Windows 7 RC 7100 Download

So you have probably heard some of the hype surrounding Microsoft’s upcoming operating system, Windows 7. What you may not know is that it the RC (Release Candidate) is available from Microsoft’s website for free. Although not the exact version that will ship at the official release time, it is the ‘finished’ product minus any minor bug fixes or issues that may arise during the final testing phase. I would recommend installing this on a spare partition or hard drive because you will have to start from scratch installing the final release version.

In order to download the product, you must have a MSN Live account (which is also free by the way). The download is available in 32 and 64 bit versions and weighs in at around two and a half gigabytes. It is also packed as an .ISO so you will need software to burn it to a DVD (ImgBurn is a good freeware program that can easily do this).

Windows Vista users have the option to upgrade their current system or perform a fresh install however XP users will have to perform a fresh install. Fortunately the Migration Tool included makes things easier to back up you’re ‘My Documents’ and personal files but you will have to reinstall your software.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is a tool by Microsoft to let you know which hardware and software is compatible with Windows 7. There is also no need to rush as the download and product keys are available through June 2009.

Download, system requirements, and further information is located here.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is located here.