Microsoft Announces Windows 8 RTM, Completes Windows 8 Development

Windows 8 RTM (Release to Manufacturing) announced by Microsoft, which marks the completion of Windows 8 development. Microsoft as expected has hit Windows 8 RTM build in the first week of August.

Within the next few days, Microsoft will deliver the final Release to Manufacturing (RTM) code to its OEM partners. This will help its OEM partners to get ready the PCs and tablets with Windows 8, by October 26, 2012, the general availability date of the new operating system.

Microsoft’s announcement of Windows 8 RTM, finally concludes the two-year long development of the operating system. Microsoft is now getting ready with the release phase of its new Metro inspired Windows 8 operating system. The final Windows 8 RTM build is 9200.16384.win8_rtm.120725-1247, which was earlier leaked on the Internet.

Deafult Start - Windows 8 RTM

If you are a developer waiting to get your hand on Windows 8 RTM, here’s the specific rollout details:

  • August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDN subscriptions.
  • August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNet subscriptions.
  • August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
  • August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
  • August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
  • September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

If you’ve been eagerly waiting for Windows 8, you will be able get Windows 8 from October 26, 2012 either by upgrading for $39.99 or by buying a new PC or tablet device. If you’ve brought an eligible Windows 7 PC, you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 through the Windows Upgrade Offer. In the meantime, you can download the Windows 8 Release Preview give the pre-release version of the operating system a test-run.

Source: Windows Team BlogBuilding Windows 8 Blog

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