It looks like the Windows 7 Release Candidate download page on TechNet has made an early appearance. Initial rumors suggested that the public Windows 7 RC would be available sometime in April. However, the latest intel seem to enforce that the public RC will only be coming in May 2009.
The Windows 7 RC testing program will be available at least through June 2009, and the actual build will expire June 1, 2010. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions will be available in the following languages: English, German, Japanese, French, and Spanish.
Windows 7 Release Candidate
Published: May 2009
Download instructions
Welcome to Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) testing. We’re on our way to Windows 7, and the RC is a great opportunity for IT professionals like you to take Windows 7 and begin testing it in your real environment. You get to see what’s coming, and we get to see if our changes and fixes from the Beta testing are working correctly. We want to encourage you to install and actively test the RC code. This will help us ensure Windows 7 is the best possible release, and help you get ready for Windows 7 deployment.
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. Windows 7 RC will expire on June 1, 2010. So if you install the RC release you’ll either need to upgrade to the final version of Windows 7 before that date, or install a prior version of Windows. (For more about installing Windows, see installation instructions.
- 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.
- And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers on 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.
To give Windows 7 RC a good test run you will be needing:
- 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
These specifications and information are prelimiary and subject to change.