Windows 7 Editions Features Comparison
Microsoft has published the Windows 7 SKU or product editions that will be available to end-users. In Windows 7 operating system, higher version (more expensive) of Windows 7 OS automatically includes all features of lower edition (cheaper version). Refer to the Windows 7 – Compare Editions chart below for a list of features for each editions of Windows 7.
Windows 7 Editions Comparison
| Windows 7 Starter (limited distribution) | Windows 7 Home Basic (emerging market only) | Windows 7 Home Premium | Windows 7 Professional | Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate | |
| Broad application and device compatibility with up to three concurrent applications. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safe, reliable, and supported. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Improved taskbar and JumpLists | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and Internet connection sharing). | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobility Center is included. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation. | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices. | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Windows Media Center | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Improved media format support, enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To. | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition. | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Domain Join enables simple and secure server networking. | Yes | Yes | |||
| Encrypting File System protects data with advanced network backup. | Yes | Yes | |||
| Location Aware Printing helps find the right printer when moving between the office and home. | Yes | Yes | |||
| Remote Desktop Host | Yes | Yes | |||
| BitLocker prevent loss or theft of data. | Yes | ||||
| BitLocker To Go protects data on removable devices. | Yes | ||||
| DirectAccess links users to corporate resources from the road without a virtual private network (VPN). | Yes | ||||
| BranchCache makes if faster to open files and Web pages from a branch office. | Yes | ||||
| AppLocker easily restricts unauthorized software and enables greater security. | Yes | ||||
| MUI multiple languages support. | Yes | ||||
| Boot from VHD disk image. | Yes | ||||
| Maximum running applications | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Note that Windows 7 Ultimate includes all Windows 7 Enterprise, including multi-language packs (MUI), and is available for upgrade or retain channel. Also the Windows 7 comparison chart above lists functions that relate to a preliminary version of a software product, and thus is subject to change prior to the commercial release. Accordingly, the description and information may vary from the final retail version of the software product.
Microsoft also publishes a general product features comparison for Windows 7 at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare-editions.
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August 17th, 2009 01:32
I understand limiting features for Win 7 Starter as it is targeted for netbooks but a 3 application limit? Wow…I would take linux on a netbook over that. My daughter has XP Home on her netbook and that is what will stay on it.
July 23rd, 2009 16:09
[...] out the full feature comparison chart for all Windows 7 editions. The pricing for Windows 7 is not determined yet, but there is an uncomfirmed unofficial price list [...]
July 23rd, 2009 15:50
[...] to Windows 7 features comparison between editions chart to know the differences between functions and features available in different editions of Windows [...]
February 12th, 2009 20:46
[...] una tabella, stilata da MyDigitalLife, che illustra le varie funzioni di ogni edizione di Windows [...]
February 11th, 2009 17:00
[...] Via | My Digital Life [...]
February 7th, 2009 20:20
So, instead of charging less to the Chinese outback, you tell them they’re to poor for the good stuff and they all learn Linux during the next 3 years.
Capitalist Genius’ at work. Oh, and morally bankrupt too.
February 7th, 2009 17:44
Wtf is “Safe, reliable, and supported”
What means “Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices- NONE”???
That thing is total crap^^