Did you know that there are over 1.5 billion users of the Windows operating system around the world? Windows is present in office and home environments alike and is the basic tool for most software packages around the world. Which version of Windows should you choose for your business? Where do you stand on the Windows 10 Home vs Pro vs Enterprise debate? Why not read on to find out which is best for you in our in-depth article?
What Is Windows 10 Home?
If you go to an electrical retailer and purchase an off-the-shelf Windows device it will almost certainly come with Windows 10 Home edition. This is the consumer-facing edition that Microsoft markets.
This is where the Windows 10 Home vs Pro heats up. The line between home-user and home-worker has never been finer. If you have questions such as How many machines can use my Windows license? you should research carefully to get more info.
The basic Windows 10 package comes with all the Microsoft software that you would expect including the Edge browser and the now mandatory Cortana personal assistant.
Who Should Choose Windows 10 Home?
Windows 10 Home is very focused on people who use their computers for leisure purposes. It offers game streaming services via its Xbox One software package. It also looks to simplify your computer’s security by ensuring that critical updates are automatically downloaded.
This is a great option for families and individuals who want to purchase a computer that works out of the box and will care for its security. However, if you are looking for greater access to options and want to customize settings this may not be enough for you.
What can Windows 10 Pro offer you?
What Is Windows 10 Pro?
If you are a business owner of any size, then being knowledgeable on the Windows 10 professional vs home debate is very important for you. Windows 10 Pro can give you crucial options that Home does not.
Some of these basic features can allow you to add your computer to a domain such as the Azure active directory.
If your business is expanding quickly, you may find that you need these features sooner than you realized. If you are a business owner or IT manager, what can Windows 10 Pro offer you?
Who Should Choose Windows 10 Pro?
The jump from Home to Pro is very large and offers many new functionality and security advantages. If you are looking to protect your files you have access to BitLocker, a tool for encrypting your hard disks.
You can also access a remote desktop, a valuable tool if you find that you are receiving or giving technical support to others. You can even employ Assigned Access.
This allows you to lock the machine so that only a selected program can be used. This is ideal if you are considering setting up a public kiosk
Crucially you gain more control over your security settings. You will be able to define when updates are applied and select which updates are applied. This is vital as you can prevent Windows updates from installing at a crucial time in your workday.
You may even be able to predict when large updates will happen and inform users of any effects or benefits.
This level of functionality is good, however, if you are running a large-scale operation you may need further control over your Windows machines. What can Enterprise offer you?
What Is Windows 10 Enterprise?
Windows 10 Enterprise is the luxury corporate version of Pro that comes with some outstanding security and access functionalities.
For example, over the past year, many of your workers have likely started working from home. This may have created a huge amount of work as workers needed to set up and learn to engage a VPN before they could access their machines remotely. However, Windows 10 Enterprise offers another solution.
You can access your machine remotely without the use of a VPN thanks to its high-security entry protocols.
You can also whitelist apps using AppLocker. You can also apply group policies on machines on your network for a wider effect.
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Who Should Choose Windows 10 Enterprise?
Windows 10 Enterprise is the option for companies that will utilize high-value office-based and remote workers for an extended period. Whereas Microsoft traditionally offers free versions of Windows 10, Enterprise is only available via paid subscription with a volume license.
Enterprise is only available to those who already have a Pro license. However, Windows 10 Enterprise offers an unprecedented level of access and features for your machines.
Security features such as Credential Guard allow you to protect Windows log-on credentials. You can also use the device guard to prevent computers from accessing, downloading, and installing unwanted software.
One feature that many large institutions are investing in is the Long Term Servicing Branch. This allows you to filter and accept only the most critical security updates that you need. Other non-essential Windows updates are blocked.
If you feel that it would be easier for computers in your organization to skip new Windows features and remain the same for the long term, this is the option that you want.
This has its pros and cons as some workers prefer working with newer features. However, it can also provide a distraction-free environment where nothing changes on the machines and workers simply concentrate on their work.
Windows 10 Home vs Pro vs Enterprise – Which Is for You?
If you have been considering which option is the best for you and your business, the principles we have discussed today will help you. There are distinct advantages to each version. Knowing this can help you to decide what decision to make on the Windows 10 home vs pro vs enterprise debate.
Would you like to read more about Windows Operating System-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
