Microsoft’s Removal of IE from Windows 7 Will Have No Effect

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Removing IE
Microsoft will ship European versions of Windows 7 without Internet Explorer when the new OS is launched in October. The decision was made following the European Union’s anti-trust investigation. In an on-going legal case instigated by Opera, the EU’s preliminary statement concluded that Microsoft’s bundling of the browser with Windows violates European competition laws. According to a leaked communication from the company:
To ensure that Microsoft is in compliance with European law, Microsoft will be releasing a separate version of Windows 7 for distribution in Europe that will not include Windows Internet Explorer. Microsoft will offer IE8 separately and free of charge and will make it easy and convenient for PC manufacturers to preinstall IE 8 on Windows 7 machines in Europe if they so choose. PC manufacturers may choose to install an alternative browser instead of IE 8, and has always been the case, they may install multiple browsers if they wish.
Two flavors of each Windows 7 (Home, Pro, Ultimate, etc.) will be available in EU territories:
  • Windows 7 E: the release without Internet Explorer, and
  • Windows 7 N: the release without IE and Windows Media Player.
There are several reasons why this is a clever move by the software giant: 1. Microsoft are complying with EU law Windows 7 E/N will have no default browser so Microsoft appears to be committed to upholding competition laws. I’m no legal expert, but I’m sure the EU will have a tough time proceeding with the anti-trust case. 2. IE is still available in XP and Vista
XP and Vista users already have IE installed — will upgrading to Windows 7 remove the browser? It seems unlikely and nor would anyone want that to happen. 3. IE is only hidden Windows depends on browser components for several core services so, although IE can be uninstalled in Windows 7, it only affects the OS at a superficial level. Windows 7 E/N is likely to provide IE in an ‘uninstalled’ state. What would you do following a clean installation of the OS? Hunt around for browser installers or quickly re-enable IE and download what you need? 4. OEMs will still choose IE Microsoft has made it clear that PC manufacturers can offer an alternative or a choice of browsers. How many OEMs will do that?
  • A browser choice screen requires a custom application and up-to-date installers. Developing and maintaining that software will have a direct cost to the manufacturer.
  • Alternatively, assume that an OEM offered a different browser. Would novices be confused by the absence of the blue ‘e’ icon and complain that their new PC is not Internet-enabled?
Anyone who uses Firefox, Opera, Safari, or Chrome already downloads and maintains their browser of choice so a default IE installation is unlikely confuse them. That is not necessarily true for IE users. Providing an alternative browser will increase the OEM’s support costs and they cannot pass people directly to the Microsoft helpline. 5. Microsoft will not need to promote other browsers
The EU and Opera’s preferred solution is a ‘choose a browser’ screen shown during Windows installation and possibly within the Control Panel. That would have been a logistical nightmare for Microsoft and I’m sure vendors would still have complained their browser was shown less prominently than others. The solution also required Microsoft to publicise other browsers. One of the reasons IE’s market share remains high is because users are not aware of alternatives or are unable to install them. Microsoft’s decision to remove Internet Explorer from the European version of Windows 7 will have an negligible effect on the browser’s market share. That may not be the outcome Opera or the EU wanted, but I suspect the anti-trust battle is at least 10 years too late.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Internet Explorer for Windows 7 in Europe

Why is Internet Explorer not available in Windows 7 for Europe?

The unavailability of Internet Explorer in Windows 7 for Europe is due to a decision made by Microsoft in response to a European Commission investigation. The investigation was about the bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows, which was seen as anti-competitive. As a result, Microsoft decided to offer a version of Windows 7 without Internet Explorer in Europe.

How can I install Internet Explorer on Windows 7 in Europe?

You can install Internet Explorer on Windows 7 in Europe by downloading it from the official Microsoft website. Once downloaded, you can run the installer to install Internet Explorer on your system. Please ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for the installation.

What are the alternatives to Internet Explorer for Windows 7 in Europe?

There are several alternatives to Internet Explorer for Windows 7 in Europe. These include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. These browsers offer similar functionalities to Internet Explorer and are widely used.

Is Internet Explorer safe to use on Windows 7 in Europe?

Internet Explorer is safe to use on Windows 7 in Europe as long as you keep it updated with the latest security patches. However, Microsoft has ended support for Internet Explorer, which means that it will no longer receive security updates. Therefore, it is recommended to switch to a different browser.

Why did Microsoft end support for Internet Explorer?

Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer to focus on its newer browser, Microsoft Edge. The company believes that Edge offers a better browsing experience with improved security and performance.

Can I still use Internet Explorer after support has ended?

Yes, you can still use Internet Explorer after support has ended. However, it is not recommended as the browser will no longer receive security updates, which could leave your system vulnerable to threats.

What are the system requirements for installing Internet Explorer on Windows 7?

The system requirements for installing Internet Explorer on Windows 7 include a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit systems or 2 GB for 64-bit systems, and 16 GB of hard disk space for 32-bit systems or 20 GB for 64-bit systems.

How can I update Internet Explorer on Windows 7?

You can update Internet Explorer on Windows 7 by using the Windows Update feature. However, please note that Microsoft has ended support for Internet Explorer, so there will be no new updates.

Can I use Internet Explorer on other versions of Windows?

Yes, you can use Internet Explorer on other versions of Windows. However, Microsoft has ended support for the browser, so it is recommended to switch to a different browser.

What is the difference between Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is the successor to Internet Explorer. It offers a more modern browsing experience with improved security and performance. It also supports a wider range of web standards, making it more compatible with modern websites.

Craig BucklerCraig Buckler
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Craig is a freelance UK web consultant who built his first page for IE2.0 in 1995. Since that time he's been advocating standards, accessibility, and best-practice HTML5 techniques. He's created enterprise specifications, websites and online applications for companies and organisations including the UK Parliament, the European Parliament, the Department of Energy & Climate Change, Microsoft, and more. He's written more than 1,000 articles for SitePoint and you can find him @craigbuckler.

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