Windows 7's Release Candidate is free and available for download, but what's all that different from the beta version? Quite a bit, it turns out, and we've got the screenshots to prove it.


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Virtual XP, a.k.a. XP Mode

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The much-hyped, somewhat lamented, previously unseen Virtual XP installation, available as a free download for Windows 7 Ultimate, Professional, and Enterprise, is available in the Windows 7 Release Candidate. Check out how it installs, launches, and works in the screenshot gallery linked below:

Windows 7 Release Candidate Features: Virtual XP Mode >>


Media Streaming


It didn't get much mention in the lead-up to the Release Candidate, but Windows Media Player has a pretty clever, if somewhat limited at the moment, function to let you stream your music, movies, and other media over the internet—provided you can verify yourself and friends with a Windows Live ID. See how it shapes up in the screenshot gallery linked below.

Windows 7 Release Candidate Features: Media Streaming >>


Wallpapers


Windows 7's Release Candidate has a serious wealth of resources for those who like an eye-catching desktop. There are no less than 70 new wallpapers to choose from, sound, color, and window themes that accompany each general theme category, and a theme choosing tool that lets you mix and match those categories to your heart's content. Here's a peek at each and every wallpaper included with Windows 7. (Little secret: Clicking the "Other sizes: 1920x" link on a pop-up gets you the full-sized image to download and make your own.)

Windows 7 wallpaper previews:







The Other Stuff

Rather than try your screen-peering patience with another arsenal of screenshots, we're going to let Microsoft speak for itself on all the little changes to Windows 7 Release Candidate. This helpful video shows off a lot of the new interface, menu, design, and operation tweaks that have gone into the RC since the beta was first launched:

Now that you've had a chance to look around and test things out, what do you think of Windows 7 Release Candidate's looks, feel, and, well, chances at changing Vista-soured minds? Tell us your impressions in the comments.