In the release candidate versions of Windows 7, Microsoft intended to restrict users of this edition to running three simultaneous programs, but this limitation was dropped in the final release. The desktop wallpaper and visual styles (Windows 7 Basic) are not user-changeable. It is only available in a 32-bit version and does not include the Windows Aero theme. Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Starter is the edition of Windows 7 that contains the fewest features. 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. Professional and Enterprise volume licensed editions have paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) available until at most January 10, 2023. Mainstream support for all Windows 7 editions ended on January 13, 2015, and extended support ended on January 14, 2020. 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. 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. 64-bit installation media are not included in Home-Basic edition packages, but can be obtained separately from Microsoft.Īccording to Microsoft, the features for all editions of Windows 7 are stored on the machine, regardless of which edition is in use.

All editions support 32-bit IA-32 CPUs and all editions except Starter support 64-bit 圆4 CPUs. The other editions focus on other markets, such as the software development world or enterprise use. Only Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate were widely available at retailers. Windows 7, a major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system, was available in six different editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate.

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