Windows 7 Enterprise vs Ultimate


Windows 7 is one of the highest rated and most popular releases of Windows in several years. There are six different versions of Windows 7 on the market today with Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate being two of the most popular and bestselling versions of this highly popular technology. If you are considering buying one of these two versions or you wish to upgrade a lower version of Windows 7 to either Enterprise or Ultimate, you should first know what are the significant differences between each of the products.

Here you will discover the differences between Enterprise and Ultimate; both versions are superior to all previous versions of Windows.

Are There Any Big Differences Between Enterprise And Ultimate?

There are in fact very few major differences between Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate. In fact, at first glance most people typically make the mistake of assuming that both of these versions of Windows 7 are completely the same. However, there are a few small differences between the two:

Note the following key differences:

  • Windows 7 Enterprise is only available to enterprises whereas Windows 7 Ultimate can be purchased by just about everybody.
  • A computer user who buys Windows 7 Ultimate can run it only on a single operating system. However, an enterprise who purchases Windows 7 Enterprise can install the software on four additional virtual machines.
  • Windows 7 Enterprise has the functionality to activate the element “against a local key server.”
  • The premium games that come bundled with both versions, Enterprise and Ultimate, are disabled by default in the Enterprise version.

What Is The Point Of These Two Versions If They Are Virtually The Same?

Many consumers have questioned why there is a difference at all between these two versions of Windows 7. In short, the difference is basically in the licensing of the product. This allows companies who choose to take advantage of Windows 7 to save a little money when they install the system on multiple virtual machines. However, these companies must have Microsoft Software Assurance in order to take advantage of this multiple virtual machine use.

Additionally, the premium games are disabled in the Enterprise version as most companies prefer not to allow their employees to have access to such entertainment elements while in the workplace. However, these premium game services are fully open and ready to go with Windows 7 Ultimate.  This allows general computer owners to have full access to these entertainment devices without having to specially activate them.

Choosing The Correct Version Of Windows 7

When choosing between Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise, the decision of which version to purchase is pretty much made up for you by Microsoft. If your company has Microsoft Software Assurance and you plan on using the software on multiple virtual machines, then Enterprise is the version for you. If you just use a personal computer, then Windows 7 Ultimate is the correct version for you.

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