Download Windows 7 for Free for Just 2 More Weeks

The Windows 7 free ride is almost over. Come the end of this month, Microsoft is set on discontinuing the free downloads of 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) of Windows 7 it is offering through TechNet.

Following the general availability of the latest iteration of the Windows client, the Redmond company made available Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial downloads via TechNet.

Obviously, because TechNet is a hub for IT professionals, this was the intended audience for the trial release.

Microsoft wanted to make it as easy as possible for businesses to access Windows 7, test it with their existing hardware and software investments and decide whether they want to upgrade or not.

Of course, in the end, evaluations are focused on Windows 7, and the operating system can of course prove that is a huge step forward in terms of manageability, reliability, performance, etc.

The software giant had initially planned to no longer offer Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial downloads earlier this year, but the free release of the operating system got a reprieve.

In this content, Microsoft might just change its mind again and keep Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial downloads live even after the end of 2010.

Of course, customers that still want to grab the bits free of charge from the Redmond company, install and use the OS for a total of 90 days enjoying full functionality should download Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial now.

The next step for Microsoft is to deliver the first upgrade to Windows 7. Service Pack 1 is currently in Release Candidate stage, and the development process is close to the finish line.

The software giant already said that it plans to release Windows 7 SP1 to manufacturing in the first quarter of 2011, although a specific release deadline has yet to be provided.

Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Release Candidate (RC) Build 7601.17105.100929-1730 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Release Candidate (RC) Build 7601.17105.100929-1730 are available for download here.