Windows 11 Home vs Pro

12 april 2024

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft Windows and comes with different editions. Each edition is intended for different purposes. For instance, the Home edition is meant for consumer users, while the Pro edition is mainly found on business laptops or computers. But what are the differences between these two editions? You can read more about it in this article.

Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Home is the basic edition of Windows 11 and is designed for casual users who mainly use Windows at home. Think about personal tasks such as browsing the Internet, creating documents or entertainment. It is the most widely used edition and it includes all the Windows features you recognise and love. Some examples include: A fully customisable system, Windows Hello support, Secure Boot, Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Parental Controls.

Compared to its predecessor Windows 10, Windows 11 has gained a few new improvements in terms of features, design and performance. Below are some key points that have been improved in Windows 11.

A new user interface: Windows 11 has been given a newer and more modern look. For instance, Windows 11 has gained a centred Start menu with rounded corners, new icons and a dark mode. Windows 11's revamped graphical user interface also makes greater use of translucent elements, shadows and an all-new colour palette.
New productivity tools: Windows 11 has come up with new ways to perform multiple tasks at once. This makes it possible to work in a more organised way. With Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, Desktops and Widgets features, you benefit from a whole new experience. These features allow four applications to be displayed simultaneously on one screen. Moreover, multiple virtual desktops can be created, allowing you to easily switch between them. This way, you always have the right apps ready for any occasion.
New security and accessibility features: Windows 11 has also implemented enhanced security and accessibility features. Think Windows Hello, voice access, background blurring and eye contact. Windows 10 already had some of these features, but in Windows 11, they have become more advanced and reliable.

Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro is designed for businesses and comes with the same features as the Home edition. However, Windows 11 Pro comes with additional security and management services, which explains the higher purchase price. The professional edition of Windows 11 is mainly aimed at businesses and other organisations that have more to lose from security intrusions than just personal data. The edition comes with two additional features, called Bitlocker device encryption and Windows Information Protection. Through the Bitlocker device encryption feature, administrators can, for example, remotely lock a laptop with sensitive data. The Windows Information Protection tool can be used to prevent sensitive data or data from leaving your company or organisation. In fact, it can set which types of data can or cannot be shared internally and externally. It also scans emails and other data-based file sharing systems. This ensures that no sensitive data leaves your network.

Another area where Windows 11 Pro stands out is virtualisation. Windows 11 Pro comes with some built-in tools, which make it possible to make your computer pretend to be a different kind of computer. The two built-in tools are called Windows Sandbox and Hyper-V. Windows Sandbox is completely isolated and separate from the Windows 11 Pro version running on your PC. The tool simulates Windows within your Windows 11 system. It allows you to install new software to see how you like it, without actually introducing it to your PC. Hyper-V, on the other hand, is a more robust version of this tool that allows you to set up or manage multiple virtual machines on your Windows PC. It differs from Windows Sandbox as you can use these virtual machines to run wide variety of operating systems. Think of other operating systems, such as macOS, ChromeOS or Linux.

Find out more information about Windows 11 Pro.

Which Windows 11 edition should I choose?

Which Windows 11 edition you buy depends on your requirements or needs. Windows 11 Pro is specifically designed to provide additional features for businesses or organisations at an additional cost. If you are a home user or a small business owner, Windows 11 Home will have to suffice. After all, settings in personalisation and security elements are available.

If you are a larger business or professional, Windows 11 Pro may be a more suitable choice. It allows you to use the features: Bit Locker, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox. The Windows 11 Pro edition includes advanced security features and enables remote management and virtualisation. Furthermore, it is also possible to join a domain, which is useful for companies and organisations that need to manage multiple PCs in a network.

Looking at initial installation, Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account. Windows 11 Pro does not have these restrictions, which may be preferable for some users.

Get Windows 11 Pro

The price of Windows 11 Pro can vary depending on where you buy it. In general, a new Windows 11 Pro licence costs around $259, but you can also choose to buy a Pre-Owned licence. A Pre-Owned licence, unlike physical products, remains in the same state. If you choose a Pre-Owned licence then you can save up to 70% on the purchase of Windows 11 Pro.

Therefore, Windows 11 Pro may not meet all your requirements. For this, there is also a Windows 11 edition for large-scale businesses, called Windows 11 Enterprise.

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