Windows Vista RC2 Build 5744

Thank you for your interest in Windows Vista.

This page includes information to help you download Windows Vista RC2, a new test build. This build (5744) has a number of improvements and updates from previous builds, and has been through daily testing processes to refine quality and performance. We are making this release available for a limited time only (and only by download) in order to get broad distribution and testing in a variety of PC configurations. Please note: This build may not have the same level of support or servicing via Windows Update as RC1, and you may not be able to upgrade from this build to the final version of Windows Vista. To continue, please use the links below to start the download. Otherwise, please click here to access the download for Windows Vista RC1 (build 5600).

Once you complete the download you must burn the ISO file to a DVD. If you don’t know if your DVD-burning software will support burning an ISO file, please refer to your DVD-burning software program and search Help for instructions on creating a disc from an ISO file. Additional instructions can be found on the Customer Preview Program website.

To use the Akamai Download Manager Microsoft has partnered with Akamai Technologies to provide a Download Manager to help you get the ISO file for Windows Vista RC2. This Akamai Download Manager lets you pause, resume, and stop the download of the file. It will also automatically restart the download if the process is temporarily interrupted. Due to the size of the download we strongly recommend you use the Akamai Download Manager. You may be prompted to accept a signed ActiveX control or Java™ applet in your browser. These have been signed by "Akamai Technologies, Inc." and verified by VeriSign, Inc. Please accept to install the Download Manager. (Additional details are included below.) Use these links to download using the Download Manager (recommended): • Windows Vista RC2, English 32-Bit Edition • Windows Vista RC2, English 64-Bit Edition

To use your browser Use these links to access Windows Vista RC2 with your browser: • Windows Vista RC2, English 32-Bit Edition • Windows Vista RC2, English 64-Bit Edition

Signatures of the ISO files:
32-Bit   
  MD5 hash: 83cee5f1642d094670147c5350c57762
  SHA1 hash: 067CA4F94D001DE6276F08F76EF0780592B64BFD
64-Bit
  MD5 hash: 23b213d7342b2e957b3db1d98c0ee3e6
  SHA1 hash: 5D8C4BCEE51F6912801800E534F6DB5A22F654AE

Using the Download Manager with Internet Explorer

Here is the experience you may see when using Internet Explorer and when you have ActiveX controls enabled. In this case, please choose "Yes" to allow the use of the Akamai Download Manager. If you are using the Information Bar in Internet Explorer (Windows XP SP2) you will see this message at the top of your web browser:

Click on the Information Bar and select “Install ActiveX Control…”

You will be prompted to install the Download Manager software from Akamai Technologies, Inc. Please choose "Install" to proceed.

If you are running Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6.0, the dialog box will look like this:

If you have set Internet Explorer to disable signed ActiveX controls, you will need to either re-enable ActiveX controls or use the link above to access the download directly using your own download manager. Because the download is very large, we recommend that you use the Akamai Download Manager.

Using the Download Manager with other browsers

For browsers that do not support ActiveX controls but do support Java applets, you will see pop-ups similar to the ones below. For recently installed Java versions, please choose "Run" when asked if you wish to run the application whose digital signature has been verified.

If you have an older version of the Java runtime installed you may see the following screen. Please choose “Yes” when prompted if you trust the signed applet: