Windows 7 allows users to disable Internet Explorer and more

By on Mar 7, 2009 at 9:39 AM
General March 7, 2009

Microsoft’s Engineering Windows 7 Blog posted details on some of the new features users will see in the release candidate version of Windows 7. One of the more interesting notes is the expansion of the “Windows Features” control panel, which allows users to enable or disable certain functionality within Windows 7. Along with the typical applications listed in Vista and Windows 7 Beta version, the list has been expanded to include the following applications:

  • Windows Media Player
  • Windows Media Center
  • Windows DVD Maker
  • Internet Explorer 8
  • Windows Search
  • Handwriting Recognition (through the Tablet PC Components option)
  • Windows Gadget Platform
  • Fax and Scan
  • XPS Viewer and Services (including the Virtual Print Driver)

No, you did not misread the list. Microsoft is indeed allowing its users to disable Internet Explorer 8 along with Windows Media Player, Windows Search, Windows Media Center and more. Microsoft does clarify that “disabling” does not equate with “removal” — the application’s components will remain an integral part of the operating system and can not be removed. This is not the complete removal option many have been waiting for Microsoft to implement but it is, nonetheless, a step in the right direction.

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  • blur(p)s

    Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I <3 Windows (for finally opening their eyes)!!!

  • Anye mr.Africa Angwafo

    Good changes but mozila is still king
    & internet explorer is horrible

    • noah

      mozilla is ok, but google chrome is king by far
      way faster

  • http://www.espressoreport.com Richard Ward

    It took them long enough to do this. Remember the Netscape lawsuits from “back in the day” over a decade ago? Finally, some closure.

  • Perspective

    Windows 7 itself is a giant “Vista off” switch.

  • Dark Cobra

    No actually Windows 7 “IS” Vista . . . “Done Right!”.

    • Baffour

      =S
      if you’re saying that you obviously don’t have it…
      it improves on windows vista like windows vista improved on XP- it doesn’t
      they made up non existent problems like the fact it’s difficult to put two windows side by side (when you could already do that) and neglect to fix the actual problems, which seem to have gotten worse (for me)

  • jazzyl

    Good I hope windows resurrect windows because Vista was crap for now I will stick to Xp. Vista was a flop and the worst os microsoft ever did period. Welcome back perspective lol

    Sent via BlackBerry

  • Robert Padilla

    Vista isn’t bad at all I have had no issues in the year or so I have had it. I run a dell xps1530 so I don’t think I have so super high end system my point being if I can run it fine why can’t others? I am sure I will get tons of bashing for saying it but Vista is fine.

  • http://mobilemogulreport.blogspot.com Justin

    Nothing earth-shattering, but some nice improvements nonetheless. At least this will probably allow firefox to take over all of the internet shortcut icons, including the ones on external drives.

  • Scott Serron

    Finally Nothing is better then DA FOX (mozilla firefox)

  • iamjoel5

    I didn’t know this couldn’t be done on the previous windows os’s.
    Very cool addition

  • ankit

    I must say I will
    Admire microsoft for this move. I have been using the beta for a while can’t wait for the actual Os.

  • iamjoel5

    @ BGR

    By the way, is there any thought into putting a function to be able to view previous pages of posts from the mobile site? I’m using Blackberry 8310 browser and even though the GUI of the site is awesome and mobile-browser friendly, the problem is I can’t view previous pages without googling the name of a post I remembered when wanting to review or reference or whatnot (I do this frequently).

    Any thoughts into that? I would assume most would agree that adding link option to previous post would be pretty usefull.

  • Allen

    Hi, Can someone please explain to me what is so exciting about disabling some of the windows programs? If people don’t like them can’t they just not use them?

    ***DISCLAIMER: I am not a Windows Hater or Lover, I’m just confused as to what “DISABLING” means”***

    Also, I have Vista and its not THAT bad and I actually like the searching feature…

    • CosmoCarter

      Allen. You are obviously a Microsoft lover and puppet. Vista sucks, IE sucks, MS Search sucks, I agree. Don’t use them. Problem is in MS OS’s you are forced to use them. This article is obviously not for a nob like yourself. Douche bag.

  • BrianC

    Removing features that you don’t need will free up resource (hard disk space and RAM) so it (modularity) is a good thing in general.

    I also like Vista and have it running on a few of my laptops and so far so good. Naturally I am also quite up-to-date with my applications and drivers. I wouldn’t blame Vista when it is an old app or driver that isn’t compatibile with the OS. I would blame the app developer or the driver manufacturer.

  • http://dave dave

    vista is working good for me..

  • Orga

    Vista is not the worst OS that Microsoft ever put out. Saying something like that only means you were (a) too young to remember ME or (b) blocked out the memory as too much for your fragile psyche.

    Now ME… that was a piece of shit.

  • Astro

    I’m sick of hearing people complain about how IE is included in Windows. My Blackberry only comes with the normal Blackberry browser, should we get pissed over that too? Or that you’re pretty much ‘locked in’ to use iTunes for an iPod. Not like MS is going to come knock on your door because you aren’t using IE.

    Why the hell should they give the option to install 3rd party software that they didn’t develop themselves and is not MS certified.

    Seriously, if the other browser developers wanted to adopt more users, maybe they should reconstruct their advertising methods or modify the way that they attract users.

  • http://missysbaskets.blogspot.com Missy

    I don’t see the point, most if not all of those progams to my knowledge can be uninstalled, I would be much happier if the computer makers themselves would just stop putting crap programs on laptops (*Cough* HP)
    As to vista being crappy, haven’t had any problems with it and I’ve been a user since April of 2007. It merely looks different, turn UAC off and your good to go, even with UAC your mostly GTG.

  • Bindar

    I have to agree with Orga. Vista is only the second worse version MS ever released. ME is the one that even MS says should never have been released and the blame for it’s release lies squarely on the the shoulders of your neighborhood users. They were sadly disappointed when 2000 was released and didn’t have features that they wanted for home use. They never read the part where Win 2K was not developed for home use.

  • brian

    “Why the hell should they give the option to install 3rd party software that they didn’t develop themselves and is not MS certified.”

    because i bought it with my money, and now i should be able to do with it as i please.

  • Cory

    I agree with Brian, I think that users should have the right to pick what software they use, especially for something as basic as Internet browsing, I’m a big fan of firefox and think that this is a really good move for Microsoft. Also with as big as iPods and iPhones that use iTunes are getting, It’ll be nice to disable media player as we. Next step is having the option to delete them, but I’ll settle for disabling. I’m using windows 7 now and so far have been impressed with it. This is another bonus feature.

  • http://www.pacificpremium.com.au/ Pacific Premium Funding

    Windows 7 allows users to disable Internet Explorer and more… nice site

  • abdul ngonyani

    I can not see internet explorer icon. I am using window 7 also turn on or off feature for internet explorer is on. please help me

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