Windows 7 RC Now Available to the Public

The release candidate for Windows 7 is now available for download. You can get Windows 7 RC from Windows 7 Release Candidate Customer Preview Program.

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. 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.

Be sure to back up your data before loading Windows 7.

For more information on how to upgrade your machine, see How to Upgrade to Windows 7 Release Candidate.

For a list of key features for developers and steps to test your application for compatibility, see Windows 7 Reaches Release Candidate Milestone. For a list of key scenarios for ISVs and what features you can implement, see Top 10 Scenarios; ISVs Add Customer Value with Windows 7 Features.

For more information about how your software can qualify for the Windows 7 Logo program, see Windows 7 Client Software Logo Program.