Microsoft is again offering a downgrade option for new users of Windows 8 Professional to Windows 7 or Windows Vista, but not XP. XP is finally getting the retirement notice.
"Instead of using the Windows 8 Pro software, you may use one of the following earlier versions: Windows 7 Professional or Windows Vista Business," states the software license agreement for the version of Windows 8 Pro that will be installed by computer makers (OEMs) on new PCs.