| Revision as of 19:57, 11 March 2016 view sourceBgpaulus (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users6,633 edits →Windows Management Framework 5.0: "Febraury" -> "February" plus general copyediting -- also removed one sentence that was unsupported by the reference cited (opinion?)← Previous edit | Revision as of 02:53, 13 March 2016 view source 200.27.79.74 (talk) ←Blanked the pageTag: blankingNext edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| {{pp-move|small=yes}} | |||
| {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2016}} | |||
| {{Infobox OS version | |||
| |name = Windows 7 | |||
| |version of = ] | |||
| |logo=Windows 7 logo.png | |||
| |screenshot = Windows 7.png | |||
| |caption = Screenshot of Windows 7, showing its ], ], ] and the glass effect of ] | |||
| |developer = ] | |||
| |source_model = ] / ] | |||
| |license = ] ] | |||
| |supported_platforms = ] and ] | |||
| |kernel_type = ] | |||
| |updatemodel = ] | |||
| |first_release_date = {{Start date and age|2009|07|22}} | |||
| |first_release_url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/22/windows-7-has-been-released-to-manufacturing.aspx | |||
| |GA_date = {{Start date and age|2009|10|22}} | |||
| |GA_url = http://blogs.windows.com/windows/archive/b/windows7/archive/2009/10/22/windows-7-arrives-today-with-new-offers-new-pcs-and-more.aspx | |||
| |release_version = Service Pack 1 (6.1.7601)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/archive/b/windowsvista/archive/2008/10/14/why-7.aspx |title=Why 7? |author=Mike Nash |date=October 14, 2008 |work=The Windows Blog |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=September 1, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2011/02/09/announcing-availability-of-windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-3r2-sp1.aspx|title=Announcing Availability of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 | publisher=Microsoft | accessdate=February 9, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| |release_date = {{Start date and age|2011|2|22}} | |||
| |release_url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/22/windows-7-has-been-released-to-manufacturing.aspx | |||
| |preceded_by = ] (2007)<ref name="W7reqs">{{cite web | url = http://www.buzzle.com/articles/windows7-system-requirements.html | work = ] | title = Windows 7 System Requirements | last = Thadani | first = Rahul | date = September 6, 2010 | accessdate =February 27, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| |succeeded_by = ] (2012) | |||
| |support_status = Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015.<ref name=sup1>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?c2=14019 |title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle | work=Support | publisher=Microsoft | accessdate=February 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=sup2>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2013/02/14/windows-7-rtm-end-of-support-is-right-around-the-corner.aspx |title=Windows 7 RTM End Of Support Is Right Around The Corner |work=Springboard Series Blog |publisher=Microsoft |date=February 14, 2013 |accessdate=March 27, 2013 |first=Stephen L |last=Rose}}</ref><br />Extended support ends on January 14, 2020.<ref name=sup1 /><ref name=sup2 /> | |||
| Updates limited on systems with ] effective July 17, 2017.<ref name=ars-skylake18months/> | |||
| |other_articles | |||
| |date=January 2009<!-- Approximate date of template insertion for dating hidden maintenance categories. --> | |||
| }} | |||
| {{Windows 7}} | |||
| '''Windows 7''' (codenamed '''Vienna''', formerly '''Blackcomb'''<ref name="BlackcombVienna">{{cite web |url=http://betanews.com/2006/01/19/blackcomb-renamed-to-vienna/ |title='Blackcomb' Renamed to 'Vienna' |last=Mook |first=Nate |date=2006 |publisher=BetaNews, Inc. |work=BetaNews |accessdate=June 23, 2015}}</ref>) is a personal computer ] developed by ]. It is a part of the ] family of operating systems. Windows 7 was ] on July 22, 2009,<ref name=rtm/> and became generally available on October 22, 2009,<ref name="bott20090511">{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2009/Jun09/06-02SteveGuggenheimer.mspx| title=Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Timelines Shared at Computex|publisher=Microsoft|date=June 3, 2009|accessdate=June 3, 2009}}</ref> less than three years after the release of its predecessor, ]. Windows 7's ] counterpart, ], was released at the same time. | |||
| Windows 7 was primarily intended to be an incremental upgrade to the operating system intending to address Windows Vista's poor critical reception while maintaining hardware and software compatibility. Windows 7 continued improvements on ] (the ] introduced in Windows Vista) with the addition of a redesigned ] that allows applications to be "pinned" to it, and new window management features. Other new features were added to the operating system, including libraries, the new file sharing system HomeGroup, and support for ] input. A new "Action Center" interface was also added to provide an overview of system security and maintenance information, and tweaks were made to the ] system to make it less intrusive. Windows 7 also shipped with updated versions of several stock applications, including ], ], and ]. | |||
| In contrast to Windows Vista, Windows 7 was generally praised by critics, who considered the operating system to be a major improvement over its predecessor due to its increased performance, its more intuitive interface (with particular praise devoted to the new taskbar), fewer User Account Control popups, and other improvements made across the platform. Windows 7 was a major success for Microsoft; even prior to its official release, pre-order sales for 7 on the online retailer ] had surpassed previous records. In just six months, over 100 million copies had been sold worldwide, increasing to over 630 million licenses by July 2012, and a market share of 52.47% of "desktop operating systems" as of January 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=10&qpcustomd=0 |title=Operating system market share |publisher=Netmarketshare.com |date= |accessdate=October 15, 2015}}</ref> according to ], making it the most widely used version of Windows. | |||
| == Development history == | |||
| Originally, a version of Windows codenamed ''Blackcomb'' was planned as the successor to ] and ] in 2000. Major features were planned for Blackcomb, including an emphasis on searching and querying data and an advanced storage system named ] to enable such scenarios. However, an interim, minor release, codenamed "Longhorn," was announced for 2003, delaying the development of Blackcomb.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/10/24/gates_confirms_windows_longhorn |title=Gates confirms Windows Longhorn for 2003 |last=Lettice |first=John |date=October 24, 2001 |publisher=The Register |accessdate=March 5, 2008}}</ref> By the middle of 2003, however, Longhorn had acquired some of the features originally intended for Blackcomb. After three major viruses, the ], ], and ] worms, exploited flaws in Windows operating systems within a short time period in 2003, Microsoft changed its development priorities, putting some of Longhorn's major development work on hold while developing new ]s for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. ] was also restarted, and thus delayed, in August 2004. A number of features were cut from Longhorn.<ref>{{cite web | title=Microsoft cuts key Longhorn feature | url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/188339_msftcuts28.html | author=Todd Bishop | publisher= ]|work=] | date=August 28, 2004 | accessdate=March 25, 2009}}</ref> Blackcomb was renamed '''Vienna''' in early 2006.<ref name=thurrottfaq>{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/article/faqtip/windows-7-faq |title=Windows "7" FAQ |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |authorlink=Paul Thurrott |work=SuperSite for Windows |publisher=] |date=February 14, 2007 |accessdate=January 5, 2008}}</ref> | |||
| When released, Windows Vista was criticized for its ], performance issues, its spotty compatibility with existing hardware and software on launch, changes affecting the compatibility of certain PC games, and unclear assurances by Microsoft that certain computers shipping with XP prior to launch would be "Vista Capable" (which led to a class action lawsuit), among other critiques. As such, adoption of Vista in comparison to XP remained somewhat low.<ref name=nyt-vistashouldknow>{{cite news|title=They Criticized Vista. And They Should Know|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/business/09digi.html|work=]|accessdate=March 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name=pcw-15disapointments>{{cite web|title=The 15 Biggest Tech Disappointments of 2007|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/140583/article.html?page=5|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|accessdate=March 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name=pcw-resistance>{{cite web|title=Vista Resistance: Why XP Is Still So Strong|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/137635/article.html|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|accessdate=March 22, 2014}}</ref> In July 2007, six months following the public release of Vista, it was reported that the next version of Windows would now be codenamed Windows 7, with plans for a final release within three years.<ref name="zdnet592">{{cite news |first = Mary J|last = Foley|title = Windows Seven: Think 2010|date = July 20, 2007|publisher = ]|url = http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-seven-think-2010/|accessdate = September 19, 2007}}</ref><ref name=cnet-callit7>{{cite web|title=Next version of Windows: Call it 7|url=http://news.cnet.com/Next-version-of-Windows-Call-it-7/2100-1016_3-6197943.html|work=CNET|publisher=]|accessdate=March 22, 2014}}</ref> ], in an interview with'' ]'', suggested that Windows 7 would be more "user-centric".<ref name="gates">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16934083/site/newsweek/page/4/print/1/displaymode/1098/ |title=Bill Gates on Vista and Apple's 'Lying' Ads |author=Steven Levy |date=February 3, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20070331223518/http://www.msnbc.msn.com:80/id/16934083/site/newsweek/page/4/print/1/displaymode/1098/ |archivedate=March 31, 2007 }}</ref> Gates later said that Windows 7 would also focus on performance improvements.<ref name="gates2">{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/billg/speeches/2008/05-07japanwdlc.mspx|title=Bill Gates: Japan—Windows Digital Lifestyle Consortium|author=Bill Gates|date=May 12, 2007}}</ref> ] later expanded on this point, explaining in the ''Engineering Windows 7'' blog that the company was using a variety of new tracing tools to measure the performance of many areas of the operating system on an ongoing basis, to help locate inefficient code paths and to help prevent performance regressions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2008/12/15/continuing-our-discussion-on-performance.aspx |title=Continuing our discussion on performance |last=Sinofsky |first=Steven |authorlink=Steven Sinofsky |date=December 15, 2008 |accessdate=December 18, 2008 |work=Engineering Windows 7 |publisher=Microsoft }}</ref> ] Bill <!--Do not change this to Gates. It is Veghte.-->Veghte stated that ] users migrating to Windows 7 would not find the kind of device compatibility issues they encountered migrating from ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Will-Not-Inherent-the-Incompatibility-Issues-of-Vista-88625.shtml|title=Windows 7 Will Not Inherit the Incompatibility Issues of Vista|first=Marius|last=Oiaga|date=June 24, 2008}}</ref> An estimated 1000 developers worked on Windows 7. These were broadly divided into "core operating system" and "Windows client experience", in turn organized into 25 teams of around 40 developers on average.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2008/08/18/windows_5F00_7_5F00_team.aspx |first=Steven |last=Sinovsky |title=The Windows 7 Team |publisher=Engineering Windows 7, MSDN |date=August 18, 2008 |accessdate=December 9, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| In October 2008, it was announced that '''Windows 7''' would also be the official name of the operating system.<ref>{{cite news | first=Ina | last=Fried | title=Microsoft makes Windows 7 name final | date=October 13, 2008 | work=] |publisher=] | url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10064971-56.html | accessdate=October 13, 2008}}</ref><ref name="CBC14Oct08">{{cite news|url = http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/10/14/tech-windows.html|title = For Microsoft's Windows, 7th time's a charm|accessdate =October 27, 2008|date=October 2008 | work=]}}</ref> There has been some confusion over naming the product Windows 7,<ref name="msJustifiesWin7NamingDecision">{{cite web | url = http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/microsoft_justifies_its_windows_7_naming_decision | title = Microsoft Justifies Its Windows 7 Naming Decision | author = Alex Castle | date = October 15, 2008 | publisher = ] | accessdate =November 18, 2009 }}</ref> while versioning it as 6.1 to indicate its similar build to Vista and increase compatibility with applications that only check major version numbers, similar to ] and ] both having 5.x version numbers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldstart.com/tips/tips.php/why-call-it-windows-7 |title=Why Call it Windows 7? |author=Andrew |publisher=worldstart.com |accessdate=November 20, 2009}}</ref> The first external release to select Microsoft partners came in January 2008 with ], build 6519.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.w7forums.com/windows-7-build-numbers-t58.html|title=Windows 7 Build Numbers|author=Ian Cunningham|date=December 3, 2008}}</ref> Speaking about Windows 7 on October 16, 2008, ] CEO ] confirmed compatibility between ] and Windows 7, indicating that Windows 7 would be a refined version of Windows Vista.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=10464 |title=Ballmer: It’s ok to wait until Windows 7; Yahoo still ‘makes sense’; Google Apps ‘primitive’ |accessdate=October 17, 2008 |last=Dignan |first=Larry |date=October 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20081017231501/http://blogs.zdnet.com:80/BTL/?p=10464 |archivedate=October 17, 2008 }}</ref> | |||
| At ] 2008, Microsoft demonstrated Windows 7 with its reworked ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2008/10/28/windows-7-unveiled-today-at-pdc-2008.aspx|title=Windows 7 Unveiled Today at PDC 2008|last=Nash|first=Mike|date=October 28, 2008|accessdate=November 11, 2008|work=Windows Team Blog|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> On December 27, 2008, the Windows 7 Beta was leaked onto the Internet via ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osnews.com/story/20703/Windows_7_Beta_1_Leaked |title=OSNews.com |publisher=OSNews.com |accessdate=May 25, 2009}}</ref> According to a performance test by ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3236&page=2 |title=Windows 7 beta 1 performance - How does the OS compare to Vista and XP? | Hardware 2.0 | ZDNet.com |publisher=Blogs.zdnet.com |date=January 1, 2009 |accessdate=May 25, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090314062331/http://blogs.zdnet.com:80/hardware/?p=3236&page=2 |archivedate=March 14, 2009 }}</ref> Windows 7 Beta beat both Windows XP and Vista in several key areas; including boot and shutdown time and working with files, such as loading documents. Other areas did not beat XP; including PC Pro benchmarks for typical office activities and video editing, which remain identical to Vista and slower than XP.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.pcpro.co.uk/blogs/2008/11/12/follow-up-benchmarking-windows-7/|title = Follow-up: Benchmarking Windows 7 |accessdate =January 29, 2009|last = Graham-Smith|first = Darien|authorlink = Darien Graham-Smith| date=January 2009 }}</ref> On January 7, 2009, the ] version of the Windows 7 Beta (build 7000) was leaked onto the web, with some torrents being infected with a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slashgear.com/leaked-windows-7-rc-torrents-infected-with-trojan-2842048/|title=Leaked Windows 7 RC torrents infected with trojan}} ]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://w7info.com/articles/2009/01/windows-7-64-bit-beta-hits-the-web/ |title=Windows 7 64-Bit Beta Hits the Web |accessdate=January 7, 2009 |last=Pennington |first=Kenneth |date=January 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090121125718/http://w7info.com:80/articles/2009/01/windows-7-64-bit-beta-hits-the-web/ |archivedate=January 21, 2009 }}</ref> At ] 2009, Microsoft CEO ] announced the Windows 7 Beta, build 7000, had been made available for download to MSDN and TechNet subscribers in the format of an ISO image.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/jan/08/steve-ballmer-ces-keynote |title=CES: Steve Ballmer unveils Microsoft's Windows 7 | Technology | guardian.co.uk |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=May 25, 2009 | first=Bobbie | last=Johnson | date=January 8, 2009}}</ref> The Beta was to be publicly released January 9, 2009, and Microsoft initially planned for the download to be made available to 2.5 million people on this date. However, access to the downloads was delayed because of high traffic.<ref>{{cite web | title=Microsoft delays first Windows 7 public beta | url=http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/10/winows_7_beta_delay/ | work=Gavin Clarke | publisher=The Register | date=January 10, 2009 |accessdate=March 25, 2009}}</ref> The download limit was also extended, initially until January 24, then again to February 10. People who did not complete downloading the beta had two extra days to complete the download. After February 12, unfinished downloads became unable to complete. Users could still obtain product keys from Microsoft to activate their copies of Windows 7 Beta, which expired on August 1, 2009. | |||
| The release candidate, build 7100, became available for MSDN and TechNet subscribers and Connect Program participants on April 30, 2009. On May 5, 2009 it became available to the general public, although it had also been leaked onto the Internet via ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller |first=Paul |url=http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/windows-7-rc-7100-making-its-way-to-oems-a-torrent-tracker-near/ |title=Windows 7 RC 7100 making its way to OEMs, a torrent tracker near you |publisher=Engadget.com |date=April 24, 2009 |accessdate=May 25, 2009}}</ref> The release candidate was available in five languages and expired on June 1, 2010, with shutdowns every two hours starting March 1, 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx | title = Windows 7 Release Candidate Customer Preview Program | accessdate =May 5, 2009 | publisher = Microsoft}}</ref> Microsoft stated that Windows 7 would be released to the general public on October 22, 2009. Microsoft released Windows 7 to MSDN and Technet subscribers on August 6, 2009, at 10:00 am PDT.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/21/when-will-you-get-windows-7-rtm.aspx|title=The Windows Blog}}</ref> Microsoft announced that Windows 7, along with ], was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009. Windows 7 ] is build 7600.16385.090713-1255, which was compiled on July 13, 2009, and was declared the final RTM build after passing all Microsoft's tests internally.<ref name=rtm>{{cite web|url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/22/windows-7-has-been-released-to-manufacturing.aspx | title = Windows 7 Has Been Released to Manufacturing | author=Brandon LeBlanc}}</ref> | |||
| == Features == | |||
| === New and changed === | |||
| {{Main|Features new to Windows 7}} | |||
| ] | |||
| Among Windows 7's new features are advances in touch and ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd367848(v=ws.10).aspx|title=What's New in Handwriting Recognition|publisher=Microsoft|work=microsoft.com}}</ref> support for ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://winsupersite.com/news/windows-7s-support-vhd-all-about-backwards-compatibility|title=Windows 7's support of VHD is all about backwards compatibility|work=winsupersite.com}}</ref> improved performance on ] processors,<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows 7 Takes More Advantage of Multi-Core CPUs – Windows 7 |publisher=Windowsvienna.com |url= http://www.windowsvienna.com/windows-7-takes-more-advantage-of-multi-core-cpus-a24.html |accessdate=May 25, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1612 |title=Windows 7 to get parallel-processing tweaks | All about Microsoft |work=blogs.zdnet.com |publisher=ZDNet.com |date=September 30, 2008 |accessdate=May 25, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090201073548/http://blogs.zdnet.com:80/microsoft/?p=1612 |archivedate=February 1, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pctipsbox.com/windows-7-to-get-parallel-processing-tweaks/ |title=Windows 7 to get parallel-processing tweaks |publisher=PC Tips/pctipsbox.com |date=October 5, 2008 |accessdate=May 25, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Windows 7 enters parallel universe |publisher=Vista. Blorge |date=September 30, 2008 |url=http://vista.blorge.com/2008/09/30/windows-7-enters-parallel-universe/ |accessdate=May 25, 2009}}</ref> improved ] performance, ], and ] improvements. Windows 7 adds support for systems using multiple heterogeneous graphics cards from different vendors (Heterogeneous Multi-adapter),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=637&pgno=8|title=Tech ARP -3D Gaming Advances In Microsoft Windows 7 Rev. 2.0|publisher=}}</ref> a new version of ],<ref name="tgdailym1">{{cite web |first=Wolfgang |last=Gruener |url=http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35641/118/ |title=Windows Vista successor scheduled for a H2 2009 release? |publisher=TG Daily |date=January 16, 2008 |accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> a ] for Windows Media Center, improved media features, ] Essentials Pack<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prepressure.com/library/technology/xps|title=Microsoft XPS|work=prepressure.com}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd367858(v=ws.10).aspx|title=What's New in Windows PowerShell|publisher=Microsoft|work=microsoft.com}}</ref> being included, and a redesigned ] with multiline capabilities including ''Programmer'' and ''Statistics'' modes along with unit conversion for length, weight, temperature, and several others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57397768-285/seven-windows-7-calculator-features-you-may-not-know-about/|title=Seven Windows 7 Calculator features you may not know about|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=CNET}}</ref> Many new items have been added to the ], including ] Text Tuner<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/e7/archive/2009/06/23/engineering-changes-to-cleartype-in-windows-7.aspx|title=MSDN Blogs|publisher=Microsoft|work=msdn.com}}</ref> Display Color Calibration Wizard,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/wizard-adjust-display-colors-windows-7.htm|title=Wizard to Adjust the Display Colors in Windows 7|author=v.laurie|work=techsupportalert.com}}</ref> ], Recovery, Troubleshooting, Workspaces Center, Location and Other Sensors, Credential Manager, Biometric Devices, System Icons, and Display.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thinknext.net/archives/2150 |title=Screenshots from a blogger with Windows 7 M1 |publisher=ThinkNext.net |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20080130010415/http://www.thinknext.net:80/archives/2150 |archivedate=January 30, 2008 }}</ref> ] has been renamed to ] (] and ] in earlier builds), which encompasses both ] and maintenance of the computer. ReadyBoost on 32-bit editions now supports up to 256 gigabytes of extra allocation. Windows 7 also supports images in ] through the addition of ]-enabled image decoders, which enables raw image thumbnails, previewing and metadata display in Windows Explorer, plus full-size viewing and slideshows in ] and Windows Media Center.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to add Mac-like RAW image support to Windows 7, Vista, XP |publisher=downloadsquad.com |date=October 21, 2009 |url=http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/21/raw-image-support-windows/ |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20091024101005/http://www.downloadsquad.com:80/2009/10/21/raw-image-support-windows |archivedate=October 24, 2009 }}</ref> Windows 7 also has a native TFTP client with the ability to transfer files to or from a TFTP server.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jessica|first1=Parker|title=TFTP Client Install for Windows 7|url=http://www.pcwdld.com/tftp-client-for-windows-7|website=PCWDLD.com|accessdate=21 January 2016}}</ref> | |||
| {{wide image|Windows 7 Taskbar.png|800px|The default taskbar of Windows 7.|100%|none}} | |||
| The taskbar has seen the biggest visual changes, where the old ] toolbar has been replaced with the ability to pin applications to taskbar. Buttons for pinned applications are integrated with the task buttons. These buttons also enable '']'' to allow easy access to common tasks.<ref name="Softpedia04Nov08">{{cite web |title=Windows 7 User Interface – The Superbar (Enhanced Taskbar) |publisher=Softpedia | date=November 2008 |url= http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-User-Interface-The-Superbar-Enhanced-Taskbar-97143.shtml |accessdate=November 12, 2008}}</ref> The revamped taskbar also allows the reordering of taskbar buttons. To the far right of the system clock is a small rectangular button that serves as the ''Show desktop'' icon. By default, hovering over this button makes all visible windows transparent for a quick look at the desktop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354844,00.asp|title=7 Things I'll Miss about Vista—And 7 I Definitely Won't|author=Michael Muchmore|publisher='']''|date=October 28, 2009|accessdate=March 6, 2016}}</ref> In touch-enabled displays such as touch screens, tablet PCs, etc., this button is slightly (8 pixels) wider in order to accommodate being pressed by a finger.<ref>{{cite web |title=Touching Windows 7 |work=Engineering Windows 7 Blog |publisher=Microsoft |date=March 25, 2009 |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/03/25/touching-windows-7.aspx}}</ref> Clicking this button minimizes all windows, and clicking it a second time restores them. | |||
| Window management in Windows 7 has several new features: ''Snap'' maximizes a window when it is dragged to the top of the screen.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sinofsky |first=Steven |authorlink=Steven Sinofsky |title=Engineering Windows 7 : Designing Aero Snap |work=Microsoft Development Network |publisher=Microsoft |date=March 17, 2009 |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/03/17/designing-aero-snap.aspx |accessdate=June 8, 2009}}</ref> Dragging windows to the left or right edges of the screen allows users to snap software windows to either side of the screen, such that the windows vertically take up half the screen. When a user moves windows that were snapped or maximized using Snap, the system restores their previous state. Snap functions can also be triggered with keyboard shortcuts. ''Shake'' hides all inactive windows when the active window's title bar is dragged back and forth rapidly (metaphorically shaken). | |||
| ], which replaces ] in Windows XP and Vista]] | |||
| ] | |||
| Windows 7 includes 13 additional sound schemes, titled Afternoon, Calligraphy, Characters, Cityscape, Delta, Festival, Garden, Heritage, Landscape, Quirky, Raga, Savanna, and Sonata.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thurrott |first=Paul |authorlink=Paul Thurrott |title=Windows 7 Build 7048 Notes |publisher=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows |date=March 8, 2009 |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_7048_02.asp |accessdate=April 24, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090413134828/http://www.winsupersite.com:80/win7/win7_7048_02.asp |archivedate=April 13, 2009 }}</ref> Internet ], Internet ] and Internet ], which were removed from Windows Vista, were restored in Windows 7. Users are able to disable or customize many more Windows components than was possible in Windows Vista. New additions to this list of components include ], ], Windows Media Center, ], and Windows Gadget Platform.<ref name="Engineering Windows 7">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/03/06/beta-to-rc-changes-turning-windows-features-on-or-off.aspx|title=Beta to RC Changes — Turning Windows Features On or Off}}</ref> A new version of ], newly renamed as ] was made available for Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows Virtual PC |publisher=Microsoft |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/ |accessdate=May 6, 2009}}</ref> It allows multiple Windows environments, including ''Windows XP Mode'', to run on the same machine. Windows XP Mode runs ] in a virtual machine, and displays applications within separate windows on the Windows 7 desktop.<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 brochure |format=PDF |publisher=Microsoft |url= http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/5/A/75A2C993-BFCC-47D0-8B6C-7C8CE2BA9833/Windows%20XP%20Mode%20for%20Windows%207_brochure.pdf |accessdate=May 6, 2009}}</ref> Furthermore, Windows 7 supports the mounting of a virtual hard disk (VHD) as a normal data storage, and the bootloader delivered with Windows 7 can boot the Windows system from a VHD; however, this ability is only available in the Enterprise and Ultimate editions.<ref>{{cite video |url= http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=90&p=&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=80ede31d-3509-407b-a896-0beea8705589&u=http%3a%2f%2fdownload.microsoft.com%2fdownload%2f7%2f0%2fF%2f70FE9C38-08D1-4FCC-BEF8-42B47DD968FE%2fWindows7VHDBoot.wmv |title=Demonstration: Windows 7 VHD Boot |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=April 29, 2009}}</ref> The ] (RDP) of Windows 7 is also enhanced to support real-time multimedia application including video playback and 3D games, thus allowing use of DirectX 10 in remote desktop environments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://channel9.msdn.com/pdc2008/ES21/ |title=Windows 7 Presentation Virtualization: Graphics Remoting (RDP) Today and Tomorrow |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=2008}}</ref> The three application limit, previously present in the Windows Vista and Windows XP Starter Editions, has been removed from Windows 7.<ref>{{cite web |title=Let’s talk about Windows 7 Starter |work=Windows Team Blog |publisher=Microsoft |date=May 29, 2009 |url= http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/05/29/let-s-talk-about-windows-7-starter.aspx |accessdate=May 29, 2009}}</ref> All editions include some new and improved features that originated with Vista, such as ], ] features, and some ]. Optional ] is included with Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise. ] is included; ] ] is a free download. All editions include ], which—every day or so—System Restore uses to take an automatic "previous version" snapshot of user files that have changed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2007.09.backup.aspx|title=A Guide to Windows Vista Backup Technologies|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> ] have also been improved,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/backup-and-restore|title=Backup and Restore (Windows 7)|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ee872416.aspx|title=Create and Use a Virtual Hard Disk on Windows 7|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> and the ]—installed by default—replaces the optional ] of Windows XP. | |||
| A new system known as "Libraries" was added for file management; users can aggregate files from multiple folders into a "Library". By default, libraries for categories such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Video are created, consisting of the user's personal folder and the Public folder for each. The system is also used as part of a new home networking system known as HomeGroup; devices are added to the network with a ], and files and folders can be shared with all other devices in the HomeGroup, or with specific users. The default libraries, along with printers, are shared by default, but the personal folder is set to read-only access by other users, and the Public folder can be accessed by anyone.<ref name=pcmag-homegroup>{{cite web|title=Windows 7 HomeGroup: Networking Made Easy|url=http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2344523,00.asp|publisher=PC Magazine|accessdate=January 2, 2013}}</ref><ref name="leblanchomegroup">{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2008/10/28/how-libraries-amp-homegroup-work-together-in-windows-7.aspx|title=How Libraries & HomeGroup Work Together in Windows 7|last=LeBlanc|first=Brandon|date=October 28, 2008|accessdate=November 11, 2008|work=Windows Team Blog|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> | |||
| Windows 7 includes improved globalization support through a new Extended Linguistic Services API<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows 7: Writing World-Ready Applications |publisher=PDC 2008 |year=2008 |url=http://channel9.msdn.com/pdc2008/PC52/ |accessdate=September 26, 2008}}</ref> to provide ] (particularly in Ultimate and Enterprise editions). Microsoft has also implemented better support for ]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/05/05/support-and-q-a-for-solid-state-drives-and.aspx |title=Support and Q&A for Solid-State Drives|work=Engineering Windows 7 |publisher=Microsoft |date=May 5, 2009 |accessdate=May 9, 2009}}</ref> including the new ], and Windows 7 is able to identify a solid-state drive uniquely. Native support for ] is not included due to delays in the finalization of the standard.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crothers |first=Brooke |title=Microsoft describes USB 3.0 delays |date=November 6, 2008 |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10083822-64.html |work=] |publisher=]|accessdate=November 13, 2008}}</ref> At ] 2008 Microsoft announced that color depths of 30-bit and 48-bit would be supported in Windows 7 along with the wide color gamut ] (which for ] 1.3 can be converted and output as ]). The video modes supported in Windows 7 are 16-bit sRGB, 24-bit sRGB, 30-bit sRGB, 30-bit with extended color gamut sRGB, and 48-bit scRGB.<ref>{{cite web|title=WinHEC 2008 GRA-583: Display Technologies |format=] Presentation |publisher=Microsoft |date=November 6, 2008 |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/E/6/5E66B27B-988B-4F50-AF3A-C2FF1E62180F/GRA-T583_WH08.pptx |accessdate=December 4, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20081227074524/http://download.microsoft.com:80/download/5/E/6/5E66B27B-988B-4F50-AF3A-C2FF1E62180F/GRA-T583_WH08.pptx |archivedate=December 27, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Windows 7 High Color Support |publisher=Softpedia |date=November 26, 2008 |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-High-Color-Support-98741.shtml |accessdate=December 5, 2008}}</ref> | |||
| For developers, Windows 7 includes a new networking ] with support for building ] web services in ] (as opposed to .NET-based ] web services),<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows 7: Web Services in Native Code |publisher=PDC 2008 |year=2008 |url=http://channel9.msdn.com/pdc2008/PC01/ |accessdate=September 26, 2008}}</ref> new features to simplify development of installation packages and shorten application install times.<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows 7: Deploying Your Application with Windows Installer (MSI) and ClickOnce |publisher=PDC 2008 |year=2008 |url=http://channel9.msdn.com/pdc2008/PC42/ |accessdate=September 26, 2008}}</ref> Windows 7, by default, generates fewer ] (UAC) prompts because it allows digitally signed Windows components to gain elevated privileges without a prompt. Additionally, users can now adjust the level at which UAC operates using a sliding scale.<ref name=ars-7uacbroken>{{cite web|title=Opinion: Windows 7′s UAC is a broken mess; mend it or end it|url=http://arstechnica.com/business/2009/03/opinion-ms-should-kill-win7-uac/|work=Ars Technica|accessdate=March 22, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| === Removed === | |||
| {{Main|List of features removed in Windows 7}} | |||
| Certain capabilities and programs that were a part of ] are no longer present or have been changed, resulting in the removal of certain functionalities. These include the classic ] user interface, some ], ], ], ], Search button and ]. Four applications bundled with Windows Vista — ], ], ] and ] — are not included with Windows 7, and were replaced by ]-branded versions as part of the ] suite.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2008/10/28/the-complete-windows-experience-windows-7-windows-live.aspx|title=The Complete Windows Experience – Windows 7 + Windows Live|last=LeBlance|first=Brandon|date=October 28, 2008|accessdate=November 11, 2008|work=Windows Team Blog|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Bort| first=Julie| url= http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/33084| title=E-mail, photos, movie making will not be included in Windows 7| date=September 23, 2008 |work=Networkworld | publisher=IDG | series=The Microsoft Update| accessdate=July 24, 2013}}</ref> | |||
| == Editions == | |||
| {{Main|Windows 7 editions}} | |||
| Windows 7 is available in six different editions, of which the ''Home Premium'', ''Professional'', and ''Ultimate'' were available at retail in most countries, and as pre-loaded software on new computers. ''Home Premium'' and ''Professional'' were aimed at home users and small businesses respectively, while ''Ultimate'' was aimed at enthusiasts. Each edition of Windows 7 includes all of the capabilities and features of the edition below it, and add additional features oriented towards their market segments; for example, ''Professional'' adds additional networking and security features such as ] and the ability to join a ]. ''Ultimate'' contained a superset of the features from ''Home Premium'' and ''Professional'', along with other advanced features oriented towards power users, such as ] drive encryption; unlike Windows Vista, there were no "]" add-ons created for Windows 7 Ultimate.<ref name="ExtremeTechWindows7Editions">{{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 |accessdate=August 2, 2010}}</ref><ref name="PCWorld">{{cite web |title=Windows 7: Which Edition is Right For You? |work=PCWorld |date=February 3, 2009 |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/158870/microsoft_announces_six_windows_7_editions.html |accessdate=February 5, 2009}}</ref><ref name="closewindows7look"/> Retail copies were available in "upgrade" and higher-cost "full" version ]; "upgrade" licenses require an existing version of Windows to install, while "full" licenses can be installed on computers with no existing operating system.<ref name=smh-misleading>{{cite web|last=Moses|first=Asher|title=Windows 8 upgrade boxes 'mislead' customers|url=http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/computers/windows-8-upgrade-boxes-mislead-customers-20121128-2acwx.html|work=Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=]|accessdate=November 29, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| The remaining three editions were not available at retail, of which two were available exclusively through ] channels as pre-loaded software. The ''Starter'' edition is a stripped-down version of Windows 7 meant for low-cost devices such as ]s. In comparison to Home Premium, Starter has reduced multimedia functionality, does not allow users to change their desktop wallpaper or theme, disables the "Aero Glass" theme, and does not have support for multiple monitors.<ref name="closewindows7look"/><ref name=cw-kills7starter>{{cite web|title=Microsoft kills Windows 7 Starter's 3-app limit|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2524598/microsoft-windows/microsoft-kills-windows-7-starter-s-3-app-limit.html|website=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|accessdate=November 4, 2014}}</ref> ''Home Basic'' was sold only in ], and was positioned in between ''Home Premium'' and ''Starter''.<ref name="ExtremeTechWindows7Editions"/><ref name="PCWorld"/> The highest edition, ''Enterprise'', is functionally similar to ''Ultimate'', but is only sold through ] via Microsoft's ] program.<ref name="supersite">{{cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |authorlink=Paul Thurrott |title=Windows 7 Product Editions |work=SuperSite for Windows |publisher=Penton Media |date=February 3, 2009 |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus.asp |accessdate=February 3, 2009}}</ref><ref name="cnet">{{cite news |title=Windows 7 will come in many flavors |work=] |publisher=] |date=February 3, 2009 |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10155193-56.html |accessdate=February 3, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Softpedia">{{cite web |title=Windows 7 Editions – Features on Parade |publisher=Softpedia |date=February 5, 2009 |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Editions-Features-on-Parade-103766.shtml |accessdate=February 5, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| All editions aside from ''Starter'' support both ] and ] ]s; ''Starter'' only supports 32-bit systems.<ref name="closewindows7look">{{cite web |last=LeBlanc |first=Brandon |title=A closer look at the Windows 7 SKUs |work=Windows Team Blog |publisher=Microsoft |date=February 9, 2009 |url= http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/02/04/a-closer-look-at-the-windows-7-skus.aspx |accessdate=February 9, 2009}}</ref> Retail copies of Windows 7 are distributed on two DVDs: one for the IA-32 version and the other for x86-64.<!--Starter and Home Basic are not sold in retail.<ref name="ExtremeTechWindows7Editions"/>--> OEM copies include one DVD, depending on the processor architecture licensed. The installation media for consumer versions of Windows 7 are identical; the ] and corresponding license determines the edition that is installed. The ] service can be used to purchase an upgrade that unlocks the functionality of a higher edition, such as going from ''Starter'' to ''Home Premium'', and ''Home Premium'' to ''Ultimate''.<ref name="ExtremeTechWindows7Editions"/> Most copies of Windows 7 only contained one license; in certain markets, a "Family Pack" version of Windows 7 Home Premium was also released for a limited time, which allowed upgrades on up to three computers.<ref name=cnet-w7family>{{cite news|title=Microsoft prices Windows 7 family pack|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-prices-windows-7-family-pack/|accessdate=November 4, 2014|work=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> In certain regions, copies of Windows 7 were only sold in, and could only be ] in a designated region.<ref name=ms-geographic>{{cite web|title=Geographically Restricted Microsoft Software|url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/howtotell/geoinfo.aspx|publisher=Microsoft|accessdate=November 4, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| === Support lifecycle === | |||
| Microsoft ended the sale of new retail copies of Windows 7 in October 2014, and the sale of new OEM licenses for Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, and Ultimate ended on October 31, 2014. ''Professional'' currently remains available to OEMs, primarily as part of downgrade rights for Windows 8 licenses. Microsoft will provide one years' notice before it discontinues OEM sales of Windows 7 ''Professional''.<ref name=iw-notgoingawayyet>{{cite web|title=Windows 7 isn't going away, but it'll cost more|url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/2839542/microsoft-windows/windows-7-isnt-going-away-but-itll-cost-more.html|website=InfoWorld|publisher=IDG|accessdate=November 4, 2014}}</ref><ref name=nw-deadthisweek>{{cite web|title=Windows 7 sales end this Friday|url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2839479/microsoft-subnet/windows-7-sales-end-this-friday.html|website=NetworkWorld|publisher=IDG|accessdate=November 4, 2014|date=October 28, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Mainstream support for 7 ended on January 13, 2015. Extended support will end on January 14, 2020. In January 2016, Microsoft announced that it would no longer support Windows platforms older than ] on devices with Intel ] effective July 17, 2017, and any new Intel-compatible microarchitectures (including Intel's ] and AMD's ]) effective immediately upon their release. After July 17, 2017, devices running Windows 7 on Skylake CPUs will only receive the "most critical" updates for Windows 7, and only if they have been judged not to affect the reliability of Windows 7 on older hardware. Microsoft stated that due to the age of the platform, it would be "challenging" for these newer hardware, firmware, and device driver combinations to properly run under Windows 7, especially for ] systems, and promoted improvements in performance and battery life on Skylake devices when running 10. This will not affect the support status of other systems, which will continue to receive security updates until the end of extended support.<ref name=ars-skylake18months>{{cite web|title=Skylake users given 18 months to upgrade to Windows 10|url=http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/01/skylake-users-given-18-months-to-upgrade-to-windows-10/|website=Ars Technica|accessdate=16 January 2016}}</ref><ref name=zdnet-newsupportpolicy>{{cite web|last1=Bott|first1=Ed|title=Microsoft updates support policy: New CPUs will require Windows 10|url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-updates-support-policy-new-cpus-will-require-windows-10/|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|accessdate=16 January 2016}}</ref> | |||
| For enterprise customers, Microsoft issued a list of Skylake-based devices "certified" for Windows 7 and 8.1 in addition to Windows 10, to assist them in migrating to newer hardware that can eventually be upgraded to 10 once they are ready to transition. Microsoft and their hardware partners will provide special testing and support for these devices on 7 and 8.1 until the July 2017 end of support.<ref name=pcworld-certified7skylake>{{cite web|title=Microsoft certifies new PCs with Windows 7 to ease enterprises onto Windows 10|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3023113/windows/microsoft-gives-enterprises-18-months-to-upgrade-to-windows-10.html|website=PC World|accessdate=16 January 2016}}</ref> | |||
| == System requirements == | |||
| {| class="wikitable" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;" | |||
| |+ Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 7<ref name="7requirements">{{cite web|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements|title=Windows 7 system requirements|publisher=Microsoft|accessdate=December 2, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| ! rowspan=2 | Component !! colspan=2 | Operating system architecture | |||
| |- | |||
| ! 32-bit !! 64-bit | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 1 GHz ] processor | |||
| | 1 GHz ] processor | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 1 GB | |||
| | 2 GB | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | colspan=2 | ] graphics processor with ] driver model 1.0 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Free ] space | |||
| | 16 GB | |||
| | 20 GB | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | colspan=2 | DVD-ROM drive<ref>Any optical drive that can read DVD-ROM media.</ref> (Only to install from DVD-ROM media) | |||
| |} | |||
| '''Additional requirements to use certain features:'''<ref name="7requirements" /> | |||
| * ] (Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise): Requires an additional 1 GB of RAM and additional 15 GB of available hard disk space. The requirement for a processor capable of ] has been lifted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2010/03/18/windows-virtual-pc-no-hardware-virtualization-update-now-available-for-download.aspx |title=Windows Virtual PC – no hardware virtualization update now available for download }}</ref> | |||
| * ] (included in Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise), requires a ] to receive and record TV. | |||
| == Extent of hardware support == | |||
| === Physical memory === | |||
| The maximum amount of RAM that Windows 7 supports varies depending on the product edition and on the processor architecture, as shown in the following table.<ref name="7memoryrequirements">{{cite web|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7 |title=Memory Limits for Windows Releases |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=June 25, 2010}}</ref> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;" | |||
| |+ Physical memory limits of Windows 7 | |||
| ! rowspan=2 | Edition !! colspan=2 | Processor architecture | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] (32-bit) !! ] (64-bit) | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || rowspan="5"|4 GB || rowspan="3"|192 GB | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 16 GB | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 8 GB | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 2 GB || {{N/A}}<!--Windows 7 starter 64 bit does not exist.--> | |||
| |} | |||
| === Processor limits === | |||
| Windows 7 Professional and up supports up to 2 physical processors (CPU sockets).<ref>{{cite web | |||
| |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd405503(v=vs.85).aspx | |||
| |title=About Processes and Threads; Scheduling; Processor Groups | |||
| |publisher=Microsoft Corporation | |||
| |work=Microsoft Developer Network | |||
| |quote="A physical processor is the same as a processor package, a socket, or a CPU." | |||
| }}</ref> | |||
| Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium editions support only 1.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/system-requirements | |||
| |title=Processor limits for Windows 7 | |||
| |publisher=Microsoft Corporation | |||
| }}</ref> | |||
| Physical processors with either multiple cores, or ], or both, implement more than one logical processor per physical processor. | |||
| A logical processor is either: 1) One of the two handlers of threads of instructions of one of the cores of one of the physical processors with support for hyper-threading present and enabled; or 2) one of the cores of one physical processors without hyper-threading. The x86 editions of Windows 7 support up to 32 logical processors, x64 editions support up to 256 (4 x 64).<ref>{{cite web | |||
| |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd405503(v=vs.85).aspx | |||
| |title=About Processes and Threads; Scheduling; Processor Groups | |||
| |publisher=Microsoft Corporation | |||
| |work=Microsoft Developer Network | |||
| }}</ref> | |||
| == Updates == | |||
| === Service Pack 1 === | |||
| Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) was announced on March 18, 2010. A beta was released on July 12, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/business/archive/2010/06/07/virtualization-updates-at-teched.aspx|date=June 7, 2010|work=Windows Team Blog|publisher=Microsoft|title=Virtualization Updates at TechEd}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9172738/Microsoft_announces_Windows_7_SP1|title=Microsoft Announces Windows 7 Service Pack 1|work=] |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://redmondmag.com/articles/2010/07/12/microsoft-releases-sp1-beta-for-windows-server-2008-r2.aspx|title=Microsoft Releases SP1 Beta for Windows Server 2008 R2|publisher=Redmondmag.com}}</ref> | |||
| The final version was released to the public on February 22, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2011/02/09/announcing-availability-of-windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1.aspx|title=Announcing Availability of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1|publisher=windowsteamblog}}</ref> At the time of release, it was not made mandatory. It was available via Windows Update, direct download, or by ordering the Windows 7 SP1 DVD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/gg635126.aspx |title=Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 |publisher=Technet.microsoft.com |accessdate=June 21, 2011}}</ref> The service pack is on a much smaller scale than those released for previous versions of Windows, particularly Windows Vista.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/microsoft-few-issues-to-address-with-windows-7-service-pack-1-665048|title=Microsoft: Few issues to address with Windows 7 Service Pack 1|publisher=TechRadar UK}}</ref> | |||
| Windows 7 Service Pack 1 adds support for ] (AVX), a 256-bit instruction set extension for processors, and improves ] by adding additional identification fields such as E-mail ID to it. In addition, it adds support for ] as well as additional ].<ref name="ref-sp1-changes">{{cite web | |||
| |url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/B/A/EBA55FE2-373A-4351-9346-6D762B79AA69/Notable%20Changes%20in%20Windows%207%20and%20Windows%20Server%202008%20R2%20Service%20Pack%201.doc | |||
| |title = Notable Changes in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 | |||
| |work = Microsoft Download Center | |||
| |publisher = Microsoft Corporation | |||
| |date = February 9, 2011<!-- Retrieved from document itself --> | |||
| |accessdate =March 10, 2011 | |||
| }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | |||
| |url = http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=976932 | |||
| |title = Information about Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2 (Revision 3.1) | |||
| |work = Microsoft Support Center | |||
| |publisher = Microsoft Corporation | |||
| |date = February 22, 2011 | |||
| |accessdate =March 10, 2011 | |||
| }}</ref> Windows 7 Service Pack 1 also resolves a bug related to ] audio and another related to printing ] documents.<ref name="ref-sp1-changes" /> | |||
| Some programs have compatibility issues with SP1 and some programs may experience a loss of functionality.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2492938 |title=Some programs have compatibility issues with Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2 |publisher=] |date=February 22, 2011 |accessdate=April 28, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| In Europe, the automatic nature of the ] feature was dropped in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 in February 2011 and remained absent for 14 months despite Microsoft reporting that it was still present, subsequently described by Microsoft as a "technical error". As a result, in March 2013 the European Commission fined Microsoft €561 million to deter companies from reneging on settlement promises.<ref>, BBC March 6, 2013</ref> | |||
| === Windows Management Framework 5.0 === | |||
| Windows Management Framework 5.0 includes updates to Windows PowerShell, Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration (DSC), Windows Remote Management (WinRM), Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). It was released on February 24, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Download: Windows Management Framework 5.0|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=50395|work=Download Center|publisher=Microsoft|accessdate=February 24, 2016}}</ref> | |||
| === Platform Update === | |||
| Platform Update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 was released on February 26, 2013<ref name="KB2670838">{{cite web | url = http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2670838 | title = A platform update is available for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1| work = Microsoft Support | date = February 27, 2013}}</ref> after a ] had been released on November 5, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Platform Update for Windows 7 (PRE-RELEASE version) |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35661 |work=Download Center |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=December 29, 2012 |date=November 5, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20130110134924/http://www.microsoft.com:80/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35661 |archivedate=January 10, 2013 }}</ref> It is also included with ] for Windows 7.<ref name=D3D11.1W7>{{cite web | url = http://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/11/14/directx-11-1-and-windows-7.aspx| title = DirectX 11.1 and Windows 7 | work = Games for Windows and the DirectX SDK Blog | date = November 13, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| It includes enhancements to ], ], ], ] (WIC), ] (WARP), Windows Animation Manager (WAM), ] Document API, ] Video Decoder and ] decoder.<ref name="KB2670838" /> However support for ] is limited as the update does not include ]/] 1.2 from Windows 8, making unavailable many related APIs and significant features such as ] frame buffer, ] 11_1 and optional features for levels 10_0, 10_1 and 11_0.<ref name=W7PU_MSDN>{{cite web | url = http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj863687.aspx| title = DirectX Graphics - Platform Update for Windows 7 |date=November 14, 2012| publisher=MSDN}}</ref> | |||
| ===Windows Update cleanup=== | |||
| In October 2013 a Disk Cleanup Wizard addon was released that lets users delete outdated Windows updates on Windows 7 SP1, thus reducing the size of the WinSxS directory. This update ] some features found in Windows 8.<ref name="blogs2">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2013/10/08/breaking-news-reduce-the-size-of-the-winsxs-directory-and-free-up-disk-space-with-a-new-update-for-windows-7-sp1-clients.aspx|title=Breaking News! Reduce the size of the WinSxS Directory and Free up Disk Space with a New Update for Windows 7 SP1 Clients - Ask Premier Field Engineering (PFE) Platforms - Site Home - TechNet Blogs|publisher=blogs.technet.com|accessdate=March 26, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Enterprise Hotfix Rollup (KB2775511)=== | |||
| The for Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is based for Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1-based computers. This hotfix rollup contains 90 hotfixes that were released after the release of SP1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. These hotfixes improve the overall performance and system reliability of Windows 7 SP1-based and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1-based computers. We recommend that you apply this hotfix rollup as part of your regular maintenance routine and build processes for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 computers.<br> | |||
| <u>Note:</u>This hotfix rollup primarily addresses the issues that occur on domain-joined client computers and servers. Therefore, this hotfix rollup is available only from the Microsoft Update Catalog. You can also install this hotfix rollup on computers that are running Windows 7 SP1 in nonenterprise environments. After you install the hotfix rollup, the performance of the computers may be improved. | |||
| == Reception == | |||
| === Critical reception === | |||
| Windows 7 received critical acclaim, with critics noting the increased usability and functionality when compared to its predecessor, Windows Vista. ] gave Windows 7 Home Premium a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars,<ref>{{cite news|title=Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium) Review |date=July 31, 2009 |work=] |publisher=] |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/microsoft-windows-7-home/4505-3672_7-33704139.html}}</ref> stating that it "is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go". ] rated it a 4 out of 5 saying that Windows 7 is a "big improvement" over Windows Vista, with fewer compatibility problems, a retooled taskbar, simpler home networking and faster start-up.<ref name="pcmagReview">{{cite web | |||
| | url = http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2C2817%2C2348899%2C00.asp | |||
| | title = Microsoft Windows 7 | |||
| | author = Michael Muchmore | |||
| | date = October 22, 2009 | |||
| | publisher = ] | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> ] gave Windows 7 a rating of 9 out of 10 and called Windows 7 a "massive leap forward" in usability and security, and praised the new Taskbar as "worth the price of admission alone".<ref name="maxPCReview">{{cite web | |||
| | url = http://www.maximumpc.com/article/reviews/windows_7_review | |||
| | title = Windows 7 Review: XP vs Vista vs 7 in 80+ Benchmarks | |||
| | author = Will Smith | |||
| | date = October 19, 2009 | |||
| | publisher = ] | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> ] called Windows 7 a "worthy successor" to Windows XP and said that speed benchmarks showed Windows 7 to be slightly faster than Windows Vista.<ref name="pcWorldReview">{{cite web | |||
| | url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/172602/windows_7_review.html | |||
| | title = Windows 7 Review | |||
| | author = ] | |||
| | date = October 19, 2009 | |||
| | publisher = ] | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> PC World also named Windows 7 one of the best products of the year.<ref name="pcWorldBestProducts2009">{{cite web | |||
| | url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/174171-2/the_pc_world_100_best_products_of_2009.html | |||
| | title = The PC World 100: Best Products of 2009 | |||
| | author = The PC World Editorial Team | |||
| | date = October 19, 2009 | |||
| | publisher = ] | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> | |||
| In its review of Windows 7, ] said that Microsoft had taken a "strong step forward" with Windows 7 and reported that speed is one of Windows 7's major selling points – particularly for the netbook sets.<ref name="engadgetReview">{{cite web | |||
| | url = http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/12/windows-7-review/ | |||
| | title = Windows 7 review | |||
| | author = Paul Miller | |||
| | date = August 12, 2009 | |||
| | publisher = ] | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> ''Laptop Magazine'' gave Windows 7 a rating of 4 out of 5 stars and said that Windows 7 makes computing more intuitive, offered better overall performance including a "modest to dramatic" increase in battery life on laptop computers.<ref name="laptopMagReview">{{cite web | |||
| | url = http://www.laptopmag.com/review/software/windows-7.aspx | |||
| | title = Windows 7 | |||
| | author = Dana Wollman | |||
| | date = August 21, 2009 | |||
| | publisher = Laptop Magazine | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> ''TechRadar'' gave Windows 7 a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, concluding that "it combines the security and architectural improvements of Windows Vista with better performance than XP can deliver on today's hardware. No version of Windows is ever perfect, but Windows 7 really is the best release of Windows yet."<ref name="techRadarReview">{{cite web | |||
| | url = http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/microsoft-windows-7-622923/review | |||
| | title = Windows 7 review | |||
| | author = Mary Branscombe | |||
| | date = August 7, 2009 | |||
| | publisher = TechRadar | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> The '']'',<ref name="nyTimesReview">{{cite news | |||
| | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/technology/personaltech/22pogue.html | |||
| | title = Windows 7 Keeps the Good, Tries to Fix Flaws | |||
| | author = ] | |||
| | date = October 21, 2009 | |||
| |work=New York Times | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> '']'',<ref name="usaTodayReview">{{cite news | |||
| | url = http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2009-10-16-baig16_CV_N.htm | |||
| | title = After Vista, Windows 7 is a giant leap for Microsoft | |||
| | author = Edward C. Baig | |||
| | date = October 21, 2009 | |||
| |work=USA Today | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| | authorlink = Ed Baig | |||
| }}</ref> '']'',<ref name="wsjReview">{{cite news | |||
| | url = http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703298004574459293141191728.html | |||
| | title = A Windows to Help You Forget | |||
| | author = Walter S. Mossberg | |||
| | date = October 8, 2009 | |||
| |work=Wall Street Journal | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| | authorlink = Walter Mossberg | |||
| }}</ref> and '']''<ref name="telegraphReview">{{cite news | |||
| | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/microsoft/6384509/Microsoft-Windows-7-review.html | |||
| | title = Microsoft Windows 7 review | |||
| | author = Matt Warman | |||
| | date = October 20, 2009 | |||
| |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |publisher =The Daily Telegraph | |||
| | accessdate =November 13, 2009 | |||
| }}</ref> also gave Windows 7 favorable reviews. | |||
| Some ] users have expressed concerns over Windows 7 pricing and upgrade options.<ref>{{cite web|title=Some Vista users say they're getting the Ultimate shaft| date=July 2, 2009|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10277506-56.html | work=]|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vista Ultimate users fume, rant over Windows 7 deals| date=July 2, 2009|url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9135121/Vista_Ultimate_users_fume_rant_over_Windows_7_deals | work=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Windows Vista Ultimate users wanting to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 must either pay $219.99<ref>{{cite web|title=Shop: Windows 7 |date=October 22, 2009 | publisher=Microsoft|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/default.aspx}}</ref> to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate or perform a clean install, which requires them to reinstall all of their programs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows 7 Upgrade Considerations |date=October 22, 2009|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-considerations.aspx | publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> | |||
| The changes to User Account Control on Windows 7 were criticized for being potentially insecure, as an exploit was discovered allowing untrusted software to be launched with elevated privileges by exploiting a trusted component. Peter Bright of '']'' argued that "the way that the Windows 7 UAC 'improvements' have been made completely exempts Microsoft's developers from having to do that work themselves. With Windows 7, it's one rule for Redmond, another one for everyone else."<ref>{{cite web|author=Zack Whittaker |title=Windows 7 UAC flaw: "Pandora's box of all vulnerabilities" |work=ZDNet |date=June 12, 2009 |url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/igeneration/?p=1826 |accessdate=June 14, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090615163741/http://blogs.zdnet.com:80/igeneration/?p=1826 |archivedate=June 15, 2009 }}</ref> Microsoft's Windows kernel engineer ] acknowledged the problem, but noted that malware can also compromise a system when users agree to a prompt.<ref name=ars-7uacbroken/><ref>{{cite web |last=Russinovich |first=Mark |authorlink=Mark Russinovich |title=User Account Control Inside Windows 7 User Account Control |publisher=Microsoft Corporation |url=http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2009.07.uac.aspx |accessdate=June 14, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| === Sales === | |||
| In July 2009, in only eight hours, pre-orders of Windows 7 at amazon.co.uk surpassed the demand which Windows Vista had had in its first 17 weeks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Windows 7 flies off virtual shelf |date=July 15, 2009 |publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8151342.stm|accessdate=July 15, 2009}}</ref> It became the highest-grossing pre-order in Amazon's history, surpassing sales of the previous record holder, the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Windows 7 set to break retail records|date=October 21, 2009 |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/oct/21/windows-7-launch|accessdate=October 21, 2009 | first=Bobbie | last=Johnson}}</ref> After 36 hours, 64-bit versions of Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate editions sold out in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|title=64bit版Windows 7は人気でやや品薄、週明けには回復？|date=October 24, 2009|url=http://akiba-pc.watch.impress.co.jp/hotline/20091024/etc_win75.html}}</ref> Two weeks after its release its market share had surpassed that of ], released two months previously as the most recent update to ] ] operating system.<ref>{{cite news |title=October 2009 OS stats: Windows 7 passes Snow Leopard, Linux|date=November 6, 2009 |publisher=ars technica|url=http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/11/october-2009-os-stats-windows-7-passes-snow-leopard-linux-1.ars?utm_source=microblogging&utm_medium=arstch&utm_term=Main%20Account&utm_campaign=microblogging|accessdate=November 7, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Windows 7 surpasses Snow Leopard in under two weeks|date=November 7, 2009 |publisher=]|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/11/06/windows-7-surpasses-snow-leopard-in-under-two-weeks|accessdate=November 7, 2009}}{{dead link|date=March 2015}}</ref> According to Net Applications, Windows 7 reached a 4% market share in less than three weeks; in comparison, it took Windows Vista seven months to reach the same mark.<ref name="win7UseContinuesToClimb">{{cite web | |||
| | url = http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10394517-75.html | title = Windows 7 use continues to climb | author = ] | date = November 10, 2009 | work = ] |publisher=] | accessdate =November 13, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="LinExp Analytic">{{cite web|url=http://www.linexp.ru/statistika-rosta-rynochnyx-dolej-windows-vista-windows-7-i-windows-8|title=Increasing market share of Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 since the start of beta testing}}</ref>) As of February 2014, Windows 7 has a market share of 47.49% according to Net Applications; in comparison, Windows XP had a market share of 29.23%.<ref name=pcw-feb2014share>{{cite web|title=Windows XP gained market share in January (or did it?)|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2093741/windows-xp-gained-market-share-in-january-or-did-it.html|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|accessdate=March 22, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On March 4, 2010, Microsoft announced that it had sold more than 90 million Windows 7 licenses.<ref name='telegraph-w7-warman-matt-2010-03-05'>{{cite news | first = Matt | last = Warman | title = Microsoft sells more than 90 million copies of Windows 7 | date = March 5, 2010 | publisher = ] | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/microsoft/7374148/Microsoft-sells-more-than-90-million-copies-of-Windows-7.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK | accessdate =April 30, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| By April 23, 2010, Windows 7 had sold more than 100 million copies in six months, which made it Microsoft's fastest-selling operating system.<ref name="ZDNETWindows7FastestSellingWinOS">{{cite news |url=http://www.zdnet.com/news/windows-7-now-fastest-selling-windows-os/417718 |title=Windows 7 now fastest-selling Windows OS |publisher=ZDNet |date=April 27, 2010 |accessdate=June 24, 2010}}</ref><ref name="WindowsITPro150million">{{cite news |url=http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/paul-thurrotts-wininfo/Windows-7-150-Million-Copies-Sold.aspx |title=Windows 7: 150 Million Copies Sold |publisher=Windows IT Pro |date=June 23, 2010 |accessdate=June 24, 2010}}</ref> As of June 23, 2010, Windows 7 has sold 150 million copies which made it the fastest selling operating system in history with seven copies sold every second.<ref name="WindowsITPro150million"/><ref name="WindowsSteamBlog150million">{{cite news |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2010/06/23/150-million-licenses-of-windows-7-sold-windows-live-betas-announced.aspx |title=150 Million Licenses of Windows 7 Sold, Windows Live Betas Announced |publisher=Microsoft |date=June 23, 2010 |accessdate=June 24, 2010}}</ref> Based on worldwide data taken during June 2010 from Windows Update 46% of Windows 7 PCs run the 64-bit edition of Windows 7.<ref name="WindowsSteamBlog64BitMomentum">{{cite news |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2010/07/08/64-bit-momentum-surges-with-windows-7.aspx |title=64-Bit Momentum Surges with Windows 7 |publisher=Microsoft |date=July 8, 2010 |accessdate=August 2, 2010}}</ref> According to Stephen Baker of the ] during April 2010 in the United States 77% of PCs sold at retail were pre-installed with the 64-bit edition of Windows 7.<ref name="WindowsSteamBlog64BitMomentum"/><ref name="CnetMicrosoftWindows7Makes64BitHeadway">{{cite news |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-20010092-75.html |title=Microsoft: Windows 7 makes 64-bit headway |work=] |publisher=] |date=July 9, 2010 |accessdate=August 2, 2010}}</ref> As of July 22, 2010, Windows 7 had sold 175 million copies.<ref name="WindowsSteamBlog175million">{{cite news |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2010/07/22/windows-7-momentum-continues-175-million-licenses-sold.aspx |title=Windows 7 Momentum Continues: 175 Million Licenses Sold |publisher=Microsoft |date=July 22, 2010 |accessdate=July 27, 2010}}</ref> On October 21, 2010, Microsoft announced that more than 240 million copies of Windows 7 had been sold.<ref name="WindowsSteamBlog240million">{{cite news |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2010/10/21/celebrating-windows-7-at-1-year-more-than-240-million-licenses-sold.aspx |title=Celebrating Windows 7 at 1 Year – More than 240 Million Licenses Sold |publisher=Microsoft |date=October 21, 2010 |accessdate=October 22, 2010}}</ref> Three months later, on January 27, 2011, Microsoft announced total sales of 300 million copies of Windows 7.<ref name="WindowsSteamBlog300million">{{cite news |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2011/01/27/windows-7-300-million-licenses-sold.aspx |title=Windows 7: 300 Million Licenses Sold |publisher=Microsoft |date=January 27, 2011 |accessdate=February 20, 2010}}</ref> On July 12, 2011, the sales figure was refined to over 400 million end-user licenses and business installations.<ref name="MicrosoftNewsFY2011">{{cite news|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2011/jul11/07-21fy11Q4earningsPR.mspx?rss_fdn=Press%20Releases|title=Microsoft Reports Record Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results |publisher=Microsoft |date=July 12, 2011 |accessdate=August 30, 2011}}</ref> As of July 9, 2012, over 630 million licenses have been sold; this number includes licenses sold to OEMs for new PCs.<ref name="Microsoft Q2 FY12">{{cite news| title=Windows 7 hits 630 million licenses sold, now running on 50 percent of enterprise desktops| url=http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/9/3146777/windows-7-630-million-licenses-sold-enterprise-adoption | last=Warren on | first=Tom| date=July 9, 2012| publisher=The Verge| accessdate= July 24, 2013}}</ref> | |||
| === Antitrust concerns{{Anchor|Criticism}} === | |||
| As with other Microsoft operating systems, Windows 7 is being studied by United States federal regulators who oversee the company's operations following the 2001 '']'' settlement. According to status reports filed, the three-member panel began assessing prototypes of the new operating system in February 2008. ], an analyst at ] said that, "<!--The word "Microsoft's" appears in square brackets here because it was inserted into the quote to replace the unclear pronoun "Their" in this context. Please do not change this as it would make it look like the word "Microsoft" was in the original quote which is not the case.--> challenge for Windows 7 will be how can they continue to add features that consumers will want that also don't run afoul of regulators."<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9068339&taxonomyId=14&intsrc=kc_top|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080423070835/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9068339&taxonomyId=14&intsrc=kc_top|archivedate = April 23, 2008|title = Windows 7 eyed by antitrust regulators|accessdate =March 19, 2008|last = Keizer|first = Gregg F.| date=March 2008 |work=] |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| In order to comply with European antitrust regulations, Microsoft proposed the use of a ] containing download links to competing web browsers, thus removing the need for a version of Windows completely without Internet Explorer, as previously planned.<ref name="neowin-browserballot">{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/07/24/microsoft-propose-browser-ballot-screen-to-the-eu|title=Microsoft proposes "Browser Ballot Screen" to the EU|first=Kevin|last=Weiner|date=July 24, 2009|publisher=Neowin|accessdate=August 1, 2009}}{{dead link|date=March 2015}}</ref> In response to criticism involving Windows 7 E and concerns from manufacturers about possible consumer confusion if a version of Windows 7 with Internet Explorer were shipped later after one without Internet Explorer, Microsoft announced that it would discard the separate version for Europe and ship the standard upgrade and full packages worldwide.<ref name="neowin-noE">{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/08/01/microsoft-scraps-windows-7-e-version-for-europe|title=Microsoft scraps Windows 7 'E' version for Europe|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=August 1, 2009|publisher=Neowin|accessdate=August 1, 2009}}{{dead link|date=March 2015}}</ref> | |||
| As with the previous version of Windows, an N version, which does not come with ], has been released in Europe, but only for sale directly from Microsoft sales websites and selected others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/Microsoft/Windows/Windows-7/?WT.mc_id=MSCOMUK_HomePage_Buy_Windowstab|title=Microsoft online Windows 7 store page|accessdate=September 9, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{Reflist|30em}} | |||
| == External links == | |||
| {{Commons category|Microsoft Windows 7}} | |||
| * {{Official website|http://windows.microsoft.com/windows-7}} | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| == Further reading == | |||
| * {{cite book|title=Windows 7 Inside Out|author=Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, Craig Stinson|isbn=978-0-7356-2665-2|publisher=]|location=Redmond, WA|year=2010}} | |||
| {{Microsoft Windows family}} | |||
| {{Authority control}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||