Microsoft confirms Windows 7 release date of October 22

It’s finally officially on its way. Microsoft has now revealed the official release date for Windows 7. Oct. 22, 2009 is when the company plans to have copies of its new operating systems on store shelves and ready to buy on new machines.

It feels as though Windows 7 has been on its way for a long time now. And to some degree it has been. After the disastrous launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft wasted no time in starting the development of its successor. After an extensive period of beta testing, the Release Candidate arrived at the beginning of May.

Since then there has been extensive speculation as to when the final product would finally be released. Microsoft made it clear that it would definitely see the light of day in 2009, stating a release before the holiday season, but it wouldn’t be drawn on any more specific date. Until now.

According to CNET, Senior Vice President Bill Veghte revealed the Oct. 22 release date in an interview. Microsoft would normally fudge the issue by talking about RTM dates but this is the date for the Retail version. Windows 7 could still slip but the fact Microsoft is talking so readily about the release date would imply it is confident there will be no delays.

Now that the release date has been officially confirmed there is the question of what to do for people buying Vista-based computers between now and October. Microsoft announced a ‘Windows Upgrade Option’ which will ensure those who purchase Vista before Windows 7 arrive will be given either free or discounted upgrades to the new OS. Pricing will likely be up to individual retailers but no date for the start of the program has yet been set.

Windows 7 has had an auspicious start in life, with a very positive response right from the off. And now there are just five months left and counting before it’s finally available on the street. Could something still go wrong at this late stage of the game? Or is Microsoft going to enjoy the Windows 7 launch a lot more than it did the Vista launch?

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