How to Choose Between Windows 10 Home and Pro
This article is part of a new format experiment! Please don't tag. If you're shopping for a new PC, you've probably noticed two different versions of Windows 10: Home and Pro. At first glance, they appear identical, as both share the same...
Windows 10 Basics
Many PCs you find online and in stores offer Windows 10 Home, which targets the general home consumer and doesn't include the business-grade features of Windows 10 Pro. If you're a gamer, student, artist, writer, musician, movie maker, blogger, or movie guru, you'll typically find that your needs will be met by Windows 10 Home. The following features are all available in both Home and Pro editions:[1]
- Base features: Both Home and Pro editions support touch and digital pen input and battery-saver mode for laptops. You can also use either version to connect to various multimedia products, play games, edit movies, work on documents and spreadsheets, use dual monitors, manage your smart home, design graphics, create dynamic presentations, build websites, do 3D modeling, and browse the web.
- Cortana: Grant Microsoft's virtual assistant access to your microphone to issue voice commands to schedule meetings, get weather information, find information, play music, and more. You can also use the Cortana mobile app to access all your reminders and appointments when you're on-the-go.
- Microsoft Edge: Microsoft's in-house browser, replacing Internet Explorer, comes with both Home and Pro editions. You can also install Edge on your phone or tablet, allowing you to sync your Edge reading list and favorites across devices.
- Mobile Support: Link your Windows 10 PC (Home or Pro) with an Android to send and receive texts from your PC. iPhone and iPad users mirror calendars and web browsing with Microsoft Edge.
- Remote Desktop: This tool, which allows you to manage other PCs remotely, is available in both Home and Pro editions. However, the Home version cannot receive inbound connections.[2] If you need to manage this PC from another computer, you'll want Pro.
Security and Privacy Features
On the security front, both Home and Pro provide the same suite of features to keep you safe on- and off-line. The only difference is that Windows 10 Pro offers additional encryption options. The following features are available no matter which version you choose:
- Online Safety: Windows Security, available in both Windows 10 Home and Pro, consists of virus and malware protection (Windows Defender), account protection, app and browser control, and a built-in firewall. If staying safe online is your concern, both Windows 10 Home and Pro editions offer the same level of protection.
- Encryption: If you're in need of serious encryption, Pro might be a better fit. Windows 10 Home offers encryption only on PCs with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) component. If your PC doesn't include a TPM, you won't see an encryption option. Windows 10 Pro, however, provides increased coverage with BitLocker Drive Encryption. It supports both hardware and software-based encryption, meaning you can still use BitLocker without the TPM component.
- Log-in Security: Windows Hello, included with both Home and Pro editions, supports fingerprint scanners and facial recognition, allowing you to log in to Windows 10 without a password using a finger or face. Other options include creating a PIN to use in place of a password and using a physical security key that plugs into your USB port.
- Parental Controls: These tools let you create and manage special accounts for your kids. You can establish screen times, restrict downloads, keep track of their activity, restrict websites, and disable purchases. The full suite of parental controls is available in both Home and Pro versions.
- Secure Boot: Included in both versions, this tool prevents your PC from loading malware during startup.
Windows 10 Pro Business and Enterprise Options
Windows 10 Pro layers on additional features focused on business and enterprise. If you plan to use this PC on a multi-user network with Active Directory, you'll need Windows 10 Pro. Using Active Directory, you can manage specific accounts and groups for PCs connected to your Windows-based server. Windows 10 Pro also offers the following professional features (none of which are supported by Windows 10 Home):
- Enterprise State Roaming with Azure: Users can synchronize their settings and data to this cloud. Corporations must have an Azure AD Premium or Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) license.
- Mobile device management: Manage company-owned devices and corporate apps on personal devices to prevent data leaks.
- Provisioning and deployment: If you'll be deploying Windows 10 on multiple PCs in your office, Pro takes the hard work out of setting up new out-of-the-box Windows 10 PC on the corporate network. You can also use Microsoft Store for Business to obtain, manage, and distribute apps in bulk.
- Windows Information Protection: This helps eliminate data leaks caused by non-company devices brought into the corporate environment by employees.
- Windows Update for Business: Unlike the version for non-corporate customers, IT can manage updates and deployments so they're not unintentionally disruptive.
- Kiosk Support: Windows 10 Pro also allows you to set up the PC to display in a kiosk, limiting app access based on the current user (aka Assigned Access).
Make the Right Choice for Your Needs
Windows 10 Home and Pro are both great operating systems, and offer a lot of value to PC users. They share an attractive interface and many features. Windows 10 Home ($139 USD) costs significantly less than Windows 10 Pro ($199 USD). Choosing the right version comes to down to which one best meets your specific needs.
- Choose Windows 10 Home if:
- You will primarily use the computer for the internet, email, games, music, and other personal computing needs.
- You do not require advanced security and encryption.
- You don't need to manage a network of computers and other devices.
- Choose Windows 10 Pro if:
- You are running an enterprise network or manage multiple devices.
- You require remote desktop capabilities.
- You need advanced encryption and security features.
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