Windows 7 Release Candidate

Sorry, Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) downloads are no longer available.

Brought to you by the Springboard Series, a 90-day trial is now available to help you test and evaluate the final, released to manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7 Enterprise. Designed specifically for IT professionals, this 90-day trial is offered in English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. Try it now.

If you already have Windows 7 through MSDN, TechNet, or Software Assurance, you do not need to download this trial.

Existing TechNet Plus subscribers, download Windows 7 here.
Not a subscriber yet? Learn more about TechNet Plus.

Windows 7 is now available. Get ready!

Windows 7 is the latest release of the Windows client operating system, built on the secure foundation of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Performance, reliability, security, and compatibility are core tenets of this release, making Windows 7 the best-performing and most stable Windows operating system to date. New innovations in the product are designed to augment your ability as an IT professional to better provision and manage increasingly mobile PCs, protect data, and improve both end-user and personal productivity.

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).

Keep your PC updated: Turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.

Stay informed: 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 for Windows 7 on TechNet.

Microsoft Partners: Learn more about Windows 7 on the Microsoft Partner Portal.
Thank you for participating in the RC program and helping us build the best operating system for you and your end users.