Now Available: Windows Thin PC

Microsoft announces today that Windows Thin PC is now generally available. As you may recall, Windows Thin PC is a new, locked-down version of Windows 7 aimed at enterprises that wish to repurpose aging PCs as thin clients. (I published a screenshot gallery of the RC version back in early May.)

"I am excited to say that Windows Thin PC is now generally available to our Software Assurance customers for download from the Microsoft Volume Licensing site," Microsoft's Karri Alexion-Tiernan wrote in a blog post announcing the release. "Windows Thin PC enables IT with an enterprise ready platform to provide end users with an excellent thin client experience through the many unique features offered on their repurposed PCs. Some of these features include Remote FX support, write filters, BitLocker and AppLocker, and FEP support, which makes it possible to use a common set of malware protection tools for your desktops and thin clients."

If you are not a Software Assurance (SA) customer but would still like to try out Windows Thin PC, Microsoft provides the following list of possibilities:

1. You can download the 90 day evaluation copy that can be accessed via the Windows Thin PC home page.

2. If you are a subscriber to our MSDN and TechNet programs you can also get the full copy of the product through your subscription.

3. If you are part of the silver and gold partners in the MPN program you have access to the full product as part of the desktop and virtualization competencies.

4. You can get SA on your PCs by either subscribing to Windows Intune or Windows VDA. Both these subscriptions include SA benefits, including the right to Windows Thin PC.