Download Windows 7 RC1
Stable and completed code for Windows 7 will be released to early adopters during the coming week of May 5th 2009, with mass availability planned for the following Tuesday.
The eagerly awaited Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 will be posted to members of Microsoft's Developer Network and TechNet for download on April 30.
RC1 will be made generally available on May 5, Microsoft said late Friday. Microsoft confirmed the dates after the RC leaked to four torrent sites, causing excitement and frustration that Microsoft didn't appear to be offering a date for release.
This is expected to be the last code cut before Windows 7 is delivered as final product, unless major bugs or faults are uncovered. Microsoft pointedly did not give a date for Windows 7's release to manufacturing when it announced the RC and has been clinging to a 2010 time frame.
The smart money, though, is on release to manufacturing and OEMs this year, as early as this summer. Consumers are expected to get Windows 7 on new PCs and as boxed product in time for the back-to-school shopping window starting in September and October or the holiday shopping season a little later.
Businesses on Microsoft's enterprise accounts are likely to get a slightly earlier lead-time on the new operating system. Windows XP, the predecessor to Windows Vista, officially launched in October 2001 - in good time for the holiday shopping season - while Windows Vista was delivered to consumers in the fallow, post-holiday shopping period of a February - a fact that meant a disappointing start to sales.
Windows 7 has been pretty much completed from a usability perspective for a while, with people already using the operating system at work. Windows Experience blogger Brandon LeBlanc said changes since January's beta included bug fixes and improvements to the overall "experience,"
From Microsoft's site:
Here's what you need to know:
This is pre-release software, so please read the following
to get an idea of the risks and key things you need to know
before you try the RC.
You don't need to rush to get Windows 7 RC. The RC release will be available at least through June 2009 and we're not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
Watch the calendar. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you'll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You'll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows).
Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don't test Windows 7 RC on your primary home or business PC.
Technical details/updates: Before installing the RC please read the Release Notes, and Things to Know for important information about the release.
Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the Springboard Series blog or Windows team blog. Want technical guidance, tips, and tools? Visit the Springboard Series on TechNet.
Keep your PC updated: Be sure turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
Microsoft Partners: Learn more about Windows 7 on the Microsoft Partner Portal.
Here's what you need to have:
Internet access (to download Windows 7 RC and get updates)
A PC with these minimum recommended specifications:
- 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor or higher
- 1 GB of system memory or more
- 16 GB of available disk space
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to
enable the Aero theme)
- DVD-R/W Drive
Please note these specifications could change. And, some
product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch
and record live TV or navigation through the use of "touch,"
may require advanced or additional hardware.
