Windows 7 LogoMicrosoft 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 3Unlimited 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.