3 features that make Windows 11 Pro worth using.
Windows 11 Home perfectly meets the needs of most people. But there's a reason Windows 11 Pro exists and why it costs more. It unlocks features that completely change the way you use and control your computer.
Instead of being limited to simple settings, the Pro version gives you Group Policy Editor, allowing you to fine-tune how Windows works at a deeper level. You get virtualization tools like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox , letting you test software and run virtual machines without risking your system. And when you add advanced Remote Desktop features, Windows 11 Pro becomes far beyond a regular upgrade.
Group Policy Editor
Customize Windows like a pro.
The Windows Settings app already provides most of the options you need. You can change themes, manage updates, control privacy, and handle basic security settings. But when you want to do something more advanced, Windows Home quickly runs into limitations.
For example, if you want to block other users from installing new software, prevent Windows from installing unnecessary software during updates, or disable USB ports for security reasons, your only option is the Registry Editor. Yes, it works, but it also carries risks. A wrong change could break features, or worse, prevent Windows from booting.
On Windows 11 Pro, the Group Policy Editor provides a more direct and easier way to control how the system operates. Technically, this tool is designed for IT administrators who need to manage multiple computers and enforce certain restrictions, but it's also useful for anyone who wants more control over their system. Instead of relying on random Registry edits from the internet , there's a clear interface that tells you exactly what you're doing.
With Group Policy Editor, you can disable mandatory Windows updates, block apps from the Microsoft Store, hide certain options in the Control Panel, and lock the Start menu. It also gives you access to many other control functions that simply aren't available in Windows Home. And all of this is done with simple toggle switches and policies.
Useful virtual tools
Experiment without worrying about consequences.
Another benefit of Windows 11 Pro is its built-in virtualization tools, and one of the most useful is Hyper-V. This is Microsoft's own virtual machine platform that allows you to run an entire operating system inside Windows. You can install a different version of Windows, try Linux, or create a test environment without affecting your main setup. It's great for experimenting or learning.
Of course, there are also third-party tools that allow you to do this in Windows Home. But because Hyper-V is deeply integrated into Windows, it's fast, utilizes hardware acceleration, and runs smoothly without the need for additional layers of software that compete for resources.
Windows Sandbox is another feature that works similarly. It creates a temporary, clean version of Windows inside the PC. This can be extremely useful if you want to open suspicious attachments, try applications from unknown sources, or test settings without affecting the actual PC.
Once you close the Sandbox, everything inside will be completely wiped clean, so you don't need to worry about uninstalling applications, cleaning up leftover files, or undoing any settings. It's like having a disposable computer inside your main computer.
This is different from running a virtual machine because Sandbox acts like an internal system process, meaning you'll get better performance and near-instantaneous startup. After installing Windows Sandbox, you can open it using the search menu.
Inside, you'll find File Explorer, Control Panel, Notepad, and Edge. You can even copy files from your main computer and paste them directly into the Sandbox environment.
Advanced Remote Desktop
Take your computer everywhere.
Windows Home includes a basic Remote Desktop application, allowing you to connect to other PCs. But you can't use it to connect to your own PC. That feature is locked on Windows 11 Pro, and for some, that's the biggest reason to upgrade.
With Remote Desktop in Windows 11 Pro, you can access your entire desktop from another computer, laptop, or even your phone. Unlike screen sharing, you have full control over your system. This means you can open applications and move files as if you were sitting right in front of your PC.
For anyone who needs access to their home computer while traveling, this feature is incredibly useful. And because it's a built-in tool, you don't need to worry about security, performance, or subscription fees.
To begin, you first need to enable Remote Desktop in the Settings app. Once that's done, open the Remote Desktop Connection tool on any other computer, enter your computer name, select the user account you want to use, and press Connect . After entering the login information, you're done. You can then access files, use applications, and manage your entire computer remotely.
