Windows 7 RC coming on May 5

[darshit]

Several noise circulating on the Internet at the moment and as a result of pages published in error on the Microsoft sites, it seems that the version (Release Candidate) Windows Seven will be available from May 5

This RC version would be the latest version of Windows 7 prior to the final version.

Concerning the final version, although no information has filtered envore Microsoft side, some manufacturers such as Acer already announcing products with Windows 7 for the month of October 2009.

Depending on the site techARP, Microsoft could offer coupons for free update Vista -> Seven for the new PC in June.

Microsoft has also confirmed it would be possible to "downgrade" Seven to Vista or XP (source).

Windows 7 beta upgrade won't be easy

[Neel23]

I think I read somewhere that it's not upgradeable....

So we will have to burn a new disc, and install to a new partition (or rewrite the current win7 partition).

[Zaif]

I have used Windows 7 OS (beta.) It is not the user friendly at the moment as it does not support most of the useful softwares that are needed by the average user today. I hope, its regular version comes up with good compatibility.

[Abedin]

Download Windows 7 RC
Partners: If you have a subscription to MSDN or TechNet, you can download Windows 7 RC now. Otherwise, you can download Windows 7 RC starting May 5, 2009.

Source: Microsoft

[Miyamoto]

It is now official. Microsoft has announced the availability date of Windows 7 release candidate on a blog dedicated to its operating system. The near-final version of the new OS will be released on May 5, as suggested a leak a few days.

Posted by: Brandon LeBlanc
There certainly has been a lot of discussion about Windows 7 in the last few weeks. A lot of folks want to know when they can get their hands on the official RC, when we are going to RTM, etc.

I’m pleased to share that the RC is on track for April 30th for download by MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Broader, public availability will begin on May 5th.

Partners and developers subscribers to MSDN and Technet the publisher can download the RC preview from Thursday 30 April.