Description:
The Windows 11 Home N is a special edition of the Windows 11 Home operating system designed for countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), Croatia, and Switzerland. The "N" in the name stands for "No Media Player," and it's a version created to comply with European antitrust regulations.
What Makes "N" Different?
The key difference between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Home N is the absence of certain pre-installed media-related software. Out of the box, the "N" version does not include:
Windows Media Player: The built-in media player for music and videos.
Movies & TV: The application for watching videos and movies.
Groove Music: The music playback app.
Voice Recorder: The native sound recording app.
Skype: The communication application.
Certain media codecs and frameworks: The software required for playing specific audio and video formats.
You are able to download all of these features and applications separately from the Microsoft Store or other sources.
Key Features of Windows 11 Home N
Aside from the missing media features, the Windows 11 Home N version is functionally identical to the standard Windows 11 Home. It includes all the core features for personal use, such as:
A streamlined user interface: With a new Start menu, taskbar, and redesigned apps.
Widgets: A personalized feed for news, weather, and other information.
Integrated Microsoft Teams: For easy communication and collaboration.
DirectX 12 Ultimate: For high-end gaming performance.
Basic Security: Windows Defender and other security features to protect your device.
This version is an ideal choice for users in the specified regions who prefer to download their own media software or for those who don't need the bundled Microsoft media applications.