It was recently revealed that Microsoft will not force OEMs and ODMs to install only Windows 7 Starter on netbooks, instead opting to allow them to choose which version of Windows 7 to install. The Redmond giant also confirmed that the three application limit has been removed.

OEMs and ODMs have the choice to install any version of Windows on a netbook,” said a Microsoft UK spokesperson. “[But] Starter is an entry version and doesn’t have many of the consumer or business features. The three application limit isn’t there anymore.

Windows 7 Starter has been seen as a trial for Windows 7, with many of the flagship features removed, namely the Aero features, but also abilities such as Desktop Personalization, DVD Playback, XP Mode, Windows Media Center, Fast User Switching, Multiple Monitors, and more. Starter is also only available with an x86 architecture, as Microsoft opted to exclude a x64 version.

Home Basic is also quite similar, with several features removed and intended as a basic, entry level OS. As quoted from TG Daily, “it’s hard to see exactly why we need two entry SKUs of the OS.”