Microsoft has announced that the Release Candidate version of Windows 7 will be available to the public as a free download on May 5. Microsoft will let users run the fresh-baked Windows 7 Release Candidate for a full year – through to June 2010, to be precise! So you can not only put Windows 7 through its paces on a day-by-day basis, you can do so for the next 13 months.
This means the release candidate will still be valid for some six months after the Windows 7 goes on sale, which is tipped for late October or early November 2009.
Earlier, in Jan 2009, Microsoft had let users download Windows 7 beta for FREE and that will expire in August 2009. So, having the latest RC version of Windows 7 (which is almost finished) should be a boon to everyone who would like to test-run it for as long as 1 year.
Microsoft is clearing wanting to give users plenty of ‘quality time’ with the new OS, perhaps with the hope that the longer they run Windows 7 for free the more likely they’ll be to stick with it and hopefully buy it next year.
New features in Windows 7 RC
1. Remote Media Streaming - Remote Internet access to home-based digital media libraries from another Windows 7-based PC outside the home.
2. Windows XP Mode – Utilizing Windows Virtual PC, allows Windows 7 users to run many Windows XP productivity applications, launched right from the Windows 7 desktop.
3. Windows Touch – Controlling the computer by touching a touch-enabled screen or monitor is a core Windows 7 user experience.
Download Windows 7 RC for FREE
Free download of Windows 7 RC was made available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers from April 30th onwards. But from May 5th, it will be available for public download on Microsoft site. There is no limit to the availability and it will run till June 5th 2010.
So what are the minimum system requirements for Windows 7?
- 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 GB of RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB of RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB of available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with Windows Display Driver Model 1.0 or higher driver
Microsoft’s notes for the release candidate
* You don’t need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 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 the RC on your primary home or business PC.
* Tech 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 team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.
* Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
* Installation: You can install the Windows 7 RC on a PC running Windows Vista without backing up the PC—but we encourage you to make a backup for safe keeping. If you’re running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you’ll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data. If you need to do a backup, please see How to back up your PC for more details and a suggestion for how to backup a PC running Windows 7 Beta or Windows Vista.
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May 4th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
-”This means the release candidate will still be valid for some six months”
Err, it will work for a whole year actually.
Preetams last blog post.."Dog Story 2"
May 4th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
@Preetam,
Please read the sentence completely – “… after the Windows 7 goes on sale, which is tipped for late October or early November 2009″
May 4th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Thanks for the heads up. Will try downloading and installing on my spare laptop.
Nihars last blog post..Cannot dial 000 800 xxx Toll Free number from BSNL Landline Phone – Solution
May 5th, 2009 at 8:46 am
I’m eagerly waiting to download Windows 7 RC and try it out
Mayurs last blog post..How to get a free domain name + 1 year free hosting from DreamHost ?
May 5th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Downloading Windows 7 ..but their requirement for 16Gb free space killing me
My poor Dell Studio!!
Harsh Agrawals last blog post..5 websites to download free Ebook for Desktop, iPhone, mobile and PDA
May 5th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Going to download and install it. I hope this version is compatible with games that i play.
May 5th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
@Madhur,
Even if it is not compatible, you can use XP switch mode of Windows 7!!
May 5th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
is it valid only for today i.e. on 5th may alone ha?
May 5th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
and is the graphic device a mandatory one? i don’t have it……..
May 6th, 2009 at 8:17 am
@Sivakumar,
you can download Windows 7 RC through July 2009 and it will be valid till June 2010 & for graphic device, it is not mandatory but recommended.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:36 pm