Windows 8 code is finished, with the OS now shipping to PC makers, Microsoft has said.

Microsoft previously said the RTM edition would land in the first week of August, ahead of the official launch 26 October.

Windows president Steven Sinofsky said the Developer, Consumer, and Release Previews are the most tested Microsoft betas yet. "Over 16 million PCs actively participated in these programs, including approximately seven million on the Release Preview that started eight weeks ago," he said. "The depth and breadth of testing validate the readiness of Windows 8 for the market."

Windows Server 2012 has also been sent out to manufacturers, but it wasn't clear if the final version of Windows RT had also been released, or if was only the x86 edition.

The release to manufacturing milestone comes as the Windows Store is open for uploads - but only for those on the RTM edition of Windows 8.

"On 15 August, we’ll be making the build available to MSDN subscribers and we’ll have a trial version available via TechNet," said Ted Dworkin, Partner Program Manager for the Store, advising developers to keep working with the Release Preview until then.

Windows 8: when you can get it
15 August - MSDN and TechNet subscribers
16 August - Microsoft Software Assurance customers, via the Volume License Service Centre, as well as Microsoft Partner Network members
20 August - Microsoft Action Pack Providers
1 September - Volume License customers without Software Assurance, via resellers
26 October - General availability

Microsoft said release dates for other programmes would be announced soon.pcpro