Microsoft Confirms Major Features Can Be Removed From Windows 7

According to recent posts on the Engineering Windows 7 blog users will be allowed to disable almost every major feature that is included in the new OS, including an option to remove IE8.

The new feature was originally reveled on Chris' Repository of Knowledge and AeroXperience, both of whom had been playing around with build 7048, the latest leaked version of Windows 7. Both blogs posted similar screenshots of the new Windows 7's "Windows Features" dialog box, which includes an option to turn off IE8.



This weekend MS confirmed they have expanded the number of features user will have control over, giving customers more control, flexibility and choice in managing the features available their Windows 7 installs. In addition to the features that were already available to turn on or off in Windows Vista, Microsoft has added the following features to the list in Windows 7:

• 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)

Unfortunately there still won't be an option to exclude the programs entirely, they will still be installed just not accessible. So they are still a part of the original install which means re-enabling them will not require the original installation disc. Personally I'd prefer the option to leave them out entirely.