Windows 7's official name to be Windows 7

Microsoft has made a decision about the name of its next operating system. For the first time in more than ten years, the software giant will use a number for the new version of a Windows operating system for consumers.

The last three versions of Windows had monikers like Vista, XP and Me but the new Windows will simply be called Windows 7:

The decision to use the name Windows 7 is about simplicity. Over the years, we have taken different approaches to naming Windows. We've used version numbers like Windows 3.11, or dates like Windows 98, or "aspirational" monikers like Windows XP or Windows Vista. And since we do not ship new versions of Windows every year, using a date did not make sense. Likewise, coming up with an all-new "aspirational" name does not do justice to what we are trying to achieve, which is to stay firmly rooted in our aspirations for Windows Vista, while evolving and refining the substantial investments in platform technology in Windows Vista into the next generation of Windows.

Simply put, this is the seventh release of Windows, so therefore "Windows 7" just makes sense.

More info about Windows 7 will be shared at Microsoft's PDC and WinHEC events later this month and in early November.

Source: Windows Vista Team Blog