Windows 7 confirmed for 22 October

Microsoft has finally confirmed the date we'll be able to get our hands on Windows 7, and made Vista haters everywhere happy once more.

The official shelf date is set for 22 October, with senior vice president for Windows Bill Veghte saying he felt "confident" that the company could deliver by then.

This is not a complete surprise – Acer UK's head Bobby Watkins accidentally outed the launch in April by confirming a new computer would hit shelves on 23 October, complete with the new OS. Oops.

This of course means Microsoft will be on the money for Christmas, but will miss a lot of the back to school rush.

However, the Guardian notes that previous experience suggests anyone buying a Vista PC a month before the official launch will get a free copy of Windows 7, earlier than the shelf date.

We'll keep you updated on all of the Windows 7 news – let us know if you're looking forward to the new OS below.