Microsoft may distribute Windows 7 with the browser ballot screen proposed by the Windows team. The European Commission accepted the offer. From Windows 7 onwards, the user sees a selection dialog to install other browsers than Internet Explorer, when they set up the system.
Within the dialog, the 5 most widespread browsers will be offered for download. The list will get updated and can hold up to 12 entries. The browsers are sorted according to their market share.
OEM partners will be able to choose which default browser to ship with a computer. They can even disable Internet Explorer completely.
The agreement is valid for 5 years, according to the European Commission. That means that future versions of Windows must contain such a browser ballot screen as well.