Microsoft has not said when it will offer an updated build of to the public, although , senior vice president in charge of the Windows engineering group, said late last month that the software will move directly from the current beta version to release candidate status.

In the past, Microsoft has run through multiple public betas of its operating systems before shipping a release candidate, the last step in the testing process.

The company did note that subscribers to the TechNet and Microsoft Developer Network services can continue to access the Windows 7 beta. The beta is set to expire Aug. 1, after which users must or reinstall an earlier Windows release.

This version of this story originally appeared in Computerworld 's print edition.