Here is the upcoming Release Schedule for the upcoming Windows Vista Beta and Community Technology Preview Releases. This article will be updated accordingly as new information is available! I've turned this release schedule into a "timeline" format to make it easier to read.
Windows Vista Beta 1
Release Date: July 27th, 2005
Build: 5112
Notes: First Official Beta of the next Windows operating system originally code-named "Longhorn".
Windows Vista September 2005 CTP
Release Date: September 13th, 2005
Build: 5219
Notes: Released at PDC 2005.
Windows Vista October 2005 CTP
Release Date: October 17th, 2005
Build: 5231
Click here to view my Release Notes
Windows Vista November 2005 CTP
Release Date: Cancelled
TAP Members received Build 5259 - but has reported to be quite unstable.
Microsoft announced it plans to back away from scheduled monthly CTP releases.
Windows Vista December 2005 CTP
Release Data: December 16th, 2005
Build: 5270
Windows Vista February 2006 CTP
Release Date: February 22nd, 2006
Build: 5308
Notes: Targeted for the Business / Enterprise Environment. First Milestone for Windows Vista in 2006.
Released different SKU's for this CTP: Ultimate, Home Premium, Home Basic, and Business.
Windows Vista March Interim Build
Release Date: March 24th, 2006
Build: 5342
Notes: Released out of schedule and is not a CTP.
Interim Build showcases bug fixes made from bugs reported from Build 5308.
Windows Vista April Interim Build
Release Date: April 22nd
Build: 5365
Notes: Released out of schedule and is not a CTP.
This Interim Build showcases several major improvements to UAC, as well as UI refinement as we get closer to Beta 2.
Windows Vista May Interim Build (Current Build)
Release Date: May 5th
Build: 5381
Notes: Released out of schedule and is not a CTP.
Windows Vista Beta 2 Second Quater CTP
Release Date: Expected sometime between April and June
Targeted for a much broader general consumer release with a Customer Preview Program.
Build: TBA
Current Technical Beta Testing Build is HIGHLIGHTED in Red.
Article Last Updated on: May 6th, 2006