Hey, EU! Internet Explorer now uninstallable in Windows 7

by Lee Mathews on March 4, 2009 at 10:00 AM

While it's not likely to placate those who are out for browser blood, Microsoft has taken steps toward pacifying the European Union in the latest RC builds of Windows 7.

As you can see in the updated Windows Features screen captured by AeroXperience, Internet Explorer 8 can now be removed just like Tablet PC support or Chess Titans. Unlike older versions of Windows where stripping IE with a tool like NLite usually caused some kind of headache down the road, Windows 7 appears to plug along just fine after removing the executable.
What the ultimate solution will look like remains to be seen. Some outlets still like to suggest that Microsoft would actually have to ship Windows with other browsers pre-installed, though a more likely solution would be to offer alternatives for download - for example, through links on the welcome screen.

It's also good news for Google, who have been sweet talking OEMs since late last year in attempts to bundle their browser on new laptop and desktop PCs.

Thanks, Bryant!

Tags: european union, EuropeanUnion, internet-explorer, osupdates, windows-7