Windows 8 build 7959 - First 64-bit leak

A few days ago a 64-bit Windows Server 8 build was leaked onto the internet and a number of you have been firing questions at me regarding this build.

Check out the Windows 8 build 7959 image gallery here!

OK, first a recap. This build (build 7979, with a compile date of March 7th, 2011) is the third Windows 8 build to leak (the previous builds were 7850 compiled September 10th, 2010 and build 7955, a much fresher build compiled on February 28th, 2011). This is the first 64-bit version to leak, and it also the first 'Server' version to leak.

Now, on first install there's not much new to see in any of these builds, which is why folks (such as the industrious folks over on MyDigitalLife) have been hard at work figuring out how to unlock some of the hidden features contained in these releases. For example, in build 7955 there are tools and scripts available for unlocking all sorts of hidden features, ranging from the new Ribbon UI, PDF reader, Metro UI logon to a new Task Manager.

There's lots of new stuff to play with in build 7955. So you'd think that there would be more to play with with, right? Well ... it's not that simple.

Because this latest build is a 64-bit release, and a server release at that, many of the tools and tricks don't work on this latest build. What's more, this build seems to lack some of the features of the 7955 build, making it only of interest to those wanting to play with 64-bit Windows.

Bottom line, thise latest leak is nowhere near as interesting as the previous leak. That said, roll on next leak!

... and no one ask me how to acquire these builds ... if you don't know, you're not supposed to have them!