Windows 7 Download Cap Removed

Concerned you may have waited too long to download Microsoft's Windows 7 public beta and missed the boat? Don't be. Following a deluge of download requests that initially took out Microsoft's servers forcing the company to temporarily halt downloads, Microsoft now says it has removed the 2.5 million download limit originally put in place.

"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," wrote Brandon LeBlanc, a Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, on The Windows Blog. "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 hasn't said how many users have already downloaded Windows 7, but according to Net Applications, IE8 beta 2, which is included in Windows 7 beta, spiked from .82 percent on Friday to .98 percent on Saturday, and then 1.01 percent on Sunday, setting a new record level for the browser.

If you haven't already, you can download the Windows 7 beta here.

Image Credit: ArsTechnica