Evaluate the Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate today

Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate provides developers with the most secure, flexible and connected web and applications platform, reducing the time to craft high-performing, standards-compliant applications and make network services available remotely. Please review Windows Server 2008 system requirements and compare editions before you proceed. Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration.

Note: A Customer Technology Preview (CTP) version of Windows Server virtualization, a key feature of Windows Server 2008 is also included in this release as a part of the x64 editions. Please refer to the Windows Server virtualization page for more details on this.

 

Already Have a Product Key?

- You may use your existing product key from Windows Server 2008 Beta 2 or Windows Server 2008 Beta 3, or Windows Server 2008 RC0 to activate Windows Server 2008 RC1
- If you already have a product key, select an edition below and go straight to download without registering:

 

Don’t Have a Product Key? - Register for Optimal Evaluation Experience

- Receive a product key that allows you to extend the evaluation period until June 30, 2008*
- Receive access to technical resources specifically selected for IT Professionals to help guide you through the evaluation experience

Register to receive product key
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Additional information

Editions available for product key activation:

  • Windows Server® 2008 RC1 Standard (x86 and x64)
  • Windows Server® 2008 RC1 Enterprise (x86 and x64)
  • Windows Server® 2008 RC1 Datacenter (x86 and x64)
  • Windows® Web Server 2008 RC1 (x86 and x64)
  • Windows Server® 2008 RC1 for Itanium-based Systems

 

The Windows Server 2008 RC1 software is available for download in the following languages:

Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, and Web Server: English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish

Itanium-Based Systems: English, French, German, and Japanese

The Windows Server virtualization CTP is available only with English versions of Windows Server 2008 x64 editions.