Microsoft to sell Windows 7 in Europe without browser and Media Center

Microsoft does not intend to ship Internet Explorer with Windows 7 in Europe. Microsoft explained in a blog post that this move was made to comply with European competition law. The European Commission views Internet Explorer’s bundling with Windows as a violation of competition law in Europe.

A confidential memo received from Microsoft by CNet confirmed Microsoft’s move to remove the browser. It also indicated that PC manufacturers will have the option to add Internet Explorer 8 back in, or to ship Windows 7 with any combination of web browsers to their liking. This is an excerpt from the official memo:

To ensure that Microsoft is in compliance with European law, Microsoft will be releasing a separate version of Windows 7 for distribution in Europe that will not include Windows Internet Explorer. Microsoft will offer IE8 separately and free of charge and will make it easy and convenient for PC manufacturers to preinstall IE 8 on Windows 7 machines in Europe if they so choose. PC manufacturers may choose to install an alternative browser instead of IE 8, and has always been the case, they may install multiple browsers if they wish.

Microsoft also hinted to the future possibility of a ballot screen that will allow users to choose from a specific set of web browsers.

Our decision to only offer IE separately from Windows 7 in Europe cannot, of course, preclude the possibility of alternative approaches emerging through Commission processes.  Other alternatives have been raised in the Commission proceedings, including possible inclusion in Windows 7 of alternative browsers or a “ballot screen” that would prompt users to choose from a specific set of Web browsers.  Important details of these approaches would need to be worked out in coordination with the Commission, since they would have a significant impact on computer manufacturers and Web browser vendors, whose interests may differ.

Windows 7 editions in Europe will have an E at the end, for example, Windows 7 Home Premium E. Windows 7 in Europe will have the same functionality and features as any other corresponding edition around the globe, with the exception of the web browser.

Windows 7 editions that have Windows Media Center removed will have an N at the end of its name. Again, this is to comply with European competitive law. This move only affects member countries of the European Economic Area including Switzerland and Croatia.

What are your thoughts on the antitrust issue between the European Commission and Microsoft? Do you think Microsoft is being anti-competitive with its bundling? Let us know in the comments.

Related posts:

1. A look at Windows 7 Media Center This post was written by Guest Writer Azhar from Geeyk.com. Please take your time…
2. How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 in Windows 7 (almost) Windows 7 now has the ability to “uninstall” Internet Explorer 8. This decision was most…

. Read the rest at windows7center.com.