Berlin-based O&O Software has announced a major update to its Windows back-up and restore tool. O&O DiskImage 6.8.1 Professional, also available in 64-bit, boasts full Windows 8 support, plus promises faster performance in key areas.

Version 6.8.1 also takes into account third-party power settings, ensuring it stays on for the whole backup process, plus streamlines and simplifies key parts of the program in response to customer and partner feedback.

O&O DiskImage 6.8.1, which is a free update for registered users of version 6.0, builds on the new features introduced in O&O DiskImage 6.0. These included support for file-based backups, the ability to restore backups to different hardware platforms, and support for forensic-based images for the purposes of data recovery.

Version 6.0 also introduced support for converting DiskImage drive images to and from Microsoft VHD format for use in virtual environments. The latest update promises faster VHD file creation in addition to its raft of other performance tweaks and improvements.

O&O DiskImage 6.8.1 Professional 32-bit and O&O DiskImage 6.8.1 Professional 64-bit are both available as free trial downloads for PCs running Windows XP or later, including the latest Windows 8 Release Preview. The full Professional version can be purchased for just $23 through the Downloadcrew Software Store.