Windows 7 RTM – It’s here
It’s finally here! After weeks of speculation, Microsoft confirmed today that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have hit the Release to Manufacturing milestone. Steve Ballmer made the initial announceent during his speech at the Microsoft Global Exchange (MGX) Conference that took place in Atlanta, Georgia.
Windows 7 RTMed means that the final build was signed off today after going through vigorous testing and validation checks to ensure that the build was of release quality. Brandon also stated that RTM also meant having all the langauges of the build completed as well. This explains why the RTM sign off is happening a week after what many speculated to be the final RTM build leaked less than two weeks ago. The files have been leaked onto torrent sites for weeks now but an untouched ISO by Microsoft has yet to be leaked.
Microsoft claimed over 10 million people had contributed to the testing of Windows 7 through its opt-in Customer Improvement Program.
According to Neowin, Windows 7 RTM was confirmed by Sinofsky at MGX to be build 7600.16385.090713-1255, which is the same leaked build that many had expected to be the final RTM build. It was compiled on July 13th, which was when fans originally expected Microsoft to announce the RTM at WPC 2009.
Who gets what when?
- OEMs: July 24th
- ISVs/IHVs/MSDN and Technet Subscribers: August 6th
- Volume License with Software Assurance: August 7th
- Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members: August 16th. Remaining languages will be available by October 1st.
- Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers: August 23rd. Remaining languages will be available by October 1st.
- Everyone else: October 22nd
What’s next?
Although Windows 7 has RTMed, this is just the beginning. The real test for Windows 7 comes after release, which was when Vista terribly suffered when it came to software and hardware compatibility. Microsoft also has to start working on Service Pack 1, which is what most companies wait for before considering to deploy a new operating system.
Family Pack:
In terms of announcements, Microsoft has yet to announce specific details regarding Windows 7 Home Premium family packs other than confirm its existence. When family pack prices leaked, vendors priced the item at $139, though many expect the final price to be in the neighbourhood of $150.
Upgrade Edition details:
The Redmond company has also yet to clarify how the Upgrade edition of Windows 7 will work. Even its own employees are confused as to how the upgrade edition will work. Microsoft’s spokespersons and Microsoft Store staff originally stated that it would be required for the user to have an activated version of Windows already installed in order for the upgrade edition to work. However, Microsoft employee Harold Wong suggests that only the installation disk of a previous version of Windows would be required to get upgrade edition to work properly. I’ve contacted Microsoft for further details and will provide updates on the situation as I receive news.
Microsoft and the EU:
As we’ve heard again and again, Windows 7 E is the result of complaints faced by EU antitrust regulators. Microsoft created Windows 7 E so that it could launch Windows 7 on time in Europe without facing any trouble from the regulators. Upon installation, it does not come with Internet Explorer 8. There is also currently no upgrade edition of Windows 7 E available. Although Microsoft has been suggesting that the possibility of an upgrade edition may still come after December 31, 2009.
The EU did not Microsoft to take away IE8 from Windows 7. In fact, they are not supportive of such an idea, which suggests that we may hear more news regarding browsers and Windows 7 in Europe in the future.
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Tags: windows 7, windows 7 release to manufacturing, windows 7 RTM
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28 Responses to “Windows 7 RTM – It’s here”
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i win
Although Windows 7 has RTMed, this is jus the beginning.
it should be
Although Windows 7 has RTMed, this is just the beginning.
Thanks.
Yeh Thanks!
I’m afraid MS did not confirm the entire build string but merely “7600.16385.” We can assume the rest, but I wouldn’t jump to conclusions.
A TAP partner I know has already downloaded the untouched 7600.16385 ISO off the MS build server
Anyone…
Can I get discount to upgrade to Win.7 Ult x64 from Win.Vista Ult. x64?
If not, can I legally and officially sell my Win.Vista Ult x64 license to anyone?
TiA! [^_^]
You can upgrade. I’m not sure if you are talking about in-place upgrade (upgrade install)
Any idea where to download this real release?
Any link please?
The Torrent Sites are full of it! or even google will do it.
Just search on
i ment search on *thepiratebayDOTcom* or *isohuntDOTcom*
Don’t think the untouched ISO has been leaked yet though
A leak already already exists (I’m running it). Unfortunately, just for 30 days xD
Torrents! just type in the build number and hit search!
Yeeeesssssssssss! At last!
Windows 7 Ready to GO!!!!!
Good news
.
When will the UNTOUCHED ISO come out or leak???
After the 6th August, when MSDN and Technet subscribers would be able to download it!
Maybe!!
Tonight in the US. It’s the 24th and I’m sure some OEM will leak it
Wowwww!!!
@Mandeep
Tomorrow, 2:37 PM EDT
LOL
whats the difference in build 7600. 16385 which was realysed on july 13 and build 7600.16385 which will be realysed tommorow on july 24? thanks
Well as fas as I know, the are no compiles tommorow.
Anyway if you have build 7600.16385 it is the last unofficial leak!
Wait for leaks of the copies of Original DVDs, which I think may be forwarded by MSDN and Technet subscribers, until or after 6th August.
The one leaked last week was first leaked as loose files. I’m not sure why. Then some fans recompiled it into an ISO.
The leak now will be the real deal straight with MS, most likely with language packs and everything
Can anybody confirm the 16385 RARS I got are the RTM? Is this the now verified RTM??
Thanks!..
Build strings:
http://blogs.technet.com/dmelanchthon/archive/2009/07/23/windows-7-rtm.aspx
Yes finally it’s here :eager: