Windows 7 is the next release of the Windows client operating system, built on the secure foundation of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Performance, reliability, security, and compatibility are core tenets of this release as we collect your feedback to meet our engineering goals of making Windows 7 the best-performing and most stable Windows operating system to date. All the new innovations in this product are meant to enhance your capability as an IT professional to better provision and manage increasingly mobile PCs, to protect data, and to improve end-user and personal productivity.
Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial is designed specifically for IT Professionals, so that you can test your software and hardware on a final version of the product. In addition, it provides the opportunity for you to become more familiar with the key improvements over previous versions of the Windows operating system, and experience firsthand how Windows 7 can make your PC environment more productive, secure, and manageable.

Is the evaluation edition really for you?

If you qualify under one of the following programs listed below, you may already have access to the final bits and do not need to download the 90-day Trial.

Partner Program
MSDN Subscriber (Developer)
TechNet Plus Subscriber
Volume License/Software Assurance customer

Here’s what you need to know:

This is trial software designed for IT Professionals interested in experiencing the Windows 7 Enterprise on behalf of their organization so please read the following to get an idea of the risks and key things you need to know before you install.

We do not recommend that you install this if you are a not an IT Professional or not professionally managing corporate networks.

Guidelines on usage:

* Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don’t test Windows 7 on your primary home or business PC.
* You have 10 days to activate the product. If not activated within 10 days, the system will shut down once every hour until activated.
* The 90-day Trial is the full working version of the Windows 7 Enterprise, the version most of you will be working with in your corporate environment. It will not require a product key (it is embedded with the download).
* The 90-day Trial will shut down once every hour when you have reached the end of the 90-day evaluation period.
* The 90-day Trial is offered for a limited time and in limited quantity. The download will be available through March 31, 2010, while supplies last.
* After the 90-day Trial expires, if you wish to continue to use Windows 7 Enterprise, please note that you will be required to purchase and perform a clean installation of Windows 7, including drivers and applications. Please keep this in mind; Windows 7 Enterprise is not available through retail channels.
* Technical details/updates/questions: Please review our FAQ or visit the Windows 7 support forum.
* Stay informed. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the Springboard Series blog. Want technical guidance, tips, and tools? Visit the Springboard Series on TechNet.
* Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the 90-day Trial.
* Microsoft Partners-: Learn more about Windows 7 on the Microsoft Partner Portal.