What are the "N" versions of Windows 8?

Microsoft just released the final Windows 8 versions for MSDN members, before its consumer release in october.

Anyway, I am a MSDN member. Today I went to see my downloads page and I found a list of the new versions to be downloaded.

  • Windows 8
  • Windows 8 N
  • Windows 8 Pro
  • Windows 8 Pro N
  • Windows 8 Enterprise
  • Windows 8 Enterprise N

I know the difference between the versions "Windows 8", "Windows 8 Pro" and "Windows 8 Enterprise", which you easily find at wikipedia.

But, I really need to know the difference between these versions and the "N" versions before download one of them.


Wikipedia also explains N versions, look under "Special-purpose editions" in the Windows 7 Wiki.

N and KN editions

The features in the N and KN Editions are the same as their equivalent full versions, but do not include Windows Media Player or other Windows Media-related technologies, such as Windows Media Center and Windows DVD Maker. The cost of the N and KN Editions are the same as the full versions, as the Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N or Windows 7 KN can be downloaded without charge from Microsoft.

N versions were created due to a fine/settlement with the European Union