Windows XP K and KN Excluded Media Player

In response to a landmark 2005 antitrust ruling in South Korea, Microsoft released two specialized variants of its operating system: Windows XP K and Windows XP KN. While both versions addressed anti-competitive bundling concerns raised by South Korean regulators, the Windows XP KN edition specifically stripped out Windows Media Player entirely, alongside Windows Messenger. This article details the regulatory background, the exact software excluded, and the functional differences between the K and KN editions.

The KFTC Antitrust Ruling

In December 2005, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) found Microsoft guilty of abusing its dominant market position by tying its proprietary multimedia and communications software to the Windows operating system. The regulatory body ordered Microsoft to pay a fine and provide versions of Windows that gave equal footing to competing domestic services, such as Daum Communications and local media player developers.

To comply with the order, Microsoft launched two distinct variations of Windows XP for the South Korean market in 2006: Windows XP K and Windows XP KN.

Excluded Software: K vs. KN Editions

The specific media player software targeted by the ruling was Windows Media Player. However, the implementation differed significantly between the two editions:

• Windows XP KN (Excluded Media Player): The KN edition completely omitted Windows Media Player (as well as Windows Messenger). Users who installed Windows XP KN had no native media playback capabilities out of the box and were required to manually download Windows Media Player or install third-party alternatives like Gom Player or VLC.
• Windows XP K (Retained with Third-Party Links): The K edition did not remove Windows Media Player. Instead, it included the software as normal, but Microsoft was required to pre-install desktop shortcuts and browser links directing users to competing media player software and instant messaging applications.

User Impact

For users running Windows XP KN, the absence of Windows Media Player removed all associated system components, including the Windows Media Format runtimes. Consequently, tasks involving CD ripping, audio playback, and video streaming within Internet Explorer failed unless a compatible media engine was installed. Microsoft later provided a dedicated Media Pack download for users who wished to restore Windows Media Player functionality to their KN installations.