There's been plenty of talk over the fact that you can't upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 in Europe, but we can now reveal that there will also be no upgrade path from Windows 7 RC either because of the EC.
Microsoft confirmed to TechRadar last week that its decision to release an 'E' version of Windows 7 which would not allow you to upgrade your system from Windows Vista, but would require a clean install, was down to the integration of Internet Explorer in the operating system.
Now, Microsoft has confirmed that there will be no upgrade from Windows 7 RC either – closing a potential loophole for people who were considering using the relese candidate as an upgrade stepping stone.
Confirmation
"There definitely is no upgrade path from Windows 7 RC to the full version," confirmed Microsoft's Leila Martine to TechRadar.
"Moving to the full version in Europe will require a clean install."
This is very different news to those in the rest of the world who are trialling the RC version – who, it was confirmed this week WILL be allowed to upgrade.
Microsoft's decision to release the European Windows 7 version without IE8 bundled is likely to prove unpopular, but the company took that action as a direct response to the investigation launched by the European Commission into the potentially anti-competitive behaviour of including a default browser.
Europe will get upgrade pricing for full versions
Microsoft has also reiterated that the lack of an upgrade option means it will be offering full versions of Windows 7 for the price of the upgrade package available to the rest of the world.
"What we are saying is 'we don't care as a consumer if you had Windows Vista or not because we can't tell that and we don't want to penalise you for our decision to take IE8 out of the Wndows 7 E version and to not give an upgrade option," added Martine - who is the UK Windows Marketing Lead.
This means that Microsoft is insisting that, certainly at least until 31 December 2009 and probably (but not certainly) beyond, a full version of Windows 7 Home Premium will be available for the upgrade price of £79.99, full Windows 7 Professional will be available for the upgrade price of £189.99 and Windows 7 Ultimate will be available for £199.99.
Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
gd0nfn
July 20th 2009
3. I wonder if the restrictions on Windows 7 availability in Europe particularly upgrade versions, apples to the geographic area of Europe or the EU countries (which took legal action against Microsoft).
I live in the Isle of Man which is an independent country (not recognised as such on your countries list) and not a member of the EU and feel discriminated against by Microsoft because we happen to be in the geographical area of Europe.
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watcherzero
July 18th 2009
2. Guess there will be a grey market for imports.
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kango_v
July 17th 2009
1. Actually the EU never asked Microsoft to unbundle IE. Only that other browsers should be offered.
It was Microsofts decision to do this as it know that OEMs will then just add IE back in.
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