Recent test versions of the new Microsoft operating system, Windows 7, include an option to turn off the Internet Explorer 8 web browser.

According to tester, Chris Holmes, the 7048 build of Windows 7 lists Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) as a removable component of Windows, which can be toggled on or off via the “Windows Features” dialogue box.

Although the dialogue box appeared in the earlier beta versions of Windows 7, IE8 did not appear on the list of features that could be disabled.

“Microsoft has not yet made an official statement on the reasons behind the move,” said Bruce Mills, Joint CEO of 3W Consulting, Contracting  & Recruitment Pty Ltd.  “But speculation is rife that it has come in answer to the European Union’s objection to the inclusion of a browser within the Windows operating system.”

The software giant has come under pressure from the EU recently to unbundle their browser and operating systems to afford PC users the opportunity to choose their browser.

This has created a stir among Microsoft enthusiasts who question the fairness of singling out Microsoft when Apple and other operating system suppliers (who also supply bundled browsers) are not required to meet the same requirements.

“To allow the user total freedom in their choice of browser, Microsoft would have to disable certain IE code, or completely remove IE from their product offering” explained Mills.

By making IE a removable option, Microsoft has come up with a mutually satisfactory solution to the problem.

“It’s win-win situation,” said Mills. “Microsoft can still sell IE as part of their operating system, AND the EU’s requirements are satisfied.”