Article by George Norman

On 18 Feb 2009

Ever since Microsoft officially allowed regular users to download and test the Beta version of Windows 7, Build 7000, we’ve seen leaked screenshots and details on several other builds. Reports on the web have it that the upcoming Windows 7 Release Candidate is actually Build 7048. You need to take this in with a pinch of salt; Microsoft did indeed specify that it will move from Beta directly to RC, but did not provide any other details (things like when it will come out or what build it will be). What it did provide though is an insight on the various Windows 7 versions it will market and various upgrading methods.

Several online sources have pointed to the tag attached to a particular Windows 7 build, mainly “7048.winmain_win7rc1.090211-1625.” As you can clearly see (and I’ve made sure you can), this version would indicate that it is a Release Candidate 1 and was compiled on the 11th of February at 4:25PM (16:25 military style). If the information is accurate, then it would mean that in just over a month the operating system moved from Beta to Release Candidate. As GeekSmack is quick to point out, a slipup on Microsoft’s part could be possible.


“On one hand it is good to see Microsoft moving this quickly with the development of Windows 7, but on the other it is a little concerning. Microsoft have only officially released one build (7000) which went to beta testers and the public alike. One build is not enough to gather enough feedback to move ahead this quickly IMO. Windows is a far more complex piece of software than Office and I hope Mr. Sinofsky can learn that before this beta cycle is over,” says GeekSmack.

As I’ve mentioned before, Microsoft is not commenting on this leak. All Steven Sinofsky had to say earlier this month is that “The next milestone for the development of Windows 7 is the Release Candidate or “RC”. Historically the Release Candidate has signaled “we’re pretty close and we want people to start testing the release, especially because all the features are done.” The development team still has to go through a lot of telemetry and user feedback to achieve a level of quality and predictability that would allow the Windows 7 team to release a timetable.

So far, the most advanced Windows 7 Build that is available for download (on various torrent sites) is Build 7022. If moving from XP to other Windows versions is a big step for you but you would like to have your OS looking like Windows 7, then Seven Remix XP can help.

UPDATE: Microsoft has stated that the latest build compiled by the Windows 7 development team is Build 7046. The reports of Win7 Build 7048 are consequently fake since Microsoft did not even get around to putting such an advanced build together, let alone dub it Release Candidate.

UPDATE: Build 7048 x64 has been compiled and has been leaked online to torrent sites, of course ( details here ).



Tags: Microsoft, Windows 7 Beta 1, Windows 7 Release Candidate 1, Build 7048

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