August 1
Microsoft releases Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 to manufacturers. The company also releases Windows RT (also known as WinRT) to manufacturers, according to reports and sources. However, Microsoft has not officially confirmed if WinRT has shipped.
August 1
Microsoft announces the completion of the final builds of Visual Studio 2012 and .NET 4.5.
August 1
The Microsoft Windows Store is open for business.
August 15
Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 through their MSDN subscriptions. Developers also will be able to access the final versions of Visual Studio 2012 and .NET 4.5.
August 15
IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through their TechNet subscriptions.
August 16
Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing them to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within their organization.
August 16
Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
August 20
Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
September 1
Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.
September 4
Windows Server 2012 will be generally available for evaluation and purchase by all customers around the world. On that day, Microsoft will also host an online launch event where company executives, engineers, customers and partners will share more about how Windows Server 2012 can help organizations of all sizes realize the benefits of what the company calls Cloud OS.
September 12
Microsoft will officially launch Visual Studio 2012 via a live online event. For more information, please visit the Visual Studio launch site.
October 26
Windows 8 becomes generally available and will appear on vendor PCs.
October 26
Microsoft ships its first ARM-based Surface tablet PCs with Windows RT installed as the operating system.