Microsoft lifts Windows 7 beta download limit after technical problems

Microsoft has lifted the limit on downloading the beta of Windows 7 after a surge in demand caused problems for some users trying to download the software.

Windows 7 manager Brandon LeBlanc said on a Microsoft blog on Saturday evening, "I know many of you have had issues with the Windows 7 Beta site over the last 24 hours.

"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 to remove the initial 2.5 million limit on the public beta for the next two weeks (until 24 January)."

He said, "During that time you will have access to the beta even if the download number exceeds the 2.5 million unit limit."

Windows 7 will be commercially available by January 2010, Microsoft said.