Microsoft steps up Windows XP upgrade efforts as support deadline looms

Microsoft continues to warn Windows XP users they have 30 days to ditch the aged operating system before extended support for its runs out on 8 April.

The software giant is planning to rollout reminders to users of Windows XP Home and Professional editions on their desktops from 8 March that support for the OS will end next month.

The notifications will only appear for people who have Windows Update switched on, and will include links to Microsoft's end of support website for Windows XP, which will advise them on what action to take.

The notification will appear on the eighth of every month unless the user deactivates it.

Furthermore, Microsoft has partnered with PC migration software firm Laplink to provide people with access to a free transfer tool that copies files, settings, user profiles and documents from a Windows XP machine to a new device.

"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 customise exactly what they want to bring to their new device," wrote Microsoft in the Windows Experience blog.

The Laplink software is called PCmover Express and will be available to download from WindowsXP.com later this week, the company confirmed.

Redmond has also launched a website called AmIRunningXP.com to help users work out what version of the Microsoft operating system they have installed on their machines.

Users simply have to type out the URL, before being told whether or not they are running Windows XP.

These tools and resources are the latest in a long line of initiatives Microsoft has trotted out in recent years to encourage PC users to dump XP.

Last month the company was derided for suggesting buying a brand new PC was the "easiest way" to move off Windows XP.