The world of Windows operating systems offers various editions, including some lesser-known versions known as N and KN editions. These editions might seem perplexing at first glance, but they serve specific purposes and have a unique history. Here we have to know what distinguishes of Windows N and KN editions from their non-N counterparts and delve into their origins and the reasoning behind their existence.
What are N and KN Editions?
N and KN editions of Windows are essentially identical to their non-N counterparts, with one crucial distinction: they do not include Windows Media Player and some related multimedia features. These editions were introduced to meet legal requirements and market demands in specific regions, primarily Europe and South Korea.
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Origins of N and KN Editions
The story of N and KN editions dates back to the early 2000s when Microsoft faced legal challenges. In 2004, the European Commission for the European Union determined that Microsoft held a monopoly and was unfairly promoting Windows Media Player, stifling competition in the media player market.
As a result, they ordered Microsoft to create a version of Windows without Windows Media Player bundled with it. This resulted in the birth of the N edition, where “N” stands for “Not with Windows Media Player.”
Similarly, in 2005, a Korean court made a similar decision, leading to the creation of the KN edition, specifically tailored for the Korean market. The KN edition differs from the N edition by offering only English and Korean language options.
Why Microsoft Offers N and KN Editions
Microsoft didn’t create these specialized editions out of choice but rather to comply with legal mandates. The European Commission and Korean authorities imposed these requirements to ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices. As a result, Microsoft was obligated to provide these editions without Windows Media Player to maintain a level playing field in the software market.
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Differences Between N and Non-N Versions
While the absence of Windows Media Player is the most noticeable difference, it’s not the whole story. Several features that rely on Windows Media Player components are also affected in N and KN editions.
These features include alarms and clocks, sound-related functions, application syncing, and more. Additionally, playing certain types of videos and using specific multimedia tools may not work as expected in N and KN editions.
Restoring Missing Features
For users who require the missing multimedia features, Microsoft offers a solution known as the Media Feature Pack. However, it’s essential to note that this pack is only available for N and KN editions.
Even with the Media Feature Pack, some components may still require manual installation, such as codecs, Skype, Windows Movies & TV, Windows Media Player, Xbox Game Bar, and Windows Voice Recorder.
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Conclusion
N and KN editions of Windows may seem perplexing, but they have a clear purpose: to comply with legal requirements and market demands in specific regions. These editions lack Windows Media Player and some multimedia-related features.
While they are not the standard choice for most users, they serve a crucial role in ensuring competition and fairness in the software industry. If you ever encounter these editions and wonder why they exist, remember that they are a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to abiding by legal mandates and catering to diverse global markets.
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