Differences between Windows Pro and Enterprise and other editions

Informatec Digital » Resources » Differences between Windows Pro and Enterprise and other editions

If you've ever wondered what the real difference is between Windows Pro and Windows EnterpriseYou're not alone. Many users have the feeling that Pro is "for professionals" and Enterprise is "for large companies," but when it comes to choosing a license for a PC, an SME, or an entire organization, things get quite complicated.

Furthermore, at this point, the classic distinction between Home and Pro is not the only one that exists: other factors also come into play. Windows Enterprise, Education, LTSC/LTSB editions and S modesFinally, Windows 11 sees the return of the Pro and Enterprise editions with new features, especially in security and remote management. Let's calmly unpack this whole mess and break down, point by point, what each edition offers and how Pro and Enterprise truly differ.

Basic differences between Windows Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education

Before going into detail about Windows Pro and Enterprise, it's important to understand that all editions share the same foundation: ultimately, it's still the same. the same Windows operating systemwith the same desktop, kernel and program compatibility; what changes are the extra security, administration, virtualization features and the licensing method.

It is important to distinguish clearly between Windows version and Windows editionWhen we talk about Windows 10 or Windows 11, we are referring to the "version" of the system; when we talk about Home, Pro, or Enterprise, we are talking about the specific "edition," which determines which features you have enabled and what type of license you need.

For example, two computers can be running exactly the same thing. Windows 11 updated on the same dayOne has the Home edition and the other the Pro edition. Both have the same general appearance, but the second includes features like domain joining, Remote Desktop as a server, and BitLocker, which the first does not.

In the domestic environment, the most sensible thing is to forget about going out. Enterprise and EducationNot only are they more expensive and distributed differently, but many of their functions are designed for corporate networks, educational centers, and very rigid usage policies that you won't take advantage of at home, nor are they worth it.

In organizations, however, it does make sense to consider whether the computer fleet should be aligned with Windows Pro, Enterprise or Educationbecause that's where control tools, advanced security, volume licensing, and longer or more stable support cycles come into play.

Features common to all modern editions of Windows

Broadly speaking, all current editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 share a good number of features that the average user sees daily: same desktop, same basic applications, same kernel and, in general, the same hardware requirements within each version.

In Windows 10 there were still editions of 32 and 64 bitsWhereas in Windows 11 Microsoft has opted exclusively for the 64-bit architecture, partly to reinforce Safety features such as TPM 2.0 and Safe StartThis means that any PC that wants to run Windows 11 must meet stricter minimum requirements than Windows 10.

Another point that many editions share is the existence of variants “N” for WindowsThese editions, mandated by the European Union, come without a media player or certain pre-installed features (such as Windows Media Player), with the aim of not forcing users to use Microsoft software. However, this can cause some headaches with apps that rely on these components.

Regarding the desktop and window management, all editions enjoy the same environment, with support for features such as virtual desktops and task viewsAnd in the case of Windows 11, features such as Snap Layouts to organize windows and the ability to create dedicated desktops for work, leisure or study.

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 also have integrated features such as Windows Hello for biometric login (PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition) and device encryption for certain devices, as well as the ability to sign in with a Microsoft account and synchronize settings between devices.

What does Windows Home offer and who is it for?

Windows Home is the most basic edition and the one that comes pre-installed on most consumer laptops and desktops. It is, so to speak, the "home" version of Windows, with All the essential functions for browsing, working with documents, playing games, and consuming content.but without the advanced tools designed for businesses.

In Home we find the Microsoft Edge browser, access to the catalog of the Microsoft Store, classic desktop, virtual desktops, and compatibility with almost all Windows applicationsFor a user who wants to use the PC for normal tasks, it is more than enough and, in addition, it is usually the cheapest license.

However, there are some notable absences: we cannot act as Remote Desktop server (although we can connect to other computers), we don't have BitLocker to encrypt disks or many of the advanced group policies and centralized administration that are in Pro and Enterprise.

In terms of technical limitations, Windows Home restricts the maximum amount of RAM that can be used: up to 4 GB in 32-bit and up to 128 GB in 64-bit editions of Windows 10, figures more than enough for the average home user.

There is also the variant Windows Home in S modeDesigned for budget-friendly or low-resource devices, and for situations where security is a priority, this version only allows the installation of apps from the Microsoft Store and blocks traditional Win32 programs. It's more secure and lightweight, but at the cost of reduced flexibility; you can switch from this mode to a full Home version, although the change is irreversible.

What does Windows Pro add compared to Home?

The Pro edition is the next step up. It's geared towards advanced users, freelancers and small businesses who need more than what Home offers, especially in terms of security, administration and connectivity with corporate networks.

Windows Pro includes all the features of Home and adds a set of key features that make all the difference. One of the most important is BitLocker, the disk encryption system which protects the device's data in case of theft or loss, something essential if you handle sensitive information.

Another key advantage of Pro is that it allows the PC to act as Remote Desktop serverIn other words, not only can you connect to other computers, but other devices can also connect to your Pro machine natively via RDP, which is very useful for teleworking and professional remote support.

In addition, Windows Pro integrates Hyper-V, Microsoft's hypervisorwhich allows you to create and manage virtual machines without the need for third-party software, or Windows Sandbox to test programs in an isolated environment.

At the management and business level, Pro opens the door to features such as joining to Active Directory domains, advanced group policy (GPO) management, Windows Update for Business To better control updates, the ability to join Azure Active Directory, plus tools designed for specific scenarios such as Assigned Access or Enterprise Mode for Internet Explorer.

Also noteworthy is its compatibility with volume licensing In certain versions, and a much higher RAM limit than in Home (up to 512 GB in 64-bit Windows 10 Pro), something that may be necessary in extreme professional environments.

Windows Pro N and other special variants

Within the Pro family there is the sub-edition Windows Pro NDesigned to comply with European competition regulations, this variant does not include Windows Media Player, certain multimedia technologies, or some associated apps as standard.

In practice, except for that absence of pre-installed multimedia componentsPro N and standard Pro are the same: same security tools, same domain capabilities, same Hyper-V and Remote Desktop support. For most users, the standard Pro edition is more convenient and avoids potential headaches from software that depends on those components.

The remaining differences between Home N and Pro N follow the same logic as between Home and standard Pro: Everything that Pro adds over Home, Pro N also adds., only without that default multimedia package.

What exactly is Windows Enterprise and how does it differ from Pro?

Windows Enterprise is the edition designed specifically for large organizations, demanding IT departments, and environments with hundreds or thousands of devicesUnlike Home and Pro, its typical acquisition model is volume licensing, usually linked to corporate software contracts.

In terms of features, Enterprise includes everything Windows Pro offers and adds a suite of advanced security, deployment, and control technologies that make all the difference in complex enterprise networks. For a home user, many of these options are almost invisible, but for an organization, they're invaluable.

Among the exclusive Enterprise tools are: AppLocker, which allows you to define exactly which applications can run on the computers; Branchcacheto optimize bandwidth usage when distributing content across dispersed networks; and options such as DirectAccess, which offers a secure connection to the corporate network without the need to start a traditional VPN.

Technologies such as Credential Guard and Device Guard, which strengthen system security by isolating credentials and restricting what code can be executed, and greater possibilities of controlling SmartScreen and other user experiences via group policies, allowing for maximum homogenization of the behavior of all computers in the company.

Enterprise also incorporates the concept of Windows To Go (in editions that support it), which allows you to boot a complete Windows environment from a prepared USB drive, very useful in certain mobility or unattended workstation scenarios.

In everyday use, for someone who uses a PC at home, the differences compared to Pro are almost irrelevant; but for a system administrator who manages hundreds of computers, Enterprise greatly simplifies governance, security, and the lifecycle of the computer park.

Education, LTSB and LTSC: specialized editions

In addition to Home, Pro, and Enterprise, Microsoft offers specific editions such as Windows Education, virtually identical to Enterprise in functionality, but intended for educational institutions and distributed through academic channels and volume licenses.

The main functional difference between Education and Enterprise usually lies in long-term support (it doesn't have the same LTSB/LTSC branches) and in certain usage conditions stipulated in the academic contracts. Using Education at home or in a private company, in theory, violates the license terms and it can cause problems if the environment is audited.

Furthermore, within Enterprise there are the editions LTSB (Long Term Servicing Branch) and LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel)designed for equipment that needs maximum stability and minimal changes for years, such as industrial machines, ATMs, medical equipment or critical terminals.

These variants only receive Security updates and important fixesHowever, it doesn't receive the major feature updates that are rolled out to other editions every few months. This means fewer changes, less risk of breaking sensitive environments, and longer support (traditionally 10 years, although it has now been shortened to 5 for the most recent LTSC editions).

In return, they do away with features like Cortana or the original Edge browser, and many modern apps are replaced by classic versions in Win32 formatThese editions are much more static and, therefore, more expensive and uncommon outside the corporate world.

Windows 10 Pro vs Windows 10 Enterprise in detail

In the realm of Windows 10, the comparison between Pro and Enterprise revolves primarily around the type of organization you're dealing with. For a typical small or medium-sized business (SMB), Windows 10 Pro is usually more than enoughbecause it already includes encryption, domain joining, remote desktop, and all the basic administration functions.

When it comes to a large enterprise with multiple sites, many locations, or strict regulatory requirements, Enterprise brings a handful of capabilities that make all the difference: Application management via AppLocker, advanced credential protection with Credential GuardDirectAccess to simplify secure remote access, and more options to enforce policies and limit the user experience.

In terms of security, Windows 10 Enterprise allows for easier integration of solutions such as Microsoft 365 Defender and other layers of advanced defenseMaking the most of telemetry and centralized policies. While you can achieve a high level of control in Pro, the degree of control in Enterprise is usually much greater.

Another important point is licensing: Windows 10 Enterprise is not sold as an individual retail or OEM license. In practice, it is acquired through volume contracts and corporate programsThat's why it doesn't make sense for the average user and it's rare to see it legally installed on home computers.

Microsoft also offers the so-called Desktop Optimization Package (MDOP) and additional virtualization and management rights for Enterprise customers, improving the experience of deploying, restoring, and virtualizing desktops at scale.

Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Enterprise

With Windows 11, history repeats itself, but with an even stronger focus on cloud integration and next-generation security. Both Pro and Enterprise editions offer the foundations of Windows 11: New interface design, native Microsoft Teams integration, compatibility with Android apps through the Microsoft Store and Amazon Appstore, improvements in gameplay and multitasking with Snap Layouts and virtual desktops.

In both cases we have key features such as Windows Information Protection to prevent data leaks, Windows Hello for Business for biometric and secure credential-based authentication, and the classic Remote Desktop, plus the Cortana assistant in certain scenarios (although its importance has greatly diminished compared to other AI solutions and it is no longer the main focus).

The Windows 11 Pro edition is clearly designed for professionals, freelancers, and small and medium-sized businesses, striking the right balance between advanced security, business management and reasonable costIt offers all the tools to work from home or the office without getting too complicated with complex licensing.

Windows 11 Enterprise, meanwhile, adds exclusive features such as Secure Score, Azure Virtual Desktop, Universal Print and DirectAccessIn addition to more fully integrating Microsoft 365 Defender with components such as Exploit Guard, Advanced Firewall, antimalware protection and Credential Guard, it facilitates a very robust layered security approach.

These differences make Enterprise more expensive, but also considerably more comprehensive if you need Enterprise-level security, cloud desktop virtualization and granular control over every aspect of the system. For most typical businesses, Pro is sufficient; Enterprise truly shines in large IT departments or those with very strict regulations.

Windows 11 Hardware Requirements and Support

When upgrading or deploying Windows 11, several minimum requirements must be taken into account: at least 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and a 64-bit processor with at least 2 cores and a frequency of 1 GHz, plus TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled.

If you are starting with a commercial Windows 10 license, the upgrade to Windows 11 remains free as of todayHowever, Microsoft hasn't clarified how long this policy will remain in place. It's also advisable to ensure all files are backed up to OneDrive or another secure location before starting the process.

The update time varies greatly depending on your computer's speed and internet connection, although it's usually somewhat longer than a normal cumulative update. It's possible schedule the update time so that it can be applied when you're not working on the computer.

Windows 10, meanwhile, has its general support end date set for October 2025, while There is still no deadline for Windows 11. announced, which makes it the natural way to maintain official support in the medium and long term.

Regarding disk space, the differences between Windows Home, Pro and Enterprise They are minimal: the extra features of Pro or Enterprise barely increase the size of the installation, so upgrading from Home to Pro does not, in practice, pose a relevant storage problem.

Switching from Home to Pro and other licensing issues

For users who buy a PC with Windows Home and, over time, need more features, there is the possibility of Upgrade to Pro edition from within the system settingsSimply open the Settings app, go to System > About, and use the option to change the product key or update the edition.

That change is a one-way street: you can upgrade from Home to Pro by entering a valid Pro key, but you can't return to Home without reinstalling the systemIt is also not possible to use this method to jump from Home to Enterprise or Education, as these editions are designed for other licensing scenarios.

In terms of performance, the difference between Home and Pro is nonexistent under normal conditions: They use the same resources and the same core.The extra features are there, but they don't represent a noticeable penalty unless you use them intensively.

Regarding the "cheap" Windows keys found in some online stores, the legal situation is murky: many come from OEM licenses recovered from discarded equipmentwhich the European Union allows to be resold, but which conflict with Microsoft's terms of use. They usually work, but it's advisable to exercise extreme caution and Buy them only on reliable platforms.

Ultimately, the choice of edition and license type comes down to a cold, hard assessment of what you need: Home for domestic use Standard, Pro if you want encryption, Hyper-V or Remote Desktop as a server, and Enterprise only if you really manage a business infrastructure that justifies it and have the official volume licensing route.

Looking at the big picture, it can be said that Windows Home more than covers most home users, Windows Pro is the logical choice for professionals and SMEs that require extra features without complicating their lives, and Windows Enterprise is reserved for large organizations that need to get the most out of the security, management and long-term support capabilities offered by the Microsoft enterprise ecosystem.