Note
Release Details
Release Date: May 23, 2006
Build Number: 5384.4 (6.0.5384.4.winmain_beta2.060518-1455)
Distribution: Made available to the public through the Customer Preview Program (CPP), and later widely downloadable starting June 6, 20061.
Languages Available: English, German, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese1.
Editions Included: Starter, Home Basic (N), Home Premium, Business (N), Enterprise, and Ultimate
Installation & Access
Users could download a 3.5GB ISO for x86 or a 4.4GB ISO for x64, or order a DVD2.
Microsoft emphasized that Beta 2 was not suitable for production environments, recommending installation on secondary machines due to potential instability and compatibility issues2.
Features & Interface
Introduced the Aero Glass UI, a major visual overhaul with translucent window effects.
Included new applications like Windows Calendar, Windows Photo Gallery, and Windows Mail.
Enhanced User Account Control (UAC) for improved security.
Revamped Welcome Center, Start Menu, and Control Panel.
Improved networking and power management features1.
Known Issues
Some setup errors during hardware configuration.
Incomplete translations in non-English versions, especially in Windows Mail.
Risk of corrupted user profiles during upgrade from Windows XP2.