Free Windows 7 Beta Download – 2.5 Million slots only

Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 beta will be available for download, January 9. Microsoft will only allow 25 Million downloads though. For those who have TechNet and MSDN connections, you don’t have to wait until tomorrow. [via CrunchGear]

Since it’s free, the Beta version will expire until August 1, 2009 and it can only be installed over an existing Windows Vista installation.

The Windows 7 Beta will be available in English, German, Japanese, Arabic, and Hindi, and each language will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions (except Hindi which will only be available in 32-bit). Because the Windows 7 Beta will be offered download-only, it will be provided to you as an ISO image (an .iso file) that you download. After downloading either the 32-bit or 64-bit ISO image of the Windows 7 Beta, you will be required to burn the ISO image to a DVD to install Windows 7. So you want to be sure you have a DVD burner before spending the time downloading the ISO image. [via windowsteamblog]

The download will be available via the Windows 7 page.

Update:

Due to an enormous surge in demand, the download experience was not ideal so we listened and took the necessary steps to ensure a good experience. We have clearly heard that many of you want to check out the Windows 7 Beta and, as a result, we have decided remove the initial 2.5 million limit on the public beta for the next two weeks (thru January 24th). During that time you will have access to the beta even if the download number exceeds the 2.5 million unit limit.

(source: Windows 7 blog)