Windows 7 editions

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Windows 7

Windows 7 is available in six different editions, but only Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate are widely available at retail.[1] The other editions focus on other markets, such as the developing world or enterprise use. All editions support the 32-bit (IA-32) processor architecture and all editions except Starter support the 64-bit (x86-64) processor architecture (64-bit installation media is not included in Home Basic edition, but can be obtained from Microsoft).

According to Microsoft, the features for all editions of Windows 7 are stored on the machine, regardless of what edition is in use.[2] Users who wish to upgrade to an edition of Windows 7 with more features can then use Windows Anytime Upgrade to purchase the upgrade and to unlock the features of those editions.[3][2][1] Microsoft announced Windows 7 pricing information for some editions on June 25, 2009, and Windows Anytime Upgrade and Family Pack pricing on July 31, 2009.[1][4][5]

Main editions

Windows 7 Starter
Windows 7 Starter is the edition of Windows 7 that contains the fewest features. Windows 7 Starter is only available in a 32-bit version. The Windows Aero theme is not included in this version. The desktop wallpaper and Visual Styles (Windows 7 Basic) are not user-changeable. Microsoft originally intended to restrict the edition to running 3 simultaneous applications but this limitation was dropped.[6]
This edition is available pre-installed on computers, especially netbooks, through system integrators or computer manufacturers using OEM licenses.[1][7][8]
Windows 7 Home Basic
Windows 7 Home Basic is available in emerging markets such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the People's Republic of China, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, and Turkey.[1] It is not available in developed technology markets countries including in Western and Central Europe, North America, Hong Kong, Australia and Saudi Arabia.[1] Some Aero options are excluded along with several new features.[1] Home Basic, along with other editions sold in emerging markets, include geographical activation restriction, which requires users to activate Windows within a certain region or country.[9]
Windows 7 Home Premium
This edition contains features aimed at the home market segment, such as Windows Media Center, Windows Aero and multi-touch support.[10]
Windows 7 Professional
This edition is targeted towards enthusiasts and small-business users.[1] It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, and adds the ability to participate in a Windows Server domain.[1] Additional features include operating as a Remote Desktop server, location aware printing, Encrypting File System, Presentation Mode, Software Restriction Policies (but not the extra management features of AppLocker) and Windows XP Mode.[1] Like Enterprise, Microsoft will support this edition until 2020.
Windows 7 Enterprise
This edition targets the enterprise segment of the market and is sold through volume licensing to companies which have a Software Assurance contract with Microsoft.[1] Additional features include support for Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packages, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and UNIX application support.[1] Not available through retail or OEM channels, this edition is distributed through Microsoft Software Assurance (SA).[1] As a result it includes several SA-only benefits, including a license allowing the operating of diskless nodes (diskless PCs), the running of multiple virtual machines, and activation via VLK.[11] Like Professional, Microsoft will support this edition until 2020.
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows 7 Ultimate contains all of the same features as Windows 7 Enterprise, but unlike the Enterprise edition, it is available to home users on an individual license basis.[1] Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional users are able to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate for a fee using Windows Anytime Upgrade if they wish to do so.[1] Unlike Windows Vista Ultimate, the Windows 7 Ultimate edition does not include the Windows Ultimate Extras feature or any exclusive features as Microsoft had stated.[1] However, even though it is the consumer equivalent to Enterprise, like Home Premium, Microsoft will only support Ultimate until 2015.
Windows Thin PC
File:Windows Thin PC.png
Windows Thin PC Community Technology Preview (CTP)
On February 9, 2011, Microsoft announced Windows Thin PC, a derivative of Windows 7 designed as a lightweight version used only in thin-client scenarios. Microsoft announced that it is expected to become available during early 2011.[12] A Community Technology Preview (CTP) version was released publicly on March 28 through their Connect website.[13] On May 2, a Release Candidate (RC) was made available on their website.

Sub-editions

N and KN editions
The features in the N and KN Editions are the same as their equivalent full versions, but do not include Windows Media Player or other Windows Media-related technologies, such as Windows Media Center and Windows DVD Maker.[14] The cost of the N and KN Editions are the same as the full versions, as the Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N or Windows 7 KN can be downloaded without charge from Microsoft.[15]
VL builds
VL builds work with VLKs (volume license keys). Volume license keys can be used to activate multiple installations of the software without any mechanism (such as a product activation mechanism) checking the total number of installations. The license for the software will place restrictions on the use of the key. Typically the license will limit the key to a fixed number of installations which must only be within the licensee's organization and also place the licensee under an obligation to keep a record of the number of installations, keep the key confidential and possibly even require that the licensee organization makes itself available for a software licensing audit to verify that its use of the key is within the terms of the license.

Upgrade editions

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 can be upgraded to Windows 7 with an in-place upgrade if the processor architecture, comparable edition, and language version are the same.[3][1][16] Windows XP can only be upgraded to Windows 7 via a clean install.[3][1][17][18] However, in some countries, Microsoft has recommended a clean install regardless of whether going from XP or Vista, with reasoning which has not been made clear.[19]

Standard upgrade editions

Windows 7 supports upgrading from an applicable version of XP and Vista to an applicable version of Windows 7 via Upgrade Editions, however there is no direct way to upgrade from Windows XP. Users can upgrade to Vista first then to Windows 7 or use Windows Easy Transfer to collect data and settings from installed programs, install Windows 7 then install their program data and settings from Windows Easy Transfer, then re-install all their programs. Not all programs will install if they don't support Windows 7. The latter method does a fresh install of Windows 7 so all software needs to be re-installed. If the original hardware is kept, suitable drivers will need to be found. The options mean that users can update freely from any previous version to any of the new three retail editions of Windows 7: Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate (plus in Europe, and possibly South Korea, these Upgrade Editions also come in optional N versions). Discounted upgrade pricing is only available to current users of genuine copies XP or Vista.[20]

Standard upgrade editions (Family Packs)

Windows 7 is available as an Upgrade Family Pack edition in certain markets, to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium only. It gives licenses to upgrade three machines from Vista or Windows XP to the Windows 7 Home Premium edition. These are not full versions, so each machine to be upgraded must have one of these qualifying previous versions of Windows for them to work.[21] In the United States, this offer was discontinued in early December 2009.[22] Microsoft has since announced it will resume availability of Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack which will be available starting October 3rd 2010 for a limited time while supplies last.[23]

Upgrade Compatibility

7 Home Premium 7 Professional 7 Ultimate
Vista Home Basic
Vista Home Premium
Vista Business
Vista Ultimate
XP

Key:

  In-place installation option available.
  Requires clean install.

Earlier versions of Windows are not eligible to be upgraded to Windows 7 in this way.

Anytime Upgrade editions

Windows 7 also supports in-place upgrades from a lower edition of Windows 7 to a higher one using the Windows Anytime Upgrade tool.[1] There are currently three retail options available (though it is currently unclear whether they can be used with previous installations of the N versions).[24] Currently, there are no plans for family pack versions of the Anytime Upgrade editions. It is possible to use the Product Key from a Standard upgrade edition to accomplish an in-place upgrade (e.g. Home Premium to Ultimate).[25][26]

  • Starter to Home Premium.
  • Starter to Professional1.
  • Starter to Ultimate1.
  • Home Premium to Professional.
  • Home Premium to Ultimate.
  • Professional to Ultimate1.

1Not available in retail, only at the Microsoft Store

Embedded versions

Windows 7 is also currently available as an embedded version to developers, named as Windows 7 Embedded Standard (previously known as Windows Embedded 2011).[27]

Comparison chart

Windows 7 Edition comparison chart[1][3][28][29][4][11][17][30]
Features Starter Home Basic Home Premium Professional Enterprise Ultimate
OEM licensing Retail and OEM licensing in Emerging markets Retail and OEM licensing Retail, OEM and Volume licensing[31] Volume licensing[31] Retail and OEM licensing
End of Support[32] January 13, 2015;
9 years ago (2015-01-13)		 January 13, 2015;
9 years ago (2015-01-13)		 January 13, 2015;
9 years ago (2015-01-13)		 January 14, 2020;
4 years ago (2020-01-14)		 January 14, 2020;
4 years ago (2020-01-14)		 January 13, 2015;
9 years ago (2015-01-13)
Maximum physical memory (RAM) (64-bit)[33] — 8 GB 16 GB 192 GB 192 GB 192 GB
Maximum physical memory (RAM) (32-bit)[33] 2 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB
32-bit and 64-bit versions 32-bit only Both[34] (64-bit disc not included) Both Both Both Both
Maximum physical CPUs supported[35] 1 1 1 2 2 2
Backup and Restore Center[36] Cannot back up to network (Backup to network and local hard disk, restore) Cannot back up to network Cannot back up to network Yes Yes Yes
Remote Desktop (Client and Host) Client only Client only Client only Yes Yes Yes
HomeGroup (create and join) Join only Join only Yes Yes Yes Yes
Built-in DVD (MPEG-2 and Dolby Digital) decoders[37] No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Multiple monitors No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color depth — 32-bit 32-bit 32-bit 32-bit 32-bit
Fast user switching No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Desktop Window Manager No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Windows Mobility Center No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Printing via Internet (IPP) No[38] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Internet connection sharing No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Windows Aero No Partial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Multi-Touch No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Premium Games Included No No Yes Not installed by default Not installed by default Yes
Windows Media Center No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Windows Media Player Remote Media Experience[39] No No Yes[40] Yes[40] Yes[40] Yes[40]
Dynamic Disks[41] No No No Yes Yes Yes
Encrypting File System No No No Yes Yes Yes
Location Aware Printing No No No Yes Yes Yes
Presentation Mode No No No Yes Yes Yes
Group Policy[42] No No No Yes Yes Yes
Offline Files and Folder redirection[42] No No No Yes Yes Yes
Windows Server domain joining No No No Yes Yes Yes
Windows XP Mode[43] No No No Yes Yes Yes
Software Restriction Policies No No No Yes Yes Yes
Aero glass remoting[44][45] No No No No Yes Yes
Windows Media Player multimedia redirection[45] No No No No Yes[40] Yes[40]
Audio recording over Terminal Services[45] No No No No Yes Yes
Multi-display Terminal Services[45] No No No No Yes Yes
Enterprise Search Scopes[42]: 130  No No No No Yes Yes
Federated Search[46] No No No No Yes Yes
AppLocker No No No Create Policies, But Cannot Enforce Create and Enforce Policies Create and Enforce Policies
BitLocker Drive Encryption No No No No Yes Yes
BranchCache Distributed Cache No No No No Yes Yes
DirectAccess No No No No Yes Yes
Subsystem for Unix-based Applications No No No No Yes Yes
Multilingual User Interface Pack No No No No Yes Yes
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Enhancements[42]: 130  No No No No Yes Yes
Virtual Hard Disk Booting No No No No Yes Yes
Starter Home Basic Home Premium Professional Enterprise Ultimate

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t "All Windows 7 Versions—What You Need to Know". ExtremeTech. February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  2. ^ a b LeBlanc, Brandon (February 9, 2009). "A closer look at the Windows 7 SKUs". Windows Team Blog. Microsoft. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d Thurrott, Paul (February 3, 2009). "Windows 7 Product Editions". Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  4. ^ a b "Microsoft unveils 'screaming deals' for Windows 7". ZDNet. June 25, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2009.
  5. ^ "Windows Anytime Upgrade and Family Pack Pricing". Microsoft. July 31, 2009. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  6. ^ Keizer, Gregg (May 29, 2009). "Microsoft kills Windows 7 Starter's 3-app limit". Computer World.
  7. ^ "Windows 7 Wins on Netbook PCs". Microsoft. February 3, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  8. ^ "Microsoft forbids changes to Windows 7 netbook wallpaper". The Register. June 19, 2009. Retrieved October 22, 2009.
  9. ^ "How to Tell: Geographically Restricted Microsoft Software". Microsoft. Retrieved November 17, 2009.
  10. ^ "All Windows 7 Versions--What You Need to Know - Windows Home Premium". ExtremeTech. February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  11. ^ a b "Products: Windows 7 Enterprise". Microsoft. Retrieved April 2, 2009.
  12. ^ "Windows 7 Updates deliver more bang for your buck". Microsoft. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  13. ^ "Microsoft releases Windows Thin PC public test build". http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-releases-windows-thin-pc-public-test-build/9033. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  14. ^ "Description of the Windows Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N and for Windows 7 KN". Microsoft. November 10, 2009. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  15. ^ "Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N with Service Pack 1 and Windows 7 KN with Service Pack 1 (KB968211)". Microsoft. March 7, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  16. ^ "The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program Rev. 2.0". Tech ARP. February 10, 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
  17. ^ a b Foley, Mary-Jo (February 3, 2009). "Microsoft's Windows 7 line-up: The good, the bad and the ugly". ZDNet. Retrieved February 17, 2009.
  18. ^ Fiveash, Kelly (February 5, 2009). "Windows 7 'upgrade' doesn't mark XP spot". Channel Register. The Register. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
  19. ^ "Party with Windows 7 - Your PC with Windows 7 - easier, faster, safer". Microsoft. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  20. ^ "Microsoft Store UK - Windows 7". Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  21. ^ steam blog, dated 2009/07/31, accessed 2009-09-16.
  22. ^ Windows 7 Family Pack Discontinued
  23. ^ Family Pack returns in time for the Anniversary of Windows 7
  24. ^ "Windows Anytime Upgrades". Amazon. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  25. ^ "Ultimate steal - Windows 7 Premium ok for Windows 7 Starter?". Microsoft. February 2, 2010. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
  26. ^ "Windows 7 Student upgrade". Microsoft. December 20, 2009. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
  27. ^ "Windows Embedded Standard 7 Overview". Microsoft. Retrieved April 13, 2010.
  28. ^ "Windows 7 Editions - Features on Parade". Softpedia. February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  29. ^ "Windows 7: Which Edition is Right For You?". PCWorld. February 3, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  30. ^ Bott, Ed (June 3, 2009). "From Starter to Ultimate: What's really in each Windows 7 Edition?". ZDNet. Retrieved August 14, 2009.
  31. ^ a b Schuster, Gavriella (September 1, 2009). "Which Windows 7 Is Best for You?". Microsoft. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
  32. ^ "Support Lifecycle Index". Microsoft. March 12, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2010.
  33. ^ a b "Physical Memory Limits: Windows 7". Microsoft Developer Network. October 14, 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  34. ^ "Which Windows 7 Is Best for You?" (in Indonesian). Bhinneka Mentari Dimensi, PT. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
  35. ^ "Windows 7 System Requirements". Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  36. ^ Which one is right for you? - Microsoft Windows
  37. ^ Windows 7 Product Editions Overview
  38. ^ "Internet Printing client on Windows 7 Starter". Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  39. ^ Feature of Windows Media Player which enables the use and control of media libraries on other computers.
  40. ^ a b c d e f Windows 7 N Edition does not include Windows Media Player.
  41. ^ "You cannot select or format a hard disk partition when you try to install Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2". Microsoft. September 14, 2007. Retrieved December 17, 2009.
  42. ^ a b c d Windows 7 Product Guide
  43. ^ Windows Virtual PC including a complete copy of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 using Remote Desktop Protocol to display individual applications integrated with the host OS (Windows 7). Windows XP Mode is available as a free download from Microsoft.
  44. ^ Terminal services team (June 23, 2009). "Aero Glass Remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2". Microsoft. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  45. ^ a b c d Terminal Services Team (August 21, 2009). "Remote Desktop Connection 7 for Windows 7, Windows XP & Windows Vista". Microsoft. Retrieved October 27, 2009.
  46. ^ "Microsoft Windows Enterprise: Windows 7 Features". Microsoft. Retrieved November 24, 2009.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Windows_7_editions&oldid=429675768"