What’s the difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro? When you’re building a PC , you’re looking at a lot of expenses, particularly if you hope to game at higher settings and resolutions. Our build guides include all the hardware you’ll need, but there’s still the choice of operating system. It’s worth noting that Windows 11 is a free upgrade from Windows 10 but if you own neither right now you’re still going to need to pick up a key.

While many of the extra features of Windows 10 Pro are clearly designed for business use, like group policy management and domain binding, there are other features that an enthusiast might not be able to live without. Here’s a breakdown of the most useful features that you get with Windows 10 Pro, as well as free alternatives, when applicable.

You could also try RDP Wrapper as a free alternative. Bitlocker provides full disk encryption so you can keep your data safe from hackers. The latest iteration of Bitlocker also allows for the encryption of individual files for more flexibility than the all-or-nothing approach of previous versions. Again, other software can accomplish similar encryption, but it’s not built into the OS.

Be sure to get an SSD or HDD even that supports the necessary hardware acceleration for Bitlocker if you don’t want to lose performance. Trusted Boot protects your PC from rootkits and works in conjunction with Secure Boot to help keep your system malware free and in your control by checking every component of the startup process before loading it.

Normally, we’d just say don’t run any suspicious files, but some people are curious. Does that anonymous download that claims to fix performance actually work?

Or is it malware masquerading as a useful program? You could install a virtualization solution and run the program in a sandbox so it won’t actually cause harm, or if you have Windows Pro you get that feature as part of the OS. Hyper-V is a Windows-only hypervisor used for running virtual machines on CPUs that support virtualization. If you plan on running VMs, this feature might be worth the cost of Pro, but if virtualization is all you need, there are free products like Virtualbox that offer more features and work with multiple operating systems.

While Hyper-V is included with your Windows 10 Pro license, it needs to be downloaded and installed separately. Aside from the above features, there are some other differences between the two versions of Windows.

Other features like group policy management, Assigned Access, and the ability to join a domain are unlikely to be very useful outside of the workplace. Assigned Access allows an admin to lock down Windows and allow access to only one app under a specified user account.

Group Policy meanwhile allows you to restrict access to any number of Windows features and configure any setting within the operating system. Windows Update for Business allows an admin to control when a system is updated and defer updates that may cause incompatibilities with legacy software or impact the business in some other way.

For the majority of users, Windows 10 Home edition will suffice. If you use your PC strictly for gaming, there is no benefit to stepping up to Pro. The additional functionality of the Pro version is heavily focused on business and security, even for power users. With free alternatives available for many of these features, Home edition is very likely to provide everything you need. Ryan Fisher. See comments.

 
 

Windows 10 Home vs. Windows 10 Pro

 

Both Windows 10 Home and Pro are faster and performative. They generally differ based on core features and not performance output. However, keep in mind, Windows 10 Home is slightly lighter than Pro because of lack of many system tools. In terms of gaming, there is simply no difference between Windows 10 Home and the Pro variant.

You have access Xbox Game Bar on both the editions so you can pick any one of them. If you are a professional and need development and organizational tools then Pro is your best bet. However, for general users, Windows 10 Home suffices the need. So I hope that you are now clear about the two different editions of Windows 10 and know what is suitable for your needs. Do let us know which edition you are going to choose.

Will it be Home or Pro? Drop your decision in the comments below. Your Name. The GoPro line of cameras has always been known to be action-oriented, and such has been appreciated by outdoorsy folks. Unveiled a couple of months […]. There was a time when gaming laptops were few and far between. However, with the progression of technology, the market is now flooded with a fair share of portable gaming rigs that can handle popular AAA games.

The last time I reviewed a smartwatch, it was more about getting the basic health features right. Skip to content. Recommended Articles. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. While Windows Home is suitable for many users, the fact that there are three different options can leave people wondering: If I have a home-based business, should I use Windows Home or Pro?

Is S Mode a completely different version of Windows? Windows 10 Edition Overview When looking at the different Windows editions, we can think of them as layers. Windows 10 Home The least expensive of the Windows operating systems is Windows What is the Microsoft Store? Come to Magnify The new Photos app makes it fun and easy to enhance your digital memories.

Use Sticky Notes and type, ink or add a picture to save ideas, thoughts, lists, appointments and more—so you don’t miss a thing! Windows 10 has apps and features to help you have fun and get more done with less hassle. Scroll through time to find documents and websites. Log into your Windows devices three times faster by using your face or fingerprint. Windows 10 features are best experienced on a modern PC. Find out if your current PC is ready for Windows 10 by answering just a few questions.

Review this doc for more details on Device Encryption. Active Directory makes management easier but is not required.

Pen accessory may be sold separately. Chrome 69 and Firefox Go here for more details on this performance claim. Go here for more details on this battery life claim. Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their Android phone and follow the set-up prompts, including being signed into same Microsoft Account across mobile apps and Windows 10 PC.

Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their iPhone and follow the set-up prompts. Functionality and apps may vary by market and device.

To see up to 30 days of activities, users must choose this option in settings. Available in selected markets. Functionality may vary by device. Requires specialised hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.

Compare Windows 10 Home vs. Pro Find the right fit for your needs. This edition includes all the features you need to browse the internet, check emails, stream media, and play games even in 4K. The operating system also comes with robust built-in security, including Windows Security, which protects your device and data against virtually any kind of malware and hacker attacks using the Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Microsoft Defender Firewall.

Windows Hello is another feature that allows you to sign in to the device using biometric authentications, including fingerprint, facial recognition, or passcode, making your machine more secure. Many devices come with Windows Hello built-in, but you can also get accessories to manually add this security method to your device.

For instance, you can get a keyboard with a built-in fingerprint, a standalone USB fingerprint reader, or a webcam with facial recognition camera built-in. If you have young members in the family, Windows 10 Home connected with a Microsoft account can also offer robust parental controls to set screen time and restrict access to apps and content online.

This edition of Windows 10 also includes a collection of built-in apps that connect with your Microsoft account for a cross-device experience and make you more productive.

Of course, you can always install any app you need from the Microsoft Store or other sources, including your popular apps, such as Netflix, iTunes, Photoshop, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Steam, and more. If you are a gamer, Windows 10 Home includes the latest technologies and capabilities to play any game with the newest version of DirectX and support for 4K. Usually, devices like Surface laptops and tablets include this feature.

If you use the device at home, Windows 10 Home is for you. It does unlock more features, but they are unnecessary for home users. However, if you are an advanced user, you may still benefit from the Pro edition. Similar to the Home edition, Windows 10 Pro includes built-in security, including the Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Microsoft Defender Firewall, to protect the device against malware and hackers. Windows Hello is also available to add biometric authentication to login into Windows Connected with a Microsoft account, the Pro edition of Windows 10 offers parental control and a cross-device experience using the built-in apps.

 

Who needs Windows 10 Pro: 5 reasons to upgrade

 

If you have young members in the family, Windows 10 Home connected with a Microsoft account can also offer robust parental controls to set screen time and restrict access to apps and content online. This edition of Windows 10 also includes a collection of built-in apps that connect with your Microsoft account for a cross-device experience and make you more productive. Of course, you can always install any app you need from the Microsoft Store or other sources, including your popular apps, such as Netflix, iTunes, Photoshop, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Steam, and more.

If you are a gamer, Windows 10 Home includes the latest technologies and capabilities to play any game with the newest version of DirectX and support for 4K.

Usually, devices like Surface laptops and tablets include this feature. If you use the device at home, Windows 10 Home is for you. It does unlock more features, but they are unnecessary for home users.

However, if you are an advanced user, you may still benefit from the Pro edition. Similar to the Home edition, Windows 10 Pro includes built-in security, including the Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Microsoft Defender Firewall, to protect the device against malware and hackers.

Windows Hello is also available to add biometric authentication to login into Windows Connected with a Microsoft account, the Pro edition of Windows 10 offers parental control and a cross-device experience using the built-in apps. You can also install any app you need from the Microsoft Store or any other source, and you can use the operating system for gaming as it comes with support for DirectX and 4K gameplay.

Unlike the Home edition, Windows 10 Pro also includes the ability to connect to a corporate or school network using Active Directory or Azure Active Directory, and there are options to manage devices over the internet.

It comes with various security and privacy features including the likes of Direct Access, AppLocker, Device Guard, and more. This version of Windows is aimed at companies looking to lock down the Windows experience according to their specific needs. Microsoft is not selling Windows 10 Enterprise at the store instead, it will be sold to companies via volume licensing. Windows 10 Education comes with almost all the features from Windows 10 Enterprise but it is aimed at Schools, Universities, and their administrative staff.

Frequently Asked Questions Q. If you run a business or an organization then Windows 10 Pro is worth it. Also, if you are a professional in software development then Pro offers much more than the Home edition. Windows 10 Home vs Pro: Which is Faster? Both Windows 10 Home and Pro are faster and performative.

They generally differ based on core features and not performance output. However, keep in mind, Windows 10 Home is slightly lighter than Pro because of lack of many system tools.

In terms of gaming, there is simply no difference between Windows 10 Home and the Pro variant. You have access Xbox Game Bar on both the editions so you can pick any one of them. If you are a professional and need development and organizational tools then Pro is your best bet. However, for general users, Windows 10 Home suffices the need. So I hope that you are now clear about the two different editions of Windows 10 and know what is suitable for your needs.

Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : Sagar Khillar. Windows 10 for Dummies. Windows 10 Inside Out. Redmond: Microsoft Press, Print [2]Cataldo, Chris. Microsoft Windows The Easy Way. Bloomington: AuthorHouse, Print [3]Pogue, David. Windows The Missing Manual. Sebastopol: O’Reilly Media, In addition to the user account management features, Windows 10 Pro includes Bitlocker, a Microsoft encryption utility.

It can secure either the disk with the OS for example, the C: drive or removable media like thumb drives. While there are other disk encryption tools available, Bitlocker integrates with your company’s infrastructure, meaning your admin can secure your machine without you having to worry about it. Windows Fundamentals includes some features that have been present in Windows for some time, going back to when it was originally separated into Pro and Home versions.

The below examples of these have been bumped up to become Pro version upgrades or features that Home users can’t use until they upgrade to Pro. Some Windows 10 Pro advantages won’t be as important to the personal computing enthusiast. Nonetheless, it’s worth knowing some of the business-focused functions you’d pay for if you upgraded to Pro:. You’ll need to choose between Home and Pro when you buy a computer, or when you buy a copy of Windows in a store or online.

Take a moment to give it some thought before you make your purchase, for two reasons:. If you buy Windows 10 Pro, but later realize you only need Windows 10 Home, buy a license for Home and activate it on the machine with Pro. This will leave you with an unused Pro license. If you plan to use the machine for business purposes at some point, or if you’re not concerned about cost, go with Windows 10 Pro. Remote Assistance is designed as an educational tool, so that a remote technician can show you how to adjust your graphics settings, for example, by moving your mouse.

The upshot is that work machines can be accessed from home, but home machines can be controlled only from work. If you run a small business, Remote Desktop Connection is another reason to consider Windows 10 Professional. Not many business professionals will probably care about virtualization, the ability to wall off a portion of your hard drive into a virtual PC, complete with its own operating system.

But for enthusiasts—especially those who wish to continue testing Insider builds without risking their main system—Hyper-V is just the thing. In fact, virtualization is a key technology that appears in several ways within Windows 10 Pro.

Virtualization creates a secure operating environment within your PC that allows you to run different operating systems, including Linux, future builds of Windows 10, and even older versions of Windows. Just make sure you still have valid license keys for the operating system and a PC processor that supports virtualization—not all older models do. Windows will suggest that you install some optional features. Our sister site Infoworld offers a great introduction to Hyper-V.

 
 

Windows 10 pro and home compare free. Windows 10 Home vs Pro: Which One You Should Upgrade to?

 
 

Find the right fit for your needs. Check out our list of product offerings to see which Windows 10 version checks all of your boxes. Windows 10 changes the game for security by protecting user identities, devices and information with a comprehensive solution driven by intelligence that only Microsoft offers.

Expand All Collapse All. Using facial recognition, a fingerprint, or PIN, Windows Hello is a fast, secure and password-free way to unlock your compatible Windows devices. Device encryption is available on a wide range of Windows devices and helps protect your data by encrypting it.

If you turn on device encryption, only authorised individuals will be able to access your device and data. Your Windows device comes with comprehensive, built-in security features, including firewall and internet protections to help safeguard against viruses, malware and ransomware. Secure Boot helps prevent malicious software applications and unauthorised operating systems from loading during the system start-up process.

If your device is lost or stolen, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go put everything on lockdown, so no one else can access your systems or data. WIP helps to protect against potential data leakage without otherwise interfering with the employee experience.

WIP also helps to protect enterprise apps and data against accidental data leaks on enterprise-owned devices and personal devices that employees bring to work, without requiring changes to your environment or other apps. Windows Defender Antivirus uses the power of the cloud, wide optics, machine learning and behaviour analysis to protect your devices from emerging, sophisticated threats. Windows 10 comes with automatic updates enabled, which means you get all the latest features at no extra cost.

Take notes, navigate, draw, doodle, edit and create. Improve what you do with a digital pen. Get faster browsing 7 8 and better battery life 8 9 across your devices with Microsoft Edge, the browser built for Windows All you have to do is ask Cortana. Extend battery life by limiting background activity and push notifications. Free up time and your hands by talking to your computer.

Get information and reminders or listen to music and manage your emails and calendar. Built-in security, productivity and management features save you time, money and hassle.

Windows 10 mobile device management MDM provides an alternative to traditional PC management processes: you can transition to cloud based management at your own pace. Manage PCs, user accounts and groups, and get easy access to files and printers when you pair Windows 10 Pro with Windows Server.

Your one place to find, manage and distribute apps to Windows 10 devices in volume. With Assigned Access, Windows 10 Pro devices run different applications depending on the user and keep individual identities separate and secured. With Dynamic Provisioning you can take a new PC out of the box, turn it on, and transform it into a productive organisation device, with minimal time and effort.

Windows Update for Business can help businesses reduce management costs, provide control over update deployments, enable more efficient delivery of updates, and provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft. Configure a device in kiosk mode in a very simple way. You can do this locally on the device or remotely using Mobile Device Management. The shared log-on works on PCs, tablets and phones with minimal IT involvement.

Edit photos and spice up presentations. Windows 10 has the apps you need to get in touch with your creative side. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more—get everything you need to create and present your ideas with an Microsoft subscription. Scribble down a headline, draw a chart, add bullet points—design an entire presentation with a digital pen. And on new Windows 10 touchscreen computers, you can zoom, scroll and sign documents with the touch of a finger.

The new Photos app makes it fun and easy to enhance your digital memories. Use Sticky Notes and type, ink or add a picture to save ideas, thoughts, lists, appointments and more—so you don’t miss a thing! Windows 10 has apps and features to help you have fun and get more done with less hassle. Scroll through time to find documents and websites. Log into your Windows devices three times faster by using your face or fingerprint.

Windows 10 features are best experienced on a modern PC. Find out if your current PC is ready for Windows 10 by answering just a few questions. Review this doc for more details on Device Encryption. Active Directory makes management easier but is not required.

Pen accessory may be sold separately. Chrome 69 and Firefox Go here for more details on this performance claim. Go here for more details on this battery life claim. Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their Android phone and follow the set-up prompts, including being signed into same Microsoft Account across mobile apps and Windows 10 PC. Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their iPhone and follow the set-up prompts.

Available on limited selected devices supporting far-field capabilities. Connect email accounts in the Cortana Notebook; works with Outlook. Microsoft requires a subscription. Functionality and apps may vary by market and device. To see up to 30 days of activities, users must choose this option in settings. Available in selected markets. Functionality may vary by device.

Requires specialised hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices. These prices are subject to change. Prices are not offered by Microsoft unless stated in the window displayed after clicking ‘Shop now’. Compare Windows 10 Home vs. Pro Find the right fit for your needs.

Windows Security Windows 10 changes the game for security by protecting user identities, devices and information with a comprehensive solution driven by intelligence that only Microsoft offers.

Device encryption 2 Device encryption is available on a wide range of Windows devices and helps protect your data by encrypting it.

Firewall and network protection Your Windows device comes with comprehensive, built-in security features, including firewall and internet protections to help safeguard against viruses, malware and ransomware.

Secure Boot Secure Boot helps prevent malicious software applications and unauthorised operating systems from loading during the system start-up process. BitLocker device encryption 3 If your device is lost or stolen, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go put everything on lockdown, so no one else can access your systems or data.

Windows Defender Antivirus Windows Defender Antivirus uses the power of the cloud, wide optics, machine learning and behaviour analysis to protect your devices from emerging, sophisticated threats. Windows Fundamentals Windows 10 comes with automatic updates enabled, which means you get all the latest features at no extra cost.

Microsoft Edge Get faster browsing 7 8 and better battery life 8 9 across your devices with Microsoft Edge, the browser built for Windows Cortana 10 All you have to do is ask Cortana.

Battery saver mode Extend battery life by limiting background activity and push notifications. Voice Free up time and your hands by talking to your computer. Business Management and Deployment Built-in security, productivity and management features save you time, money and hassle.

Business—Management and Deployment Feature Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro Mobile device management 14 Windows 10 mobile device management MDM provides an alternative to traditional PC management processes: you can transition to cloud based management at your own pace. Microsoft Store for Business 16 Your one place to find, manage and distribute apps to Windows 10 devices in volume. Assigned Access With Assigned Access, Windows 10 Pro devices run different applications depending on the user and keep individual identities separate and secured.

Dynamic Provisioning With Dynamic Provisioning you can take a new PC out of the box, turn it on, and transform it into a productive organisation device, with minimal time and effort. Windows Update for Business Windows Update for Business can help businesses reduce management costs, provide control over update deployments, enable more efficient delivery of updates, and provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft.

Kiosk mode set-up Configure a device in kiosk mode in a very simple way. Go ahead, get creative Edit photos and spice up presentations. Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more—get everything you need to create and present your ideas with an Microsoft subscription.

Digital pen and touch Scribble down a headline, draw a chart, add bullet points—design an entire presentation with a digital pen. Learn more. Photos The new Photos app makes it fun and easy to enhance your digital memories. Quickly capture your thoughts, tasks and reminders Use Sticky Notes and type, ink or add a picture to save ideas, thoughts, lists, appointments and more—so you don’t miss a thing! More efficiencies, less energy Windows 10 has apps and features to help you have fun and get more done with less hassle.

Timeline Scroll through time to find documents and websites. Voice, pen and touch Interact with your Windows 10 computer in new ways.

Windows Hello Log into your Windows devices three times faster by using your face or fingerprint. Gaming Windows 10 is built for the games you love. Is your computer ready for Windows 10? Get Windows 10 Speed, security, durability and great design—you really can have it all.

Get a new Windows 10 device View All Devices. Follow Microsoft Windows. Share this page.