Should you go for the basic version which is the Windows 10 Home or the more sophisticated Windows 10 Pro version?
Both are undoubtedly the most common yet popular operating systems used around, thanks to their ease of use and security features.
Both Windows 10 Home and Pro provide exactly the same features with the exception of some additional features that are limited exclusively to the Pro version.
Both have a lot of features in common which makes it hard to choose between the two.
Most would be happy with the Windows 10 Home but the additional features in the Pro version make the upgrade worthwhile, especially for the PC enthusiasts who would benefit from the higher-end version of the Windows.
Windows 10 Home: Brief Description
The Home is the standard version of Windows 10 which works seamlessly across all devices – be it a home computer or a laptop. It’s the most basic version of the Windows which is specially tailored for the individual user primarily using Windows at home.
It’s more of a take-home version of the Windows which provides all the basic yet essential features to work with, such as Microsoft Edge, Cortana, Virtual Desktop, Battery Saver, Device Encryption, Windows Update, and more.
The break from the conventional Internet Explorer is a significant update, plus the new Task View option is a major plus, which allows users to create different workspaces on their PCs very easily. Another main upgrade that can be found in both the Windows versions is universal apps.
Windows 10 Pro: Brief Description
Pro is the more advanced and the professional version of Windows 10, as the name suggests. It’s the more sophisticated version of the Windows designed for PC enthusiasts and small businesses, as well as contractors who would make the most out of the Pro version.
Well, the Pro doesn’t actually take anything from the Home users; in fact, it simply adds a few features that are limited to the Pro version. The extra features definitely come at a cost. It has all the essential features offered by the Home version, plus some extra features related to security and management services.
It uses advanced level of encryption called the BitLocker Drive Encryption, which protects sensitive data by preventing unwanted access.
Difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro
Both the version of Windows 10 share some common features such as Cortana (Microsoft’s voice assistant), Microsoft Edge, Snap Assist, Start Menu, Virtual Desktop, Device Encryption, and more.
However, they do have their fair share of significant differences in terms of security and ease of use.
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BitLocker
This is an advanced drive encryption technology that integrates with the operating system to help protect your confidential data and information by preventing unknown users from accessing your disk drives without authorization. It simply makes your data unreadable to anyone without proper authorization. The computer must be equipped with a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip. This feature is only available to the Pro users.
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Remote Desktop
Both Home and Pro users can establish a Remote Desktop Connection on their machines, however, only Windows 10 Pro machines can be remotely controlled. It is only available on machines running either Pro or Enterprise editions. The “Remote Desktop” option is not checked on the Home version. The machines running the Home versions will be able to initiate a remote connection but can only connect to Pro machines.
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Assigned Access
It limits non-administrator account access to only one app. It creates a lockdown environment to restrict users to run a Universal Windows app or when they are building a kiosk PC. Assigned Access can be configured to set up single-function devices, which allows an app of your choosing to be run in full-screen mode. It also disables unnecessary notifications. This feature is only available in the Pro version.
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Hyper-V
It replaced Microsoft Virtual PC to efficiently create virtual machines on Windows 10. It is a native hypervisor which allows you to run multiple operating systems using virtual machines on Windows. Virtualization is a significant update to the Pro users who may need to run multiple operating systems without dedicating physical hardware to each of their machines. Hyper-V virtualization technology is limited to Pro users only. It’s a big plus over the Home version.
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Windows Update for Business
It allows professional users such as IT professionals to cloud-based Windows update service to manage Windows updates. It’s a free service limited to Windows 10 Pro users that allows administrators to control when client machines receive updates by compartmentalizing them into “fast” or “slow” distribution rings. This option is not available in the Home version of Windows 10.
Windows 10 Home vs. Windows 10 Pro: Comparison Chart
Summary of Windows 10 Home vs. Windows 10 Pro
Both Windows 10 Home and Pro are the most common operating systems used and while it makes sense for professional users to make the most out of the Pro version, the extra features might not be worth the extra cost, especially for the home users who just want to surf the web, do some stuff, and store their media files. The Home version will suffice for majority of the individuals using Windows at home. The Pro focuses entirely on security and compatibility, and ease of use. Finally, it all comes down to what you intend to do.