[Microsoft TechNet, MSDN and Connect Update] Windows 8 Release Preview (RC Build) Available for Download

NOTE: This topic is updated whenever a new download is available for Microsoft TechNet, MSDN or Connect subscribers. So keep checking this topic regularly to get instant updates.

UPDATE 17: Windows 8 Release Preview Available

Microsoft has released Windows 8 Release Preview (RC build) to MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Both 32-bit and 64-bit editions are available. File size of 32-bit version if 2494 MB and file size of 64-bit version is 3353 MB.
SHA1 for 32-bit: 8BED436F0959E7120A44BF7C29FF0AA962BDEFC9
SHA1 for 64-bit: D76AD96773615E8C504F63564AF749469CFCCD57
If you are a TechNet or MSDN subscriber, log into your account and start downloading the build.

UPDATE 16: Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) 4.0 Public Beta Available

Microsoft's free antivirus and antispyware product "Microsoft Security Essentials" (MSE) 4.0 public beta version has been released and available for download.
What's New?
This Beta version of Microsoft Security Essentials includes the following new features:

• Enhanced protection through automatic malware remediation: It'll clean highly impacting malware infections automatically, with no required user interaction.
• Enhanced performance: It includes many performance improvements to make sure your PC performance isn’t compromised.
• Simplified UI: Simplified UI makes Microsoft Security Essentials Beta easier to use.
• New and improved protection engine: The updated engine offers enhanced detection with cleanup capabilities and better performance.

This 4.0 beta version can be installed in Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1 or SP2 and Windows 7 SP1.
Windows 8 Developer Preview users can install it using compatibility mode.
Download Link

UPDATE 15: Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 SP1 RTM Available

We told you earlier that Windows 7 SP1 has been RTMed i.e. the final version of SP1 has been developed. Now Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 SP1 RTM is available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers.
Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are available to download in a single file. File size is 1,953 MB.
Slipstreamed ISOs are also available.
Windows 7 with SP1 (32-bit) iso size is 2,444 MB and Windows 7 with SP1 (64-bit) iso size is 3,166 MB.
If you are a MSDN or TechNet subscriber, you can download it by logging into your account.
If you are not a subscriber, no need to worry. Microsoft will release the same to public on 22nd February.
Download SP1 RTM (MSDN)
Download SP1 RTM (TechNet)

UPDATE 14: Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 SP1 RTMed

Microsoft has finally made an official announcement that Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) has been RTMed.
It'll become available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers on February 16th, 2011.
The same will become available to public on February 22nd, 2011. It'll be available for download via Microsoft download center and Windows Update.
PS: The build number is 7601.17514.101119-1850.

UPDATE 13: Office 2010 RTM Available

We told you earlier that Microsoft Office 2010 has been RTMed i.e. Office 2010 final version has been developed.
Now its available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Microsoft has released Office 2010 RTM version to MSDN and TechNet subscribers.
Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are available for download.

UPDATE 12: Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4.0 RTM Available

Microsoft has announced the availability of Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4.0 RTM versions for MSDN subscribers.

Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4 have something for every developer. The new editor, now using Windows Presentation Foundation, delivers a more flexible, feature-rich environment that supports concepts such as the use of multiple monitors. This enables a developer to have one monitor with code, another with the user interface designer, and yet another with database structure.
Built-in support for Windows 7 multitouch and “ribbon” interfaces delivers stunning applications to end users. For the first time, developers have integrated access to SharePoint functionality into the Visual Studio integrated development environment. Windows Azure tools make it easy to quickly develop, debug, test and deploy cloud applications from within the familiar Visual Studio environment. Built-in support for ASP.NET Model-View-Controller gives developers the flexibility to separately update the appearance and core business logic of Web applications. Windows Phone 7 developers will be able to build amazing mobile applications using Visual Studio with integrated phone design surfaces.
.NET Framework 4 adds additional support for industry standards, more language choice, new support for high-performance middle-tier applications including parallel programming, and side-by-side installation with .NET Framework 3.5. With the .NET Framework 4 Client Profile, the size of the runtime has been decreased by over 80 percent, making it easier for developers to get applications, and therefore users, up and running faster.
Download Visual Studio 2010
Download .NET Framework 4.0
Download Link for MSDN Subscribers

UPDATE 11: Windows XP Mode RTM Available

Recently Microsoft announced that RTM version of "Windows XP Mode" for Windows 7 will be available on October 22 for public download.
If you are a MSDN or TechNet subscriber, you can log into your account and can download "Windows XP Mode" RTM from "Applications -> Windows Virtual PC" section.
Both 32 and 64-bit versions are available.

UPDATE 10: Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM Available

Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM (Released To Manufacturing) is now available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers.
If you are a TechNet or MSDN subscriber, log into your account and start downloading.
Windows Server 2008 R2 is only available in 64-bit and Itanium versions. Currently English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese-Simplified and Korean languages are available, other languages will be available on August 21st.
If you are not a subscriber, you'll need to wait for some time. Microsoft will release it to market on October 22nd. Or you can download a 180-day trial version using following link:
Download Windows Server 2008 R2 Trial

UPDATE 9: Windows 7 RTM Available

Windows 7 RTM (Released To Manufacturing) is now available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers as announced earlier by Microsoft.
If you are a TechNet or MSDN subscriber, log into your account and start downloading Windows 7 RTM.
If you are not a subscriber, you'll need to wait for some time. Microsoft will release Windows 7 RTM to market on October 22nd.

UPDATE 8: Windows 7 RTM Release Date Announced

Finally Microsoft has announced the release date of much awaited Windows 7 RTM (Release To Manufacturing). "Brandon LeBlanc" @ The Windows Blog made an announcement:

For Partners & OEMs:
ISV (Independent software vendor) and IHV (Independent hardware vendor) Partners will be able to download Windows 7 RTM from Microsoft Connect or MSDN on August 6th.
Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English through the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal on August 16th. By October 1st, the remaining languages will become available to download.
Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers will be about to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 23rd. By October 1st, the remaining languages will become available to download.
OEMs will receive Windows 7 RTM software images beginning approximately 2 days after we officially RTM, as a little time is required to release and distribute these images. This will allow them to begin preparing images for new PCs to ship with Windows 7 on them. We know our OEMs are excited for Windows 7 and we can’t wait to hand them the final RTM bits!
For Business Customers:
If you are a Volume License (VL) customer with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license you will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 7th via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). The rest of the languages for Windows 7 RTM should be available within a couple of weeks after that.
Volume License customers without a SA license will be able to purchase Windows 7 through Volume Licensing on September 1st as we announced last week at WPC09. Mark these dates on your calendar and start making your deployment plans!
For IT Professionals:
There are a few ways you can get Windows 7 RTM. IT Professionals with TechNet Subscriptions will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st.
For Developers:
Developers with MSDN Subscriptions will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st.
For Beta Testers & Enthusiasts:
I know there have been some rumors going around about 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.
Beta testers will not automatically receive a free copy of Windows 7. Many beta testers are already subscribers to TechNet; those of you who fit that description will be able to download Windows 7 RTM shortly after RTM happens for free as part of your subscription.
However, if you don’t have TechNet and are waiting for GA (to either purchase Windows 7 or wait for your pre-order to arrive) you can continue to use the RC. In fact, you can continue to use it until it expires on June 1st, 2010 (expiration actually starts March 1, 2010, this is when the reboots start).
We are also going to release an evaluation of Windows 7 Professional for IT Professionals via the Springboard Series shortly after RTM. Over 40% of beta testers are IT Professionals and this will allow them to quickly access the RTM code and plan for deployments.
For Consumers:
Windows 7 will be in retail stores and shipping on new PCs starting October 22nd. If you pre-ordered Windows 7, it should be delivered sometime around the October 22nd timeframe (depends on the retailer).

So get ready to download Windows 7 RTM via Connect, MSDN or TechNet on August 6th.
We are putting all important dates together for your convenience:

MSDN & TechNet Subscribers - August 6
Microsoft Connect - August 6
ISV and IHV Partners - August 6
Volume License Customers - August 7
Microsoft Partner Program - August 16
Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers - August 23
Retail Stores - October 22
OEMs - 2 Days after official RTM announcement

UPDATE 7: TechNet Widget Available for Blogs and Websites

Microsoft has launched TechNet widget which can be put in blogs. The widget will provide the latest content from TechNet on your blogs.
The Widget has integration built into Social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon etc.
This widget pulls the latest RSS feeds from TechNet and has selections from Videos, Webcasts, TechNet Magazine, TechNet Flash and TechNet Podcasts.

Once it is embedded in a site, it will allow the site/blog users to take it and embed it on their sites.
You can also put this widget in your Windows Vista or 7 Desktop Sidebar.
If you want to put the widget in your blog or Windows Sidebar, simply follow instructions given at following link:
http://www.technetwidget.com/technetwidget/getwidget/default.html

UPDATE 6: Windows 7 RTM on July 13th

Here is excellent news for people who are eagerly waiting for Microsoft's upcoming OS Windows 7 final release. Our friend site "GeekSmack" has confirmed with a source close to Microsoft that Windows 7 is set to RTM on July 13th.

Windows 7 RTM build will be chosen over the next few days and will be officially signed off on July 13th, 2009, the same day as the WPC09 (Worldwide Partner Conference) will take place in New Orleans.
Microsoft is still in the process of testing and choosing from the RTM candidate builds as they need to ensure that all show-stopper bugs present in the OS have been eradicated to ensure as much of a smooth, bug-free release as possible.
TechNet, MSDN, and other partner connections will be getting their hands on the RTM build shortly after, if not on the same day.

Note that the general availability is scheduled to launch on October 22nd.

UPDATE 5: Windows 7 RC Available

The much awaited Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) is now available to Connect, TechNet and MSDN subscribers as announced earlier by Microsoft.
So if you are a Connect, TechNet or MSDN subscriber, just log into your account and start downloading Windows 7 RC.
If you are not a subscriber, no need to worry. Microsoft will release the same RC build to public on 5th May on Microsoft Download Center. There will be no download limit this time, so you can download your very own Windows 7 RC copy as soon as it releases.

UPDATE 4: Windows 7 RC on April 30th

Finally Microsoft has officially announced the release schedule for Windows 7 Release Candidate.
Today Windows Team Blog made an announcement about Windows 7 RC:

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, and what I had for breakfast.
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.

So if you are a TechNet or MSDN subscriber, you can download Windows 7 RC on April 30. If you are not a subscriber, no need to worry. The public release would be on May 5.

UPDATE 3: Windows 7 Beta Available

Microsoft has released Windows 7 Beta to TechNet and MSDN subscribers. Its also available on MS Connect. Just log into your account and download it.
If you are not a subscriber, don't worry. The public beta will be released tomorrow 9th January 2009. So just wait for a few hours and you'll be able to download it absolutely free from Windows 7 official website. The public beta will be available for a limited time only, so grab your copy as fast as you can whenever it becomes available to download.
The download would be available in ISO format, so you'll need to burn the image.
You can upgrade to Windows 7 Beta from Vista SP1.

UPDATE 2: Windows XP SP3 Slipstreamed ISO Available

Recently Microsoft released Windows XP SP3 for TechNet and MSDN subscribers. Now Microsoft has released the slipstreamed ISO image of Windows XP with SP3 (Service Pack 3) for Technet and MSDN subscribers.
If you are a subscriber, you can download the ISO image from your subscription page. Simply log into your TechNet or MSDN account and check for Windows XP with SP3 in your subscription download page.

UPDATE 1: Windows XP SP3 RTM Available

Microsoft has made Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) RTM version available for MSDN and TechNet subscribers today. Earlier it was announced to be available later on May 02, 2008.
TechNet and MSDN subscribers can download it using their subscription page. Just login to your TechNet or MSDN account and check the "Top Subscriber Downloads" section.
The ISO file size is 544.86 MB. Standalone EXE file size is 316 MB.

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