Windows 10 N and KN Editions Get an Extended Lease on Life: EEA-Free for Another Year!

Good news for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and South Korea who prefer their Windows 10 experience without certain pre-installed multimedia features! Microsoft has officially announced an extension of its commitment to provide the 'N' and 'KN' editions of Windows 10 without components like Windows Media Player and related technologies for an additional year.

This means the special versions, born out of historical antitrust agreements, will continue to be available as they are until June 15, 2021.

For those unfamiliar, the 'N' edition of Windows 10 is distributed in the EEA, while the 'KN' edition is available in South Korea. Both versions fundamentally offer the core Windows 10 operating system but intentionally omit certain built-in media functionalities.

This includes the Windows Media Player, Groove Music, Movies & TV, Voice Recorder, and even Skype, along with other media-related frameworks.

This unique situation traces its roots back to significant antitrust rulings against Microsoft in the early 2000s. European regulators, in particular, took issue with Microsoft's bundling of its Windows Media Player with the Windows operating system, arguing it stifled competition and gave Microsoft an unfair advantage in the media player market.

These legal battles ultimately led to Microsoft being mandated to offer 'N' and 'KN' versions of Windows, providing users with a choice that excludes the pre-integrated media stack.

Microsoft initially committed to providing these stripped-down versions for a five-year period following the launch of Windows 10.

As that original five-year commitment was nearing its conclusion, many wondered what the future held for these specialized editions. The extension now provides clarity and continuity, reassuring users and regulators alike that the spirit of the original agreement remains intact, at least for the foreseeable future.

While these editions come without certain media features, it's crucial to remember that users are not left entirely without options.

Microsoft readily provides a 'Media Feature Pack' for N and KN editions of Windows 10. This optional download allows users to easily add back the missing media functionalities, including Windows Media Player, if they decide they need them after installation. This approach ensures compliance with regulations while still offering flexibility to the end-user.

This ongoing commitment underscores Microsoft's dedication to respecting international antitrust agreements and providing varied choices to its global user base.

Whether you prefer a streamlined OS without the bundled media apps or appreciate the option to add them later, the extension of Windows 10 N and KN editions ensures that choice remains firmly in your hands for another year.