Software giant, Microsoft Corp plans to sell its operating system Windows without internet explorer in Europe. This comes just before the European Commission is about to rule on antitrust charges against Microsoft. Microsoft has been accused of bundling the Internet Explorer (IE) and thus protecting itself from head-on competition with rivals. 

Microsoft has thought that the IE browser is a part of the Windows operating system. But the company plans to remove IE from the European version of the new Windows 7. Windows 7 is slated to debut late this year. Dave Heiner, Deputy General Counsel of Microsoft, has said that the browser would not be available with the operating system, but as a separate entity. The software could be installed easily by computer makers and users. 

European Commission has received this idea with a huff. Microsoft had been suggested to supply the operating system with a choice of browsers, so that the consumers could make a choice. But the company has stripped the existing IE browser, instead of providing with more choices. There is a possibility of the Commission forcing Microsoft into bundling other browsers with the operating system. Microsoft, on the other hand, is totally against this move.

But, Microsoft’s move could be beneficial to other companies like Google, Mozilla, and Opera. IE has a share of 60% in the internet traffic. Mozilla’s Firefox has about 30% share. This study is according to StatCounter, a web analytics firm. 

Microsoft has had a history of getting into wrangles with the regulators. The company has been fined quite a lump sum over the last few years over violations.