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Microsoft lifts Windows 7 netbook restrictions

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 6:27PM EST
BGR

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Back in May, blogs across the Web erupted when word of Microsoft’s planned maximum specs for Windows 7 Starter Edition emerged. To recap, Microsoft had decided to limit the specs for netbooks on which OEMs could pre-install Windows 7 Starter Edition. The move would, in theory, help ensure beefier (and pricier) editions of Win7 got enough attention. Fast forward to today however, and it appears as though Redmond had a change of heart — not only where maximum specs are concerned, but also with the long-reported three app limit. A Microsoft UK spokesperson had this to say:

OEMs and ODMs have the choice to install any version of Windows on a netbook. Starter is an entry version and doesn’t have many of the consumer or business features. The three application limit isn’t there anymore.

The bottom line is that it’s now up to the user to decide which is more important: the attractive price of 7 Starter Edition or the fanned out functionality of pricier versions. You know — the way it should be. Good show, Microsoft.

Thanks, Roger!

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Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.