While the release of a new operating system is generally quite exciting, even computer users who are keen to have the latest and greatest version of Windows installed are filled with a slight sense of dread at the prospect of the installation. While the installation process for Windows 8 is one of the fastest and easiest yet, there is still the problem of having to install the apps you need and transferring all of your files. PCmover Windows 8 Beta Assistant from Laplink helps to ensure that things go as quickly and smoothly as possible by enabling you to more easily migrate your existing files, settings and user profiles.

PCmover has been around in various versions for some time now, but this beta release has been designed specifically with the pre-release versions of Windows 8 in mind. It can currently be used to make the move to the Developer Preview version of Windows 8, but it will also work with the Beta version when that it released in the near future. For reason best known to Laplink, there is only support for 64-bit versions of Windows – both as source and destination operating system – and it can only be used with Windows 7; there is no support for XP or Vista.

Move your files and settings to Windows 8 with Laplink's PCmover

Whether you want to install Windows 8 on a second computer and move files and settings from an existing Windows 7 computer, you are upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8, or you are working in a virtual environment, the app offers a number of ways to complete the transfer. The wizard-driven interface makes it easy to select exactly what you would like to transfer – but there is an undo option if you change your mind about anything – and choose how the transfer should be performed. You can use a network connection, transfer cable or removable media.

It’s a shame that just a large section of the Windows market has been effectively cut out here, but for anyone currently working with a 64-bit version of Windows, this tool could be a real timesaver. If you have used a previous version of the app to migrate to Windows 7 or Vista, there are no surprises, just an accomplished tool that has been updated to support the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system.

You can find out more and download a free copy of the app by paying a visit to the PCmover Windows 8 Beta Assistant review page.