Windows 7 free to Technical Beta testers

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 31 Jul 2009 at 09:07

Microsoft has reversed its decision not to offer free copies of Windows 7 to Technical Beta testers.

It should be noted immediately that Microsoft isn't offering copies to anybody who downloaded the public beta or Release Candidate. The Technical Beta was an invite-only program.

Only last week, Windows 7's evangelist Brandon LeBlanc claimed that those who'd participated in the Technical Beta would not receive a free copy of the operating system because many of them were TechNet subscribers anyway. In a surprising move, the company has now reversed this decision.

"Thank you for doing your part in making Windows 7 great. As a member of the Technical Beta program you took the time to download, install and give us your feedback on Windows 7 during development," Microsoft notes on the .Beta_Program newsgroup.

"Over the last seven months you have participated in chats, live meetings and newsgroups as well as reported bugs to help us find and fix many issues. To recognise your outstanding contribution to the product we are pleased to offer you a complimentary copy of Windows 7 for your personal use."

Members of the "English beta program" will be able to download their copy from Microsoft Connect on 6 August. There will also be a limited number of retail boxed copies "available on a first come, first served basis".

This latter option does come with a number of caveats, though: "If you opt to have us ship you the boxed copy you should be aware that it will take much longer until you will be up and running on the final version," the post notes.

"We will need time to manufacture and ship the copies to you. This means that you may not receive them until they are available on shelves 22 October or later. Also, for people outside the United States you may be required to pay duties or other local taxes upon receipt," it concludes.