News flash, Windows XP holdouts. If you haven't already heard—Microsoft is ending support for the aging operating system in just a little over a month, on April 8.

On that date, as we have been reporting in recent weeks, those running the legacy OS will still be able to use it, but they won't be able to count on Microsoft for patches, updates, security fixes, and other forms of support. With the deadline quickly approaching, Microsoft wants to help you finally migrate to a more recently released operating system such as Windows 8.1.

The software giant on Monday announced that it has partnered with Laplink to provide XP users with a free data migration tool called PCmover Express for Windows XP, which copies all the files and settings from your Windows XP PC to a new computer running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1.

"This tool will copy your files, music, videos, email, and user profiles and settings from your old PC to your new device, transferring across your home or work network, and even enables Windows XP users to customize exactly what they want to bring over to their new device," Microsoft senior marketing communications manager Brandon LeBlanc wrote in a blog post.

The tool will be available for download in English starting later this week via WindowsXP.com. It will be released in French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish later in March, with Korean, Chinese, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese versions to follow.

Meanwhile, to make sure everyone gets the message, Microsoft is planning to send out official notifications to Windows XP users informing them that support for the OS will end on April 8. The pop-up on your desktop screen will include a link to the Windows XP end-of-support website, where you can find more information. The notification will reoccur on the May 8 and on the 8th of every month going forward, unless it's disabled.

If you're not sure which version of Windows you're using, head over to AmIRunningXP.com. If the site detects XP, it will offer guidance on how to upgrade before April 8.

Further Reading