On what date did Windows XP become generally available at retail?

Windows XP became generally available at retail on October 25, 2001. That was the public retail launch date for Microsoft’s new Windows NT-based client operating system, offered initially in Home Edition and Professional Edition.

The date is often confused with August 24, 2001, when Windows XP was released to manufacturing, or RTM. That milestone meant the final build was ready for Microsoft and computer manufacturers. PC makers could begin shipping systems with XP in September, but boxed retail availability for the general public came later, on October 25.

Windows XP unified Microsoft’s consumer and business Windows lines around the NT architecture. It succeeded Windows Me for home users and Windows 2000 for professional users, while its name highlighted the idea of an improved user experience. The launch editions reflected those audiences: Home targeted consumers, while Professional added business-oriented capabilities such as domain joining.