Key Difference: Windows 7 Home Premium is an edition that the company has released that is aimed at the Home market. In many countries, such as the US, this edition is the only edition available for Home users. Windows 7 Ultimate is one of the highest versions of the system offered by Microsoft. This version shares the same features as the Windows 7 Enterprise; however, it is available for home users on an individual license basis.

Windows 7 is an operating system that was launched by Microsoft in October 2009 as an upgrade to Windows Vista. Similar to the other Windows operating systems, the company launched editions or a variety of the operating system with limited or additional features. These variations all come for different prices and allow users to spend only on the features that are bound to use, with the other features reserved for professionals. This is done to ensure that each user will only have to pay for the features that he/she requires. Windows 7 Home Premium and Ultimate are two different versions of Windows 7 that is available in the market. The Home Premium version is the main version that is available for home users and has placed more focus on entertainment and aesthetic appeal. The Ultimate version has all of the features that are available and is the costliest. The 7 Ultimate edition shares the same features as the Enterprise, but is available for retail rather than volume licensing.

Windows 7 Home Premium is an edition that the company has released that is aimed at the Home market. In many countries, such as the US, this edition is the only edition available for Home users. Microsoft has placed heavy focus on the making it home-friendly and an entertainment OS, offering features such as Windows Media Center and multi-touch support. In addition to these features, it also offers Windows Aero layout for providing aesthetic appeal. It offers updates for Internet Explorer, ability to create a home network to allow easy access to printers and other gadgets. These new features are in addition to the features that are already available Windows Starter and Home Basic (available only in emerging markets). This is go-to edition for many people that wish to have a family PC at home or for children.

Windows 7 Ultimate is one of the highest versions of the system offered by Microsoft. This version shares the same features as the Windows 7 Enterprise; however, it is available for home users on an individual license basis. This is the most expensive variant of Windows 7 and is offers all the features of the other versions and much more.  The Ultimate version was created for users that wanted every type of upgrade available in their computers, along with for those that require high-end security features for their home systems. There are only a few features in Windows 7 Ultimate that could be proven useful for individuals, while others are better suited for IT Professionals. Additional features include: BitLocker Drive Encryption, 35 different languages to choose from, AppLocker (allows blocking of certain software from running on the comp), BranchCache, Direct boot from VHD, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, DirectAccess, etc. These features are more beneficial to corporate companies that require more system protection.

All versions of Windows 7, except the Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic version will play DVDs without the need for downloading any extra software. All versions of Windows 7 will receive Mainstream Support until January 2015 and Extended Support till January 2020.

This checklist is adapted from the diagrams provided by Microsoft to Neowin.net.

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