Windows 7 Editions Explained

Microsoft officially announced their lineup of Windows 7 SKUs today, and the media have been quick to criticize on it, dubbing it as another “nightmare” for consumers. This post is to clarify on how exactly these 6 editions of Windows 7 will affect you when you go out and purchase.

We’ve heard that Microsoft will be releasing 6 editions of Windows 7, but you will only be able to buy two of the 6 editions sold? Only Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional will be available on shelves when Microsoft releases Windows 7.

Microsoft says each version will contain all of the preceding versions’ features (i.e: Professional will contain all of Home Premium’s features.)

Each disk will contain all versions of Windows 7. This is supposed to make upgrading much easier. Windows 7 Ultimate will only be available as an add-on to Home Premium and Professional, which can be obtained through an online upgrade key.

Contrary to the rumors, there won’t be a netbook edition of Windows 7. The closest thing to that is the Starter Edition. Microsoft doesn’t offer any direct comments other than stating that Windows 7 currently runs well on netbooks.

Here’s a rundown of each of the Windows 7 SKUs specifically:

Windows 7 Starter Edition:

• Will only be offered pre-installed by an OEM on new PCs limited to specific types of hardware
• Only 3 simultaneous applications can be ran at a time
• Ability to join Home Group
• Improved taskbar abilities (Superbar) and Jumplists

Windows 7 Home Basic:

• Only available in emerging markets
• Missing Aero UI Tweaks

Windows 7 Home Premium:

• Available worldwide to OEMs and in retail
• Includes Aero UI Tweaks (Screen Docking, Windows Peeking, etc)
• Multi-touch capabilities
• Media capabilities (Media Center, Media Streaming)
• Handwriting Recognition

Windows 7 Professional:

• Available worldwide to OEMs and in retail
• Includes all features of Premium
• Enhanced networking abilities
• Backing up Data and Encrypting Data
• Data protection and advanced networking support
• Mobility Center

Windows 7 Enterprise:

• Not available in retail or by OEMs, only available through volume licensing
• Includes features of Professional
• Includes Advanced Data Protection and IT tools (Branch Cache, Bit Locker, AppLocker)
• Improved Remote Access (without the need of VPN with DirectAccess)

Windows 7 Ultimate:

• Offered only as an add-on to Home Premium or Professional
• Includes features from Enterprise

Looks like Microsoft did learn their lesson from what happened with Vista. We’ll have to wait for the pricing info to see if they listened to all our complaints.

Related posts:

1. Why you should thank Microsoft for six editions of Windows 7
2. More Windows 7 RC details revealed
3. Windows 7 Pricing Details Leaked (Rumor?)