Windows 7 SP1 Beta Coming Soon

During TechEd North America 2010 in New Orleans, Microsoft Server and Tools Division president Bob Muglia said during his keynote speech that a public beta of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2's Service Pack 1 will be available by the end of July. An actual calendar date was not specified.

The final release is expected to hit both platforms sometime in Q4 2010, however it will not include any new features that are specific to Windows 7. "For Windows 7, SP1 will simply be the combination of updates already available through Windows Update and additional hotfixes based on feedback by our customers and partners," reads the official Windows Blog.

However Windows Server 2008 R2 will receive an updated Remote Desktop client designed to work with RemoteFX--this feature enables a local-like desktop environment over the network. Dynamic Memory will also be another added feature, enabling Windows Server Hyper-V to "dynamically allocate more or less memory to each VM as needed, provided a more scalable and better performing VDI environment."

If Microsoft does indeed launch SP1 by the end of the year, downgrade rights from Windows 7 to Windows XP will end upon its release, months earlier than the original late April 2011 deadline. The company previously said that downgrade rights would be canceled in April or when SP1 goes public, whichever comes first.

  • husker
    If the Windows 7 client SP1 consists of a combination of updates already distributed to Windows 7 clients, how can they call it a beta?
    Reply
  • cadder
    Is this a convenience thing? So that when you load Win7 on a new computer you don't spend the next 2 hours watching it download updates?
    Reply
  • "For Windows 7, SP1 will simply be the combination of updates already available through Windows Update and additional hotfixes based on feedback by our customers and partners,"

    Um... Yay? What's the point?

    No more having to download the individual updates/hotfixes through Windows Update. Now, all you will need is the SP1 update.
    Reply
  • makotech222
    This is the first time i can honestly say, whats the point? win7 runs smooth as heck, i've never had a crash.
    Reply
  • dan117
    I see how this might be useful for people who use the original DVDs because they don't have to install every single update.
    But I download a updated version from the Internet, one without cracks and type in my own key.

    It would have been better if they just released monthly DVD images for burning.
    And I don't see how this would promote piracy because pirates don't need these in order to release their versions.
    Actually it would be better because the majority of users who want it free would get this disk image from Microsoft instead of the cracked version and use a random key, get caught and buy it. Those that don't buy probably never will anyway.
    Reply
  • jacobdrj
    I want them to restore the Windows Vista power management menu: Power Saver, Balanced, High Performance.
    Biggest annoyance with Windows 7 so far.
    Reply
  • bhaberle
    huskerIf the Windows 7 client SP1 consists of a combination of updates already distributed to Windows 7 clients, how can they call it a beta?I totally agree with this lol.

    makotech222This is the first time i can honestly say, whats the point? win7 runs smooth as heck, i've never had a crash.
    The SP1 title tends to bring more businesses and users to hop on board with the new OS. Lots of people for instance didn't switch to XP or Vista till after the SP1 release. Some even waited for an SP2. =)
    Reply
  • overclockingrocks
    seems redundant unless you have to at some point reinstall which for me will probably be never. Win 7 is the smoothest best running Windows OS to date imho
    Reply
  • chaosgs
    makotech222This is the first time i can honestly say, whats the point? win7 runs smooth as heck, i've never had a crash.
    Same with my windows Vista. Not 1 crash, and i keep it unpatched.
    Reply
  • Trueno07
    jacobdrjI want them to restore the Windows Vista power management menu: Power Saver, Balanced, High Performance.Biggest annoyance with Windows 7 so far.
    I'm running windows 7 and i have every one of those you listed...
    Reply