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Microsoft's Windows 8 Released to Manufacturers

Chloe Albanesius
 & Chloe Albanesius Executive Editor, News

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Microsoft on Wednesday released its upcoming Windows 8 operating system to manufacturers, largely considered to be the final step before general availability.

"This means we've completed the product development and testing of the product and have started handing off the final code to our OEM partners," Microsoft spokesman Brandon LeBlanc said in a blog post. "They can now begin preparing new Windows 8 PCs and devices they'll introduce starting with General Availability."

Windows 8 is scheduled to be released to consumers on Oct. 26. Over the next few weeks, however, Microsoft will release the OS to several other groups.

On Aug. 15, for example, developers will gain access to the final version of Windows 8 via MSDN subscriptions, while IT professionals testing Windows 8 in their organizations can get it through TechNet.

On Aug. 16, developers can visit the Windows Dev Center for access to the tools they'll need to build apps for the Windows Store, including the final build of Visual Studio 2012. Microsoft said last month that at RTM, Microsoft will turn on its commerce platform, which will allow developers to start earning money from their apps; Microsoft today promised more details soon.

The next day, customers with Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), which will let them test, pilot, and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within their businesses. Also on Aug. 16, Windows 8 will roll out to the Microsoft Partner Network.

Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) will get Windows 8 on Aug. 20, and Volume License customers without Software Assurance can start buying Windows 8 on Sept. 1.

Dates for access to Windows 8 for other programs will be released as they are available, Microsoft said. More details about what Windows 8 RTM means for your business are available in a separate blog post.

Microsoft announced recently that users with PCs running Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99. Those who recently purchased a Windows machine can upgrade for $14.99.

For more, see PCMag's Hands On With Windows 8 Release Preview and the slideshow below.

Windows 7 made its debut on Oct. 22, 2009.

About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

My Areas of Expertise

Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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