Windows 7 Beta Download Limit Lifted

Microsoft is pulling the limit it imposed for downloading the Windows 7 public beta after a great increase in users trying to download the software caused an error in the company’s website.

Windows 7 beta was supposed to be available for download on Friday but to only 2.5 million users. However, because there was so much demand for the software and many people rushed to get a copy of it, the company’s website was not able to accommodate the downloads.

Users who tried to access Microsoft’s website were greeted by blank web pages or by error messages. This prompted Microsoft to delay the release by one day and to lift the 2.5 million download limit.

Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communication manager wrote this in the official Microsoft blog:

“Due to an enormous surge in demand, the download experience was not ideal so we listened and took the necessary steps to ensure a good experience. We have clearly heard that many of you want to check out the Windows 7 Beta and, as a result, we have decided remove the initial 2.5 million limit on the public beta for the next two weeks (thru January 24th). During that time you will have access to the beta even if the download number exceeds the 2.5 million unit limit.“

Microsoft announced that Windows 7 will be officially released on January 2010.