With the April 8, 2014 end-of-support date looming, it’s long past time to upgrade from Windows XP. If you have a Windows XP system filled with your personal data and settings, upgrading can be daunting. These tools will help you easily migrate your data from Windows XP to a modern version of Windows, Mac OS X, or even Linux.
PCmover Express
Microsoft is now providing a free copy of LapLink’s PCmover Express to all Windows XP users. This tool will only work if you’re transferring data from a Windows XP PC to a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 PC. It will only move your personal files and other data, not applications — you’ll have to install any applications you use on your new PC afterwards. It transfers the data over your network, so you won’t have to mess with any additional cables.
Windows Easy Transfer
Microsoft also offers their own data migration tool, known as Windows Easy Transfer. It’s somewhat surprising that Microsoft is recommending a third-party tool instead of its own tool, but we can take that as an indication that PCmover Express is better. PCmover Express is based on a commercial product, while Windows Easy Transfer is a more simple tool that Microsoft designed for Windows 7 and is no longer updating. You’re better off using PCmover Express.
Mac Migration Assistant
If you’re switching to a Mac, Apple provides a Windows Migration Assistant that will help you move your personal files from any Windows system to a Mac. The tool will copy your personal files and settings to your Mac. It transfers files over the network, so it should be easy to use as long as your Windows XP system and Mac are on the same local network.
Any Local Backup Tool
Any backup tool can help you migrate. You should ideally be creating backups of your files and important data anyway. If you’re already backing up, migrating can be as simple as restoring the files you need from a recent backup rather than using a migration tool.
Any Cloud Storage Service
Microsoft is now all about the cloud — that’s why Windows 8.1 integrates OneDrive, formerly known as SkyDrive. If you migrated your personal documents to a cloud storage service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, you’d be able to access them from any computer, smartphone, tablet, or anything with a web browser.