Though Microsoft has included a more complete version than past developer preview releases, the company stressed that Beta 1 is not aimed at the masses.

"Beta 1 is not what I would call deeply interesting, unless you are a real bithead," Windows chief Jim Allchin said in an interview. "This beta isn't really for even tech enthusiasts. This beta is to test out some of the capabilities that we've got, if you will, in the plumbing."