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Windows 7 Starter- what are the limitations?
original title: Windows 7 Starter Limitations?
Bought Acer Aspire One with Windows 7 Starter. What are the limitations? What will I not be able to do if I don't ungrade to full version? Can I use Starter as long as I want? Old computer has XP Home.
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Answer
You can use Starter for as long as you want, but many people complain about how crippled it is and the lack of features.
Windows 7 Starter does not include:
* Aero Glass, meaning you can only use the Windows Basic or other opaque themes. It also means you do not get Taskbar Previews or Aero Peek.
* Personalization features for changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes.
* The ability to switch between users without having to log off.
* 64 bit version
* Multi-monitor support.
* DVD playback.
* Windows Media Center for watching recorded TV or other media.
* Remote Media Streaming for streaming your music, videos, and recorded TV from your home computer.
* Domain support for business customers.
* XP Mode for those that want the ability to run older Windows XP programs on Windows 7.
What Features are Included in Each Version of Windows 7?
Have Questions About Installing Windows 7?
FAQ - Common Windows 7 Installation Questions & Answers
Windows 7 Starter does not include:
* Aero Glass, meaning you can only use the Windows Basic or other opaque themes. It also means you do not get Taskbar Previews or Aero Peek.
* Personalization features for changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes.
* The ability to switch between users without having to log off.
* 64 bit version
* Multi-monitor support.
* DVD playback.
* Windows Media Center for watching recorded TV or other media.
* Remote Media Streaming for streaming your music, videos, and recorded TV from your home computer.
* Domain support for business customers.
* XP Mode for those that want the ability to run older Windows XP programs on Windows 7.
What Features are Included in Each Version of Windows 7?
| Features / Availability | Starter | Home Basic | Home Premium | Professional | Enterprise | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM licensing | Emerging markets | Retail and OEM licensing | Volume licensing | Retail and OEM licensing | ||
| 64-bit and 32-bit versions | 32-bit only | Both | Both | Both | Both | |
| Maximum physical memory (64-bit mode) | <small>N/A </small> | 8 GB | 16 GB | 192 GB | 192 GB | |
| Home Group (create and join) | Join only | Join only | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Multiple monitors | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Fast user switching | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Wallpaper Changeable | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Window Manager | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows Mobility Center | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows Aero | No | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Multi-Touch | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Premium Games Included | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows Media Center | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows Media Player Remote Media Experience | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Encrypting File System | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Location Aware Printing | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Remote Desktop Host | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Presentation Mode | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows Server domain | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows XP Mode | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| AppLocker | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
| BitLocker Drive Encryption | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
| BranchCache Distributed Cache | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
| DirectAccess | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
| Subsystem for Unix-based Applications | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
| Multilingual User Interface Pack | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
| Virtual Hard Disk Booting | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Have Questions About Installing Windows 7?
FAQ - Common Windows 7 Installation Questions & Answers
MCC 2011
TrekDozer
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TrekDozer
Sharing bits of knowledge.
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