Redmond (WA) – If you can’t wait for Windows 7 until October 22 and if you are among a select list of Microsoft customers you may be able to download the operating system RTM as early as August 6. The company also confirmed that it will be offering a family pack version of Windows 7, which will allow users to install the software on up to three computers.
So far, Microsoft has yet to confirm rumors that Windows 7 will be released to manufacturing (RTM) today and, at the time of this writing, still states that this will happen sometime in the second half of July. However, the company provided more information when this final RTM code will make its way to certain customer groups.
Any TechNet subscriber, including developers, will find the software available beginning August 6 (English, all remaining languages on October 1), we are told. Volume license customers can get the OS via the firm’s Volume License Service Center on August 7. Everybody else will have to wait until the official release on October 22.
However, if you are among everybody else, and if you have not ordered Windows 7 yet, Microsoft mentioned that the near 50% discount offer for the software has expired. And no, beta testers will not receive a free copy of Windows 7 simply because they were beta testers, Microsoft said.
Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc confirmed that there will be a “family pack” for Windows 7: “We have heard a lot of feedback from beta testers and enthusiasts over the last 3 years that we need a better solution for homes with multiple PCs. I’m happy to confirm that we will indeed be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to 3 PCs.”
No further information was provided.
