Just in case you have been wondering, Microsoft reminded us today that it is time to let go of Windows XP. Really. Hey, 81% of netbooks sold these days are running Windows 7, so who needs Windows XP?

The launch of first generation netbooks was a huge blunder for Microsoft. No one wanted Vista Basic on netbook with limited computing horsepower, which resulted in more than nine out of ten netbooks being sold with Windows XP (the rest went to Linux.)

Windows 7 changed that scenario. Quoting market research firm NPD, Microsoft today said that 81% of netbooks sold in April 2010 came with Windows 7. Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc went a bit overboard stating that “most” Microsoft customers won’t notice that XP will not be supported anymore soon, as they have been using Windows 7 already anyway. “Most” is a tiny exaggeration, of course. Windows XP is still the most popular operating system in the world, with a market share of 62.55%, according to Net Applications. Windows Vista follows with 15.25% and Windows 7 with 12.68%.

Le Blanc sends us a subtle reminder that there will be no new computers (netbooks) that come with Windows XP Home preinstalled after October 22, 2010. I have to apologize and admit that I had lost touch a bit and was under the impression that XP Home was already discontinued as an OS option for OEMs. Forgive me that I was slightly confused after a seemingly endless chain of Windows XP extensions given by Microsoft to its OEM partners. It appears that Windows 7 has caught on enough to enable Microsoft to close its dark Vista chapter and phase out Windows XP, finally.

If you are among those stubborn Windows XP users and non-Windows 7 upgraders, Le Blanc advises you that there will be no more Windows XP support after July 13. You need to install Service Pack 3 and you will be eligible for support until May 2014.  But, of course, the message is to upgrade to Windows 7. Don’t bother with XP SP3.

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