OpenOffice:
If you want a feature-rich free office suite like MS Office, Apache OpenOffice is the best available option for you. It is a great free alternative to the Microsoft Office suite, and the best part is that it still supports Windows XP. It is a powerful, free and open-source office productivity suite available for several platforms, such as Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, etc. Libre Office suite includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, vector graphics and flowcharts, databases, and a formula editor.
Download Apache OpenOffice for Windows XP
Libre Office: It is another best Windows XP software and one of the most popular free Office Programs. Like OpenOffice, it is a feature-rich open-source multi-platform office productivity suite and a free alternative to the MS Office Suite. The last fully supported version of Apache OpenOffice for Windows XP was version 5.
Download Libre Office for Windows XP Version 5.4 (213 MB)
Video Converter:
HandBrake 0.9.9
As we all know, a video converter is another useful software for our PC. Whether the PC is new or old, a video converter helps us to convert video files to any other format, which is suitable for our devices, gadgets, or needs. Handbrake is one such software, which is very useful and a handy video converter. It’s also a very powerful application and can convert a variety of video formats to other formats.
Best Multimedia Players:
Media Players are among the most common programs that everyone keeps on their PC. As the name suggests, this tool lets you enjoy various multimedia files, such as MP3, audio and video, on your PC. There are several free media players available; here are some of the best and powerful media players for Windows XP with their download links.
VLC Media Player: VLC is one of the most popular, open-source, free media players developed by VideoLAN. It is capable of playing almost all the popular audio and video formats. When it comes to compatibility with Windows XP, VideoLAN stated that VLC media player is compatible with Windows XP (with SP3) to Windows 11. If you found any compatibility issues with the latest version, you can download an older version, such as version 3.0.18, for better compatibility. To install VLC on your PC, you need to have Service Pack 3 and Visual C++ Redist 2015.
You can get VLC from its official source using this link.
Media Player Classic (Home Cinema): MPC HC is another best media player that supports Windows XP. It is an extremely lightweight but powerful app that can play all common video and audio file formats. This open-source program has a simple and friendly interface and is 100% spyware and ad-free. You can get this free media player from GitHub here.
System Maintenance Tools for Windows XP:
CCleaner for Windows XP:
CCleaner is one of the most trusted, free, and lightweight system maintenance tools for PCs. It removes unwanted registry entries and junk files, temporary and unwanted files, memory dumps, and waste recycle bin files to free up hard disk space in computer systems and run the system faster and smoother. This free and best-in-class Windows XP software can really boost your PC’s performance. The Windows XP-compatible version of CCleaner is 5.64.75, which you can get from the link below.
Get CCleaner 5.64.75 here:
Other must-have applications for Windows XP:
Microsoft .NET Framework for Windows XP:
Microsoft .NET Framework (MS dot Net) is a programming framework used by developers to create applications and programs by developers. It is a Microsoft-built programming infrastructure designed to create, deploy, and run applications and services using .NET technologies. Most modern Windows software requires .NET Framework to be installed on a computer so that the application can be installed and run.
The last supported version of .NET Framework by XP SP3 was 4.0. You can download the full offline installer of .NET Framework 4.0 and earlier versions from the links below:
Visual Studio C++ Redistributable for Windows XP:
Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC) is an application developed by Microsoft that installs the runtime components of the Visual C++ Libraries, which are required to run applications developed using the corresponding version of Visual C++.
You can get any version of Microsoft Visual C++ Redist here.
These are some latest and best Windows XP software that you can still use on your Windows XP PC. Most of these apps are free to use and adware-free. You can get these directly on your PC using the links shared above.
