14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Virtual PC is one of the features that Microsoft has been holding back from end users throughout the development of Windows 7, only to release it into Beta concomitantly with the Release Candidate of the next iteration of the Windows client. As the Windows 7 RC bits went to MSDN and TechNet subscribers, Microsoft's communities of developers and IT professionals also got access to Windows Virtual PC. The installation process of this virtualization feature is rather simple, because Windows Virtual PC is essentially an update for Windows 7. It is important to note that Microsoft has restricted Windows Virtual PC only to Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, and Windows 7 Enterprise.
“To install Windows Virtual PC, install the update package: double-click the file, Windows6.1-KB958559-plaftform.msu, where platform is either x86 or x64. Review the end-user license agreement and accept it to install the update. To complete the installation, restart the computer. After the installation is finished, Windows Virtual PC is available from the Start menu,” Microsoft revealed in the Windows Virtual PC Evaluation Guide.
Microsoft has also launched a new website focused exclusively on what Windows Virtual PC brings to the Windows 7 table. According to the online destination, the virtualization solution will follow Windows 7 Release Candidate build 7100 to the market. Fact is that Windows 7 RC bits are already live, ahead of schedule, and Windows Virtual PC Beta is bound to follow. Microsoft promised that the availability deadline would be May 5th. Keep your eyes glued to Softpedia and I will make sure to provide an update once the download goes live.
“Windows Virtual PC is a new optional component that you can use to evaluate and migrate to the Windows 7 operating system while maintaining compatibility with applications that run on older versions of Windows. This component is available as a downloadable update package for Windows 7,” the Redmond company added.
32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 (Release Candidate) RC Build 7100.0.090421-1700 is available for download here.