{{Short description|none}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Windows 7}} Windows 7, a major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system, has been released in several editions since its original release in 2009. Only Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate were widely available at retailers (with Enterprise being available for big businesses, companies etc.).<ref name="ExtremeTech">{{cite web|url=http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2340431,00.asp|title=All Windows 7 Versions—What You Need to Know|publisher=ExtremeTech|date=February 5, 2009|access-date=February 5, 2009|archive-date=February 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218221046/http://www.extremetech.com/computing/82542-all-windows-7-versionswhat-you-need-to-know|url-status=dead}}</ref> The other editions focus on other markets such as the software development world. All editions support 32-bit IA-32 CPUs and all editions except Starter support 64-bit x64 CPUs. 64-bit installation media are not included in Home-Basic edition packages, but can be obtained separately from Microsoft.

According to Microsoft, the features for all editions of Windows 7 are stored on the machine, regardless of which edition is in use.<ref name="closewindows7look">{{cite web | url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/02/04/a-closer-look-at-the-windows-7-skus.aspx | title = A closer look at the Windows 7 SKUs | last = LeBlanc | first = Brandon | date = February 9, 2009 | access-date =February 9, 2009 | work = Windows Team Blog | publisher = Microsoft}}</ref> Users who wish to upgrade to an edition of Windows 7 with more features were able to use Windows Anytime Upgrade to purchase the upgrade and to unlock the features of those editions, until it was discontinued in 2015.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /><ref name="closewindows7look" /><ref name="supersite">{{cite web|url=http://winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/windows-7-product-editions-overview | title = Windows 7 Product Editions | last = Thurrott | first = Paul | date = February 3, 2009 | access-date =February 3, 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /><ref name="Win7Pricing">{{cite web | url = http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1090 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090627121955/http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1090 | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 27, 2009 | title = Microsoft unveils 'screaming deals' for Windows 7 | publisher = ZDNet |date = June 25, 2009 | access-date =June 25, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/31/windows-anytime-upgrade-and-family-pack-pricing.aspx | title = Windows Anytime Upgrade and Family Pack Pricing | publisher = Microsoft | date = July 31, 2009 | access-date =July 31, 2009}}</ref>

Mainstream support for all Windows 7 editions ended on January 13, 2015, and extended support ended on January 14, 2020. After that, the operating system ceased receiving further support.<ref name="livecycle">{{cite web | url = http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?c2=14019 | title = Microsoft product support lifecycle information by product family: Windows 7 | publisher = Microsoft | access-date =January 28, 2020}}</ref> Professional and Enterprise volume licensed editions had paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) available until at most January 10, 2023.<ref name=ESU>{{Cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4497181/lifecycle-faq-extended-security-updates|title=Lifecycle FAQ-Extended Security Updates|quote=The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is a last resort option for customers who need to run certain legacy Microsoft products past the end of support.|website=support.microsoft.com|access-date=August 12, 2020}}</ref> Since October 31, 2013, Windows 7 is no longer available in retail, except for remaining stocks of the preinstalled Professional edition, which was officially discontinued on October 31, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet |title=Windows lifecycle fact sheet |website=support.microsoft.com}}</ref>

==Main editions== thumb|200px|Windows 7 Starter Desktop ; {{Visible anchor|Windows 7 Starter}} : Windows 7 Starter is the edition of Windows 7 that contains the fewest features. It was only available in a 32-bit version, does not include the Windows Aero theme, and the desktop wallpaper cannot be changed. It was initially intended to be restricted to running up to three simultaneous programs like previous Starter releases of Windows, however this was dropped in the final release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9133694/Microsoft_kills_Windows_7_Starter_s_3_app_limit|title=Microsoft kills Windows 7 Starter's 3-app limit|work=Computer World|date=May 29, 2009|first=Gregg|last=Keizer|access-date=December 6, 2010|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222140550/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9133694/Microsoft_kills_Windows_7_Starter_s_3_app_limit|url-status=dead}}</ref> It only supports up to 2 GB of RAM. : This edition was available pre-installed on computers, especially netbooks or Windows Tablets, through system integrators or computer manufacturers using OEM licenses.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /><ref name="presspass">{{cite web |url = http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2009/feb09/02-03NetbooksQA.mspx?rss_fdn=Top+Stories|title = Windows 7 Wins on Netbook PCs|publisher = Microsoft|date = February 3, 2009|access-date =February 3, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/19/oems_cant_brand_windows_7_starter_desktop/|title = Microsoft forbids changes to Windows 7 netbook wallpaper|publisher = The Register|date = June 19, 2009|access-date =October 22, 2009 }}</ref> ; {{Visible anchor|Windows 7 Home Basic}} : Windows 7 Home Basic was available in "emerging markets", in 141 countries.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hachman|first=Mark|title=The Windows 7 Versions: What You Need to Know|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2340365,00.asp|access-date=October 22, 2011|newspaper=PC Magazine|date=February 4, 2009|at=Windows 7 Home Basic|archive-date=April 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430112724/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2340365,00.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some Windows Aero options are excluded along with several new features.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> This edition was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions and supports up to 8&nbsp;GB of RAM. Home Basic, along with other editions sold in emerging markets, includes geographical activation restriction, which requires users to activate Windows within a certain region or country.<ref name="How to Tell">{{cite web | url = http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/geo/ | title = How to Tell: Geographically Restricted Microsoft Software | publisher = Microsoft | access-date =November 17, 2009}}</ref> ; {{Visible anchor|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. It supports up to 16&nbsp;GB of RAM and was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.<ref name="ExtremeTechHomePremium">{{cite web | url = http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2340434,00.asp | title = All Windows 7 Versions—What You Need to Know – Windows Home Premium | publisher = ExtremeTech | date = February 5, 2009 | access-date =February 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208110507/https://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2340434,00.asp |archive-date=2009-02-08}}</ref> ; {{Visible anchor|Windows 7 Professional}} : This edition is targeted towards enthusiasts, small-business users, and schools.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, and adds the ability to participate in a Windows Server domain.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> Additional features include support for up to 192&nbsp;GB of RAM (increased from 16&nbsp;GB),<ref name=ZDNet3>{{cite web|last=Bott|first=Ed|title=Do you need more than Windows 7 Home Premium?|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/do-you-need-more-than-windows-7-home-premium/|work=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 15, 2014}}</ref> up to two physical CPUs, operating as a Remote Desktop server, location aware printing, backup to a network location, Encrypting File System, Presentation Mode, Software Restriction Policies (but not the extra management features of AppLocker) and Windows XP Mode.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> It was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.<ref name="ExtremeTechHomePremium"/> ; {{Visible anchor|Windows 7 Enterprise}} : This edition targeted the enterprise segment of the market and was sold through volume licensing to companies which have a Software Assurance (SA) contract with Microsoft.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> Additional features include support for Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packages, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and UNIX application support.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> Not available through retail or OEM channels, this edition is distributed through SA.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> As a result, it includes several SA-only benefits, including a license allowing the operating of diskless nodes (diskless PCs) and activation via Volume License Key (VLK).<ref name="enterprise">{{cite web | url = https://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/products/windows-7-enterprise.aspx | title = Products: Windows 7 Enterprise | publisher = Microsoft | access-date =April 2, 2009}}</ref> ; {{Visible anchor|Windows 7 Ultimate}} : Windows 7 Ultimate is the edition of Windows 7 that contains the most features. It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional while also adding some additional enterprise-oriented features that were available on the SA-exclusive Windows 7 Enterprise, making it feature-complete with the latter; this edition was also available to home users on an individual license basis.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> If a Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional user wished to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate, they would be able to do so by using Windows Anytime Upgrade, for an additional fee. This service was still available for any users who wish to upgrade.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> Like Windows 7 Professional, it supports up to 192&nbsp;GB of RAM and up to two physical CPUs, and was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Unlike Windows Vista Ultimate, it does not include the Windows Ultimate Extras feature or any other exclusive features that Microsoft has stated.<ref name="ExtremeTech" />

==Special-purpose editions== The main editions also can take the form of one of the following special editions:

; {{visible anchor|N and KN 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 due to limitations set by the European Union and South Korea, respectively.<ref name="kb968211">{{cite web |url = http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968211|title = Description of the Windows Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N and for Windows 7 KN|publisher = Microsoft|date = November 10, 2009|access-date =April 24, 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref name="kb968211-download">{{cite web |url = http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=31017ed3-166a-4c75-b90c-a6cef9b414c4|title = Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N with Service Pack 1 and Windows 7 KN with Service Pack 1 (KB968211)|publisher = Microsoft|date = March 7, 2011|access-date =April 24, 2011}}</ref>

;E edition : The features in the E edition are the same as their equivalent full versions, but does not include Internet Explorer due to limitations set by the European Union. The cost of the E edition was intended to be cheaper than the full version,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trenholm |first=Richard |date=June 26, 2009 |title=Windows 7 E: Your questions anwered |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/windows-7-e-your-questions-answered/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221012215741/https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/windows-7-e-your-questions-answered/ |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |access-date=October 12, 2022 |website=CNET}}</ref> but it was never officially released due to concerns of confusion<ref>{{Cite web |last=Protalinski |first=Emil |date=August 3, 2009 |title=Microsoft confirms Windows 7 E is dead |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2009/08/microsoft-confirms-windows-7-e-is-dead |url-status=live |access-date=December 31, 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> and replaced by the ballot system, BrowserChoice.eu. Official RTM builds of the E edition do exist,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-RTM-Build-7600-16385-DVD-ISO-SHA-1-and-MD5-Information-117535.shtml |title=Windows 7 RTM Build 7600.16385 DVD ISO SHA-1 and MD5 Information |url-status=live |access-date=December 31, 2025 |website=Softpedia |last=Oiaga |first=Marius |date=July 24, 2009}}</ref> but copies were never sold to consumers through any channel.

;Signature Edition : The Signature Edition of Windows 7 is a commemorative edition of Windows 7 Ultimate for those throwing a Windows 7 launch party.<ref name="What is Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition?">{{cite web|access-date=March 5, 2023|date=September 8, 2009|publisher=Microsoft|title=What is Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition?|url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/what-is-windows-7-ultimate-signature-edition/1979a397-e7ff-4220-a5a3-6c43187d00c7}}</ref> It is functionally the same as Windows 7 Ultimate.

==Embedded editions== These are the special editions of Windows 7 specially made for embedded systems that has less hardware requirements:

===Windows Embedded 7===

====Standard==== :The simple version for embedded systems

=====Sub SKUs of Windows Embedded Standard 7=====

======Entry====== The most restricted version, lacking Aero, Windows Media Center, and several "luxury" features.

======Professional====== Includes almost everything, including multi-touch and advanced networking.

======Compact====== A mid-tier version often used for digital signage and kiosks.

====POSReady==== :This version is made specially for Point of Services purpose

<big>'''Others:'''</big>

===Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems=== :A specialized version of the original Windows 7 Professional for ATMs, kiosks, industrial controllers, etc...

===Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems=== :The big brother to its Professional counterpart. It includes every feature found in the retail Ultimate edition, such as BitLocker, AppLocker, and Multilingual User Interface (MUI) support, but is licensed specifically for fixed-function devices (like medical imaging or high-end industrial controllers).

==Upgrade editions== In-place upgrade from Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 to Windows 7 is supported if the processor architecture and the language are the same and their editions match (see below).<ref name="ExtremeTech" /><ref name="supersite" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=609&pgno=1 |title= The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program Rev. 2.0 | publisher = Tech ARP | date = February 10, 2009 | access-date =February 10, 2009 }}</ref> In-place upgrade is not supported for earlier versions of Windows; moving to Windows 7 on these machines requires a clean installation, i.e. removal of the old operating system, installing Windows 7 and reinstalling all previously installed programs. Windows Easy Transfer can assist in this process.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /><ref name="supersite" /><ref name="zdnet" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2009/02/05/windows_xp_7_vista_upgrade/ | title = Windows 7 'upgrade' doesn't mark XP spot |date = February 5, 2009 | access-date=February 12, 2009 | last = Fiveash | first = Kelly | work = Channel Register | publisher = The Register }}</ref> <!---NOTE:When editing this section please do not refer to the reader.--> Microsoft made upgrade SKUs of Windows 7 for selected editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. The difference between these SKUs and full SKUs of Windows 7 is their lower price and proof of license ownership of a qualifying previous version of Windows. Same restrictions on in-place upgrading applies to these SKUs as well.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/Microsoft/Windows/Windows-7/?WT.mc_id=MSCOMUK_HomePage_Buy_Windowstab | title=Microsoft Store UK – Windows 7 | access-date=September 14, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919152921/http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/Microsoft/Windows/Windows-7/?WT.mc_id=MSCOMUK_HomePage_Buy_Windowstab | archive-date=September 19, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition, Windows 7 is available as a Family Pack upgrade 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.<ref>[http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/31/windows-anytime-upgrade-and-family-pack-pricing.aspx steam blog, dated 2009/07/31], accessed September 16, 2009.</ref> In the United States, this offer expired in early December 2009.<ref>[http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222001027 Windows 7 Family Pack Discontinued]</ref> In October 2010, to commemorate the anniversary of Windows 7, Microsoft once again made Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack available for a limited time, while supplies lasted.<ref>[http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/windowsexperience/archive/2010/09/01/family-pack-returns-in-time-for-the-anniversary-of-windows-7.aspx Family Pack returns in time for the Anniversary of Windows 7]</ref>

===Upgrade compatibility=== There are two possible ways to upgrade to Windows 7 from an earlier version of Windows:

* '''In-place install''' (labeled "Upgrade" in the installer): Constitutes an in-place upgrade from an older version of Windows, where settings and programs are preserved from the existing installation. This option is only sometimes available depending on the editions of Windows being used, and is not available at all unless upgrading from Windows Vista.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd772579%28WS.10%29.aspx |title=Windows 7 Upgrade Paths | publisher=Microsoft | access-date=September 13, 2011}}</ref> * '''Clean install''' (labeled "Custom" in the installer): Constitutes replacing a previous installation of Windows with a new one, where the current operating system is erased entirely and is replaced with Windows 7. All settings, including but not limited to user accounts, applications, user settings, music, photos and programs, are moved to the Windows.old and Users.old folders, and previously installed programs will need to be reinstalled. This option is always available and is required for all versions of Windows XP as well as previous versions of Windows prior to XP, which are not eligible for upgrading to Windows 7.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/upgrading-to-windows-7-faq | title=Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions | publisher=Microsoft | access-date=February 12, 2016}}</ref>

The table below lists which upgrade paths allow for an in-place install. Note that in-place upgrades can only be performed when the previous version of Windows is of the same architecture. If upgrading from a 32-bit installation to a 64-bit installation or downgrading from 64-bit installation to 32-bit installation, a clean install is mandatory regardless of the editions being used.

{| class="wikitable" align="center" text-align="center" |- ! rowspan=2 | Version and its specific edition of Windows to upgrade from !! colspan=5 | Edition of Windows 7 to upgrade to |- ! Home Basic !! Home Premium !! Professional !! Enterprise !! Ultimate |- | Vista Home Basic || {{Yes|In-place}} || {{Yes|In-place}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Yes|In-place}} |- | Vista Home Premium || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Yes|In-place}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Yes|In-place}} |- | Vista Business || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Yes|In-place}} || {{Yes|In-place}} || {{Yes|In-place}} |- | Vista Enterprise || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Yes|In-place}} || {{Partial|Clean}} |- | Vista Ultimate || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Yes|In-place}} |- | XP || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} || {{Partial|Clean}} |- | 2000/Me and earlier || {{No|Ineligible}} || {{No|Ineligible}} || {{No|Ineligible}} || {{No|Ineligible}} || {{No|Ineligible}} <!-- |- ! rowspan=2 | Edition of Windows<br />to upgrade from !! Home Basic !! Home Premium !! Professional !! Enterprise !! Ultimate |- ! colspan=5 | Edition of Windows 7 to upgrade to --> |- |}

{{legend|#90ff90|In-place installation option available.|border=1px solid #aaa}} {{legend|#ffffbb|Requires clean install.|border=1px solid #aaa}} {{legend|#ff9090|Ineligible for upgrade pricing; requires full version of Windows and a clean install.|border=1px solid #aaa}} {{clear}}

===Anytime Upgrade editions=== Microsoft supports in-place upgrades from a lower edition of Windows 7 to a higher one, using the Windows Anytime Upgrade tool.<ref name="ExtremeTech" /> There are currently three retail options available (though it is currently unclear whether they can be used with previous installations of the N versions),<ref name="Amazon UK">{{cite web | url = https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dsoftware&field-keywords=windows+7+anytime+upgrade&x=0&y=0 | title = Windows Anytime Upgrades | access-date =September 14, 2009 | publisher = Amazon}}</ref> however there are no family pack versions of the Anytime Upgrade editions. It was possible to use the Product Key from a Standard upgrade edition to accomplish an in-place upgrade (e.g. Home Premium to Ultimate).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/thread/08145695-018d-4478-ba95-9515af527fb0 | title = Ultimate steal – Windows 7 Premium ok for Windows 7 Starter? | date = February 2, 2010 | access-date = August 13, 2010 | publisher = Microsoft | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110131063604/http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/thread/08145695-018d-4478-ba95-9515af527fb0 | archive-date = January 31, 2011 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/thread/73fc3533-3e2a-498b-b424-37182c9ad812 | archive-url = http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20120802033007/http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/thread/73fc3533-3e2a-498b-b424-37182c9ad812 | url-status = dead | archive-date = August 2, 2012 | title = Windows 7 Student upgrade | date = December 20, 2009 | access-date = August 13, 2010 | publisher = Microsoft }}</ref>

* '''Starter''' to '''Home Premium''' * '''Starter''' to '''Professional'''<sup>1</sup> * '''Starter''' to '''Ultimate'''<sup>1</sup> * '''Home Premium''' to '''Professional''' * '''Home Premium''' to '''Ultimate''' * '''Professional''' to '''Ultimate'''<sup>1</sup>

<sup>1</sup> Available in retail, and at the Microsoft Store

==Derivatives== ; {{visible anchor|Windows Thin PC}}: On February 9, 2011, Microsoft announced Windows Thin PC, a branded derivative of Windows Embedded Standard 7 with Service Pack 1, designed as a lightweight version of Windows 7 for installation on low performance PCs as an alternative to using a dedicated thin client device. It succeeded Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, which was based on Windows XP Embedded. Windows Thin PC was released on June 6, 2011. : Mainstream support for Windows Thin PC ended on October 11, 2016, and extended support ended on October 12, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-thin-pc|title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle for Windows Thin PC|website=learn.microsoft.com|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref>

;{{visible anchor|Embedded versions}}: Windows 7 is also available in two distinct forms of Windows Embedded, named as Windows Embedded Standard 7 (known as Windows Embedded Standard 2011 prior to release, the newest being Windows Embedded Standard 7 with Service Pack 1) and Windows Embedded POSReady 7. Both versions are eligible for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for up to 3 years after their end of extended support dates.<ref name=ESU /> In addition, binary identical for Embedded Systems (FES) variants of Professional and Ultimate editions are also available, differing only in licensing, and with their support periods also matching their non-FES variants. : Mainstream support for Windows Embedded 7 Standard ended on October 13, 2015, and extended support ended on October 13, 2020.<ref name=WES-Life>{{Cite web|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-embedded-standard-7|title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle for Windows Embedded Standard 7|website=learn.microsoft.com|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref> Mainstream support for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 ended on October 11, 2016, and extended support ended on October 12, 2021.<ref name=POS-Life>{{Cite web|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-embedded-posready-7|title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle for Windows Embedded POSReady 7|website=learn.microsoft.com|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref> Extended Security Updates (ESU) ended for Windows Embedded 7 Standard on October 10, 2023<ref name=WES-Life/> and for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 on October 8, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arrow.com/ais/msembedded/resource/blog/windows-embedded-posready-7-reaches-end-of-support-now-what|title=Windows Embedded POSReady 7 Reaches End of Support – Now What?|quote=The first year, which runs from Oct 2021 to Oct 2022, requires purchasing 100 hours of support priced over $22,000, and the POS7 ESU licenses are $50 per device. The pricing then doubles each year with a maximum of three years.|publisher=Arrow Electronics, Inc|date=September 23, 2021|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref><ref name=POS-Life/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bsquare.com/windows-iot-licensing/microsoft-esu-program/|title=Microsoft Extended Security Update (ESU) Program|publisher=Bsquare Corporation|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4497181/lifecycle-faq-extended-security-updates|title=Lifecycle FAQ-Extended Security Updates|quote=The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is a last resort option for customers who need to run certain legacy Microsoft products past the end of support.|website=support.microsoft.com|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref> {{clear}} <!--Images should not bother the comparison chart -->

==Comparison chart== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" |+Windows 7 edition comparison chart<ref name="ExtremeTech" /><ref name="supersite" /><ref name="Win7Pricing" /><ref name="enterprise" /><ref name="zdnet">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1890 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205120536/http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1890 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2009 |title=Microsoft's Windows 7 line-up: The good, the bad and the ugly. |publisher=ZDNet |first=Mary-Jo|last=Foley |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=February 17, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Softpedia">{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Editions-Features-on-Parade-103766.shtml |title=Windows 7 Editions – Features on Parade |publisher=Softpedia |date=February 5, 2009 |access-date=February 5, 2009}}</ref><ref name="PCWorld">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/158870/microsoft_announces_six_windows_7_editions.html |title=Windows 7: Which Edition is Right For You? |publisher=PCWorld |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=February 5, 2009 |archive-date=December 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228173247/http://www.pcworld.com/article/158870/windows_7_which_edition_is_right_for_you.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="zdnet2">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1031 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611150339/http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1031 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 11, 2009 |title=From Starter to Ultimate: What's really in each Windows 7 Edition? |publisher=ZDNet |first=Ed|last=Bott |date=June 3, 2009 |access-date=August 14, 2009}}</ref> |- ! Features !! style="background:#dcf05d"|Starter !! style="background:#99d818"|Home Basic !! style="background:#60b937"|Home Premium !! style="background:#0098d4; color:white"|Professional !! style="background:#00007f; color:white"|Enterprise !! style="background:#312e25; color:white"| Ultimate |- style="text-align:center;" | {{left}} Licensing scheme || OEM licensing || Retail, DSP and OEM<br />licensing in<br />emerging markets<ref name="zdnet"/> || Retail, DSP and OEM<br />licensing || Retail, DSP, OEM and<br />volume licensing<ref name="windowsteamblog.com">{{cite web | url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/business/archive/2009/09/01/windows-7-volume-license-and-trial-availability.aspx | title = Which Windows 7 Is Best for You? | access-date =August 1, 2010 | last = Schuster | first = Gavriella | date = September 1, 2009 | publisher = Microsoft}}</ref> || align="center" | Volume licensing<ref name="windowsteamblog.com" /> || Retail, DSP and OEM<br />licensing |- style="text-align:center;" | {{left}} Maximum physical memory (RAM) (32-Bit)<ref name="MSDN Memory Limits"/> || 2&nbsp;GB ||colspan=5|4&nbsp;GB |- style="text-align:center;" | {{left}} Maximum physical memory (RAM) (64-Bit)<ref name="MSDN Memory Limits">{{cite web | url = http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx | title = Physical Memory Limits: Windows 7 | access-date =November 1, 2010 | date = October 14, 2010 | publisher = Microsoft Developer Network }}</ref> || {{N/A}} || 8&nbsp;GB || 16&nbsp;GB ||colspan=3|192&nbsp;GB |- style="text-align:center;" | {{left}} Maximum physical CPUs supported{{efn|Not the same as logical processor limits: all editions are limited to 32 logical processors for IA-32 and 256 for x64}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx | title = Windows 7 System Requirements | website = Microsoft | access-date =September 29, 2010}}</ref> ||colspan=3| 1 ||colspan=3| 2 |- | Desktop Gadgets || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Built-in AVCHD support<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows Media Player 12|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-media-player-12|work=Windows 7 Features|publisher=Microsoft Corporation|access-date=October 22, 2011}}</ref> || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Multiple monitors || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | 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 the Internet || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Windows Parental Controls<ref name=7reskit>{{cite book |last1=Tulloch |first1=Mitch |first2=Tony |last2=Northrup |first3=Jerry |last3=Honeycutt |title=Windows 7 Resource Kit |url=https://archive.org/details/windowsresourcek00tull_807 |url-access=limited |year=2010 |publisher=Microsoft Press |location=Redmond, Washington |pages=[https://archive.org/details/windowsresourcek00tull_807/page/n76 29]–30 |isbn=978-0-7356-4277-5}}</ref> || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | 64-bit edition available? || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Windows Aero || {{No}} || {{Partial|Partial (desktop composition only)}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Built-in DVD (MPEG-2 and Dolby Digital) decoder<ref name="supersite" /> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Multi-touch || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Windows Media Center || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Windows Media Player remote media experience{{efn|Feature of Windows Media Player which enables the use and control of media libraries on other computers}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}<ref name=ned>Windows 7 N Edition does not include Windows Media Player.</ref> || {{Yes}}<ref name=ned /> || {{Yes}}<ref name=ned /> || {{Yes}}<ref name=ned /> |- | Premium games included || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}{{efn|name=disabled|Disabled by default.<ref name=Microsoft>{{cite web|title=Where are my games?|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/where-games#1TC=windows-7|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>}} || {{Yes}}{{efn|name=disabled}} || {{Yes}} |- | HomeGroup support || {{Partial|Join only}} || {{Partial|Join only}} || {{Yes|Create or join}} || {{Yes|Create or join}} || {{Yes|Create or join}} || {{Yes|Create or join}} |- | Back up to network with Backup and Restore Center<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/compare-editions?T1=tab01 Which one is right for you? – Microsoft Windows]</ref> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Act as host for Remote Desktop Services || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Dynamic disks<ref name="KB927520 2007-09-14">{{cite web | url = http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927520/en-us | title = You cannot select or format a hard disk partition when you try to install Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 | access-date =December 17, 2009 | date = September 14, 2007 | publisher = Microsoft}}</ref> || {{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<ref name="7Guide">[http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=b3c68ec2-e726-4830-ac89-31c71d6be5f3&displaylang=en Windows 7 Product Guide]</ref> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Offline files and folder redirection<ref name="7Guide" /> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Windows Server domain joining || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Windows XP Mode{{efn|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.}} | {{No}} || {{Partial|VPC only}} || {{Partial|VPC only}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Software restriction policies || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Remote administration tools || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS){{efn|formerly Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM)}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | AppLocker || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Partial|Create policies, but cannot enforce}} || {{Yes|Create and enforce policies}} || {{Yes|Create and enforce policies}} |- | Aero glass remoting<ref name="rdteamblog">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/rds/archive/2009/06/23/aero-glass-remoting-in-windows-server-2008-r2.aspx |title=Aero Glass Remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2|publisher=Microsoft |author=Terminal services team |date=June 23, 2009 |access-date=September 16, 2009}}</ref><ref name="rdteamblog2">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/rds/archive/2009/08/21/remote-desktop-connection-7-for-windows-7-windows-xp-windows-vista.aspx#9902608 |title=Remote Desktop Connection 7 for Windows 7, Windows XP & Windows Vista |publisher=Microsoft |author=Terminal Services Team |date=August 21, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2009}}</ref>|| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Windows Media Player multimedia redirection<ref name="rdteamblog2" /> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}<ref name=ned /> || {{Yes}}<ref name=ned /> |- | Enterprise search scopes<ref name="7Guide" />{{Rp|130}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Federated search<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/products/windows-7/features.aspx#enterprisesearch | title=Microsoft Windows Enterprise: Windows 7 Features | publisher=Microsoft | access-date=November 24, 2009}}</ref> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | BitLocker Drive Encryption || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | BranchCache Distributed Cache || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Subsystem for Unix-based Applications || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Supports Multilingual User Interface packages || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) enhancements<ref name="7Guide" />{{Rp|130}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) licensed<ref name="6292A">6292A Installing and Configuring Windows 7 Client: Microsoft. p14. Part Number X17-37160 Released 10/2009</ref> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | VHD booting{{efn|Any edition of Windows 7 can be installed onto a VHD volume; these installations even appear in the boot menu. However, only Enterprise or Ultimate editions start. Other editions return an error message.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shultz|first1=Greg|title=Native VHD Boot is available in all versions of Windows 7|url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/native-vhd-boot-is-available-in-all-versions-of-windows-7/|website=TechRepublic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=August 19, 2014|date=September 17, 2012}}</ref>}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} |- | Switching between any of the 37 available languages<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/why-buy-windows-7-ultimate |title=Why buy Windows 7 Ultimate? |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=August 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718183130/http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/why-buy-windows-7-ultimate |archive-date=July 18, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Language packs">{{cite web | url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972813/en-us | title=Windows 7 language packs are available for computers that are running Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise | publisher=Microsoft | access-date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}<ref name="Language packs"/> || {{Yes}}<ref name="Language packs"/> |- ! Features !! style="background:#dcf05d"|Starter !! style="background:#99d818"|Home Basic !! style="background:#60b937"|Home Premium !! style="background:#0098d4; color:white"|Professional !! style="background:#00007f; color:white"|Enterprise !! style="background:#312e25; color:white"| Ultimate |}

==See also== * Windows 2000 editions * Windows XP editions * Windows Vista editions * Windows 8 editions * Windows 10 editions * Windows 11 editions

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading== {{refbegin}} # {{cite news |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2009/02/03/windows-7-lineup-offers-clear-choice-for-consumers-and-businesses/ |title=Windows 7 Lineup Offers Clear Choice for Consumers and Businesses |work=Microsoft News Center |publisher=Microsoft |location=Redmond, Washington |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=July 10, 2018}} # {{cite web |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/d/4/3d42bdc2-6725-4b29-b75a-a5b04179958b/licensing_windows7_with_VM_technologies.docx |title=Brief: Licensing Windows 7 for Use with Virtual Machine Technologies |work=Microsoft Volume Licensing |publisher=Microsoft |date=March 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2011 |format=.docx |archive-date=June 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625041753/http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/d/4/3d42bdc2-6725-4b29-b75a-a5b04179958b/licensing_windows7_with_VM_technologies.docx |url-status=dead}} # {{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/windows-7-product-editions-a-comparison-128684 |title=Windows 7 Product Editions: A Comparison |work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows |date=October 6, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2011 |first=Paul |last=Thurrott |author-link=}} {{refend}}

{{History of Windows}}

Category:Windows 7