Build 7989 included an early version of the "Modern Task Manager." While not fully functional, you could see the death of the old Windows 7 Task Manager in progress. The tabs were renamed, and performance graphs had a flatter, more monochromatic design.

: This build featured an early version of the modern Task Manager, complete with tabs for Processes, Startup, and Performance Explorer Ribbon Interface : One of the first appearances of the within Windows Explorer. SMS Support

Have you run Windows 8 build 7989 on real hardware? Share your experience in the comments below.

It shows Microsoft aggressively killing the Windows 7 Aero aesthetic while internally preparing the Metro touch interface. It is historically important but requires third-party patching to see the famous Start Screen. Best experienced in a VM with Redpill applied.

To understand build 7989, you must understand Microsoft’s old engineering milestones. After Windows 7 shipped in 2009, work began on what was codenamed "Windows 8." The development was split into three major Milestones (M1, M2, M3) before entering the Beta phase.

Initially surfaced on file-sharing sites and forums like BetaArchive , Build 7989 was a 64-bit (x64) release. It became famous among "beta hunters" for containing a warning wallpaper from Microsoft, threatening employees with disciplinary action for leaking the software—a warning that clearly went unheeded. Key Features and User Interface

Reflecting Microsoft’s "Windows Everywhere" strategy, Build 7989 included early hooks for mobile and tablet functionality:

To understand the significance of Build 7989, one must understand the timeline. Windows 7 had been a resounding success, released in 2009. By 2010 and early 2011, Microsoft was deep in development on the next iteration, codenamed "Windows 8."

Disclaimer: This build is over a decade old. It contains security vulnerabilities and expired certificates. Do not use it as a primary OS.

This early Start Screen was rudimentary. It was not the polished grid of tiles seen in the final release. Instead, it was a scrollable list of applications pinned to a full-screen background. It lacked the "live" tile functionality and the smooth animations that would come later. It felt like a proof of concept bolted onto a traditional OS. This duality makes Build 7989 the ultimate "Frankenstein" build—it houses both the final iteration of the classic Start Menu and the embryonic version of the interface that would kill it.

Because this build was leaked from a system that had been "sysprepped" (system prepared), several features may appear broken upon installation:

About The Author

Bobby Balow

I'm an audio enthusiast, entrepreneur, and owner of Raytown Productions – an online mixing, mastering, and production studio. I love challenging artists and musicians to create art that is honest and resonates with others.

1 Comment

  1. Anne

    Gonna definitely give the cla NX version plug a try. Another mixing engineer I follow recommended the abbey road studio version. Maybe because it offers the surround sound capabilities. Waves is currently offering a NX version package that contains all of the nx plugins excluding the abbey road studios version for $79 USD. I think you’re spot on about those ambience settings on the cla nx plug. It would probably be better for to keep mine between 60-75% since I have enough reverb already baked into some of the samples I use. Seems like the cla nx plug would be useful in determining if you’re overdoing it with reverb too. I plan on turning off the effects on all of my tracks and redo them through the nx plugs. Good video.

    Reply

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I can help mix/master YOUR music!

Raytown Productions Offers Professional Online Album Mixing and Mastering Services
Get a Radio Ready Mix Fast.

Plugin Discounts!

SAVE ON WAVES PLUGINS

Waves Plugins Discount!
Raytown Productions Blog
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.