Windows 7 Features by Edition

With Windows 7, each edition will be a superset of the next-lower edition, eliminating one point of confusion with Windows Vista. This illustration gives an overview of the features licensed by each edition.

Starter will have the fewest features. It will be sold only by OEMs on new computers—not at retail—and only on PCs with specific hardware and price specifications.

Home Basic adds features such as Fast User Switching, support for multiple monitors, and the new Sensor and Location Platform (which allows a mobile Windows 7 computer to sense the light conditions and adjust monitor brightness automatically). It will be sold only in emerging markets, and users will not be able to upgrade in place from Starter to Home Basic.

Home Premium adds the Aero Glass interface and advanced consumer features, such as DVD playback, the Media Center remote controllable interface, and multitouch support (which allows multiple touch inputs simultaneously, such as two fingers at the same time).