On its site, Microsoft posted a note saying "The Windows 7 Beta is now available for download." The Windows 7 site lists a where the beta can be downloaded.

On Friday, Microsoft struggled to keep its Web site online as users overloaded the company's servers. Microsoft's main Web site and the download page the were often unreachable. At the keynote for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Wednesday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said Friday would be the date for beta rollout.

Company officials said activation keys for the code would be capped at 2.5 million, but users who try the beta after that limit is reached will be able to trial it for at least 30 days.