What Is Windows 10 N

Microsoft distributes special "N" editions of Windows in Europe and "KN" editions of Windows in Korea. These are the same as the standard editions of Windows, except they don't include Windows Media Player and other multimedia playback features.

How Are "Northward" and "KN" Editions Different?

"N" editions of Windows are bachelor in Europe, and are missing a few media-related features. On Windows 7, you'll find that Windows Media Histrion and Windows Media Center are missing. On Windows 10, they don't include Windows Media Histrion, Groove Music, Movies & Boob tube, Voice Recorder, or Skype.

"KN" editions of Windows are available in Korea. They remove Windows Media Player and related multimedia features, but similar Windows N. When the KN versions of Windows were created, they also removed Windows Messenger. However, Microsoft has since discontinued this awarding.

Yous don't have to buy an Northward or KN edition of Windows, even if yous alive in these areas. Standard editions of Windows are also bachelor for buy.

There isn't but 1 "Northward" edition of Windows, either. Instead, in that location are "Due north" versions of most Windows editions. For example, if you lot want to buy Windows ten, you tin get Windows 10 Home N or Windows 10 Professional person Northward. These are identical to the standard Home and Professional editions of Windows with all the same features, except they exclude the multimedia features mentioned above.

These editions of Windows exist entirely for legal reasons. In 2004, the European Commission found Microsoft had violated European antitrust law, abusing its monopoly in the market to hurt competing video and audio applications. The Eu fined Microsoft €500 one thousand thousand and required Microsoft to offering a version of Windows without Windows Media Player. Consumers and PC manufacturers tin can choose this version of Windows and install their preferred multimedia applications without Windows Media Player also beingness nowadays. It'southward not the only version of Windows offered in the European union—it's simply an pick that has to be available. This is why the "N" editions are but available in Europe.

Similarly, in 2005, the Korea Off-white Trade Commission found Microsoft was abusing its monopoly position to hurt competing multimedia and messaging apps. It fined Microsoft $32 million and required Microsoft to offer a version of Windows without Windows Media Player and MSN Messenger. This is why those "KN" editions of Windows are available in Korea.

Quite a Few Things Volition Break

Unfortunately, it's not as simple every bit only removing Windows Media Role player. The removal of underlying multimedia codecs and playback features means quite a few applications won't work properly.

Many apps, from Microsoft Office to some PC games, rely on the congenital-in Windows video playback features. These features may not function properly in such applications, or the applications may crash completely.

On Windows 10, Cortana, Windows Hullo, and PDF viewing in Edge won't work. Multimedia features in Store apps may not piece of work. Microsoft's website offers a detailed (but not complete) list of disabled features.

Microsoft'south Costless Media Feature Pack Restores These Applications

"N" and "KN" editions of Windows aren't prevented from using these media playback features. Instead, they're only not installed by default.

If you desire to enable these disabled multimedia features on a Due north or KN edition of Windows, download the free Media Feature Pack from Microsoft. There are dissimilar download links depending on whether you demand information technology for Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7. This will re-enable all those disabled features.

Should I Purchase Them?

Let's be honest: These editions of Windows have largely been a flop. In theory, they were created to increase choice for consumers and PC manufacturers. Rather than beingness forced to use Windows Media Player, users could avoid it entirely and install their own preffered applications. PC manufacturers could choose the media player software they preferred, and media actor companies could better compete without Microsoft getting in the mode.

Simply these versions of Windows oasis't been very popular. They're still not that common, so some third-political party applications may non work properly if they presume these multimedia features are always nowadays and rely on them. And Microsoft keeps calculation new features to Windows x that won't piece of work properly on these editions of Windows unless you install the missing multimedia features.

RealPlayer creator RealNetworks cheered the EU decision, but RealPlayer didn't become popular in response. Information technology'due south even hard to argue Microsoft is benefiting from these preinstalled apps—today, Microsoft is far backside competing services like Spotify and iTunes when it comes to music, and Skype is getting a run for its money from the many competing messaging services out there, from Facebook Messenger to iMessage and FaceTime.

If you have a option, we recommend you avoid these editions of Windows. Of grade, if you have an N or KN edition, it's not a large trouble—you can simply download the free Media Characteristic Pack.