Windows 7 build 6956

Windows 7 build 6956 is a pre-beta build of Windows 7. This build was shared as an x86 Ultimate compile on 4 December 2008 and is currently the last leaked build before the official beta release. It was originally made available as a VHD which can be installed using the WinPE of build 6801. This build, as well as other ensuing builds up to build 7022, has hidden features in Internet Explorer 8 that can only be unlocked via apps such as Bluepill.

This build has been mislabeled as build 6965 in multiple sources, including ZDNet, which has posted a few screenshots of build 6956 with the article name mislabeled.

Changes

 * The Superbar once again has minor appearance changes, including a more-bluish accent and less-appearing outlines around places such as the Start orb.
 * Many features - such as the desktop slideshow - are now enabled by default, leaving the only features locked behind Redpill being a few changes in Internet Explorer 8.
 * The places bar of the legacy Common File Dialog seems to be disabled by default like in build 6910.
 * When changing themes, the Login sound is played instead of the Tada sound.
 * UAC now shows a background again.

Upgrade

 * It is not possible to upgrade to 6956 with the current leak, this is due to the leak using 6801's files for setup. However, this can be fixed by replacing install.wim from build 7000.


 * Upgrading to this build will result in an additional Windows Media Player icon being placed on the Superbar if there is only 1 or 2 Windows Media Player icons prior to the upgrade.
 * Upgrading will result in a.