Technology: Windows 8 Early Build Leak

Microsoft deciding to release early code to trusted partners is always going to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows for valuable feedback and bug identification on software before it gets released to consumers and business users alike, on the other, it’s an opportunity for the less scrupulous among us to share that early code with everyone.

Windows 8 is no exception to this rule. A day after screenshots of the Windows App Store leaked, it seems a complete early build of the operating has now been released. The version that has appeared for download is an ISO carrying the name 6.1.7850.0.winmain_win8m1.100922-1508_x86fre_client-enterprise_en-us. It’s a 2.45GB download suggesting this is a full OS release, although it's suspect that much of the code will be Windows 7 with features from 8 being used on top of that base. The screenshots that have appeared backup that suspicion with the system information identifying it as Windows 7 Enterprise.

A leaked series of Windows 8 presentations offers insight not just into what Microsoft wants to accomplish with Windows 8 but also how it plans to go about developing the next Windows.
The company appears to be following much the same blueprint it did with Windows 7 - talking early with computer makers but saying next to nothing publicly until the company is sure what it will be able to deliver. Of course, the leaked documents have thrown a bit of a wrench in that plan.

Shhh.. Let's not leak our hard work!

I doubt Microsoft will be too concerned about this leak as the version is not really Windows 8. It’s Windows 7 in transition and probably has a lot of broken elements. I would also be surprised if there isn’t some security checking in there blocking important updates or eventually turning off functionality.

Microsoft did a great job of sharing Windows 7 in the run up to its release. I am hoping it does the same with Windows 8. That way these leaked builds become pointless as an official preview version is available instead. Microsoft also benefits from their use as it helps identify problems and get them fixed pre-launch.

I figure that Microsoft had every intent for this to get out, much in the same way that they did with Windows Vista. You may remember some years ago hearing about Longhorn. Well, this is essentially what became Vista, which was notably different from the final release. Windows 8 will likely be the same way, since it still seems fairly early in Window 7's lifespan to be hyping a new version of their OS.