Windows 7 RC dates confirmed

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 27 Apr 2009 at 08:33

Microsoft has confirmed that the Release Candidate for Windows 7 will arrive within the week.

Speaking in a blog post, Microsoft announced that the Release Candidate will be made available to members of Microsoft's Developer Network and TechNet on 30 April, with a general release following on 5 May.

"On behalf of everyone here, I would to thank all of our beta testers for helping us get to this point," says Windows Experience blogger Brandon LeBlanc.

"You guys have been busy. At the peak of the feedback cycle, we were receiving a 'send Feedback' report every 15 seconds for an entire week. Since then, the engineering team has been busy analysing the feedback, fixing bugs, and working hard to improve the overall experience. Many of your suggestions helped us refine the new and improved taskbar, the behavior of Aero Peek, Touch, Windows Media Player, and much more."

Microsoft confirmed the dates after the Release Candidate was leaked to torrent sites and an official web page appeared announcing its release. The page was promptly pulled by Microsoft, though the leaked RC is not a genie that can be so easily stuffed back in its bottle.

The company still hasn't offered a date for the final release beyond a rather vague sounding 2010, though it's been suggested it may find its way into the hands of OEMs this summer.

Microsoft has also confirmed that Windows 7 will feature a virtual XP mode to ensure compatibility with older programs.