Windows 7 Release Candidate available now

Microsoft has released what should be the final testing version of its new Windows 7 operating system to the IT industry, and will make it available to all from 5 May.

Unlike the earlier Beta version, where Microsoft offered a limited number of downloadable copies to the general public, the Release Candidate (RC) will be available to all from the Microsoft website.

"We capped the Beta version, and very quickly hit those caps," Microsoft's John Curran told Computeractive. "We'll be putting this version out more broadly."

He said the Release Candidate includes dozens of changes since the Beta. These range from the tiny, such as shaving 400 milliseconds from the length of the sound played when the PC shuts down, to new features such as Windows XP Mode.

This tool, included only with the Professional and Ultimate versions of Windows 7, allows the user to install and run programs designed for Windows XP using a version of Windows XP that runs inside Windows 7.

Users who have a product key for the Windows 7 Beta will need a new key to use the Release Candidate. Keys will be available from www.microsoft.com/download. The Release Candidate will be functional for one year.

The Release Candidate is usually the final testing phase in the development of an operating system, but Mr Curran would not be drawn on when the final version is likely to arrive. He said each step was "determined by certain quality bars … the single most important thing is delivering a great product".

"The Release Candidate is very exciting," he added. "We can see the finish line now."

He urged users currently running the Beta version of Windows, which has a time limit that will expire soon, to upgrade to this new version, but to " recognise that this release is what it is: it's not developed for mainstream consumers … use prudent caution and back up your data as it's still in the final phases of development".