Microsoft To Sell Windows 7 Without IE In Europe

According to reports, Microsoft has relented to pressure being put on it by the EU and is reversing course on its standard practice of bundling Internet Explorer with Windows -- in Europe, anyway.

Microsoft has decided to issue a separate version of Windows 7 to European countries that will not come prebundled with Internet Explorer, according to a memo seen by CNET.

"To ensure that Microsoft is in compliance with European law, Microsoft will be releasing a separate version of Windows 7 for distribution in Europe that will not include Windows Internet Explorer," the memo says, CNET reports. Microsoft has confirmed that it issued the memo.

This admission and change of course run contrary to Microsoft's defense that claimed Internet Explorer was an important part of the Window's operating system and that it would be detrimental to have it removed.

Last week The Wall Street Journal reported that the EU was putting pressure on Microsoft to bundle competing Web browsers with the software. The EU argued that the software giant had been in violation of European competition laws since 1996.

Microsoft's decision to relent to the EU comes as the European Commission was preparing to rule on the antitrust charges that were brought against the software giant back in January.

At the time, Microsoft predictably issued a statement saying the company was committed to conducting its business in compliance with European law.