In the fourth week of April (19-25) of 2009, Microsoft plans to release internal RC-escrow builds (not the same as the public RC) to a smaller group of testers. Then, in the last week of May, Microsoft plans to make a public Release Candidate available.

Microsoft has released an article detailing thirty-six of the biggest changes in the Windows 7 Release Candidate from the Beta version.

Starting February 24th, Windows 7 Beta users will see five test updates run through their Windows Update system.

Since the Windows team is planning for the Release Candidate, we can assume there will be no Beta #2 like there was for Windows Vista. That being said, it is fair to say we should see Windows 7 either Q3 or Q4 of this year.

Screenshots of the latest build of Microsoft’s Windows 7 Beta have been leaked to the internet through the website: PCBeta.com. The build version is “7025″ or “7025.0.x86fre.winmain.090120-1850″ and “7025.0.x64fre.winmain.090120-1850″ respectively for 32- and 64-bit.

In a post on the Windows Team Blog, Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications Manager, announced the extension of the Windows 7 Beta download period.