Report: Windows 7 to Hit RTM on July 13

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So the "confirmed" reports say.

Windows 7 will be in stores on October 22 – that much we're sure of. But the fact is that the next generation of Windows isn't officially finished yet. Microsoft is still putting on the finishing touches before passing off a final gold master that ultimately kick-starts a whole new wave of Windows.

According to various reports on the web from Geeksmack and Neowin, sources close to Microsoft can supposedly confirm that Windows 7 is set to hit its RTM (release to manufacturing) milestone on July 13. It's unlikely that Microsoft will confirm any of this information until after the milestone is hit (in case there is some type of show stopper bug) so we'll just have to wait and see.

Hitting RTM will allow Microsoft to disseminate the final version of Windows to its computer-making partners for even broader testing and integration, with the goal of having all OEMs ready to sell Windows 7-loaded computers on October 22.

Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam served as Tom's Hardware News Director during 2008-2014. He entered tech media in the late 90s and fondly remembers the days when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI comprised a gaming rig with the ultimate street cred.
27 Comments Comment from the forums
  • saifallofjmr
    Type "Windows 7 is awesome through piracy" is your going to pirate it cause your poor like me :]
    Can't wait for windows 7
    Reply
  • syavash
    ME too, the sooner it comes out the better, I am alreadu using the RC
    Reply
  • cliffro
    I'm poor too, but....I will more than likely pick up an OEM copy.
    Reply
  • IronRyan21
    I hope OEM prices are good. Cant wait to see those figures.
    Reply
  • Core2uu
    So, does that mean an average Joe will be able to pick up OEM copies also from his nearest tech retailer or will he have to wait until Oct 22, for either the OEM or the retail copy?
    Reply
  • Gin Fushicho
    OEM! YUSH!
    Reply
  • Regulas
    I wonder if people will still try and get copies of Millennium II, I mean Vista after 7 comes out, LOL
    I am planning on getting a OEM copy of 64 bit home edition for my gaming rig later down the road. Will still keep my XP (dual boot) for legacy games for sure.
    Reply
  • Don't forget that you can get Windows 7 at 50% off at several places, included Microsoft and Bestbuy until July 11th (I believe that's the date not sure.) On Windows 7 home premium it's $49 and for Business, it's $99.
    Reply
  • cliffro
    Trek852Don't forget that you can get Windows 7 at 50% off at several places, included Microsoft and Bestbuy until July 11th (I believe that's the date not sure.) On Windows 7 home premium it's $49 and for Business, it's $99.
    I don't want an "Upgrade" version, I'll pay OEM price and do a single clean install.
    Reply
  • hispeed120
    ^+1

    I love me some clean install.
    Reply