What is the Difference Between Windows 10 Home and Pro?

Are you considering upgrading your computer to Windows 10, but you’re not sure which version to choose? With Windows 10 Home and Pro, Microsoft offers two different operating systems with varying features and capabilities.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between Windows 10 Home and Pro to help you decide which is right for you.

Windows 10 Home vs Pro: The Difference Windows 10 Home is the consumer-focused desktop edition. It includes all the basic features like the Edge web browser, Cortana digital assistant, Mail, Calendar and Photos.

Windows 10 Pro is aimed towards business users, offering features like BitLocker encryption and Remote Desktop. Windows 10 Home also has fewer customization options, while Windows 10 Pro offers more control over updates, and the ability to join a domain or a business network.

It also supports Hyper-V, a tool for creating virtual machines.

What is the Difference Between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro?

Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro are two versions of the popular operating system from Microsoft. While both offer the same basic features and functionality, they differ in a few key areas.

This article will take a look at the differences between the two versions of Windows 10 and explain why one might be a better choice than the other.

User Accounts and Security

One of the major differences between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro is the way user accounts and security are managed. Windows 10 Home allows for up to 10 user accounts, while Windows 10 Pro allows for an unlimited number of user accounts.

In addition, Windows 10 Pro offers additional security features such as BitLocker encryption and Device Guard. Another difference between the two versions of Windows 10 is the ability to join a domain.

Windows 10 Pro allows users to join a domain, which provides access to additional features such as Group Policy and remote administration.

Licensing and Upgrades

When it comes to licensing, Windows 10 Home is the more affordable option. It has a one-time purchase price, while Windows 10 Pro requires a subscription-based license.

This means that there is an ongoing cost associated with using Windows 10 Pro. In terms of upgrades, Windows 10 Home is limited in terms of the features and functionality it can offer.

However, Windows 10 Pro offers more advanced features such as Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop, and more.

Cortana and Edge

Cortana is Microsoft's digital assistant, and it is available on both versions of Windows 10. However, on Windows 10 Pro, it offers more advanced features such as the ability to search for files and applications, set reminders, and more. Another difference between the two versions of Windows 10 is the web browser.

Windows 10 Home comes with the Microsoft Edge browser, while Windows 10 Pro comes with the more advanced Microsoft Edge Chromium browser.

The Edge Chromium browser offers improved performance and more features such as an improved tab management system and tracking protection.

System and Storage

When it comes to system and storage, Windows 10 Home is more limited than Windows 10 Pro. Windows 10 Home has a maximum of 128GB of RAM, while Windows 10 Pro can support up to 2TB of RAM.

In addition, Windows 10 Pro can support up to 512GB of storage, while Windows 10 Home can only support up to 128GB.

Windows Defender and Updates

Windows Defender is Microsoft's built-in security solution, and it is available on both versions of Windows 10. However, Windows 10 Pro includes more advanced features such as the ability to manage Windows updates and access to the Windows Defender Security Centre.

In terms of updates, Windows 10 Pro allows users to pause updates for up to 35 days, while Windows 10 Home only allows users to pause updates for up to 7 days.

In addition, Windows 10 Pro includes access to the Windows Insider Program, which allows users to test out new features before they are released to the public.

Related FAQ

Question 1: What is the difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro?

Answer: The primary difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro is the level of control each offers over the system's functionality. Windows 10 Home is designed for everyday tasks such as web browsing, media consumption, and gaming.

It includes features like the Cortana digital assistant, the Edge web browser, and Windows Hello face recognition. Windows 10 Pro, on the other hand, is designed for businesses and power users.

It includes features like BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop, and the ability to join a domain. It also includes more advanced security features and control over system updates.

Question 2: What features does Windows 10 Home have that Windows 10 Pro does not?

Answer: Windows 10 Home includes features like the Cortana digital assistant, the Edge web browser, Windows Hello face recognition, the Windows Store, and the ability to stream media from an Xbox One.

It also includes features like the ability to create and manage user accounts, parental controls, and the ability to sync devices with the cloud. Windows 10 Pro does not include these features.

Question 3: What features does Windows 10 Pro have that Windows 10 Home does not?

Answer: Windows 10 Pro includes features like BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop, and the ability to join a domain.

It also includes more advanced security features, the ability to defer system updates, and the ability to join an enterprise network. Windows 10 Home does not include these features.

Question 4: What is the cost difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro?

Answer: The cost difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro depends on where you purchase the license.

Generally speaking, Windows 10 Home licenses are less expensive than Windows 10 Pro licenses.

You can purchase a license for Windows 10 Home for around $100, while Windows 10 Pro licenses start at around $200.

Question 5: Is it possible to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro. You can purchase an upgrade license from the Microsoft Store, or you can use the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant to upgrade your system online.

The upgrade process should take around an hour and will require a reboot before it is complete.

Question 6: Can I use Windows 10 Home on a business network?

Answer: Windows 10 Home is designed for home and personal use, and it does not include features like the ability to join a domain or defer system updates. As such, it is not suitable for use on a business network.

If you need to use Windows 10 on a business network, you will need to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. In conclusion, the differences between Windows 10 Home and Pro are vast and depend on the individual user’s preferences.

Windows 10 Home is the basic version, great for casual users and those who only use their computers for everyday tasks.

Windows 10 Pro is the more advanced version, with extra features such as Bitlocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, and remote desktop capabilities. Ultimately, it’s up to the user to decide which version is best suited to their needs.

Conclusion

Overall, Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro offer the same basic features and functionality. However, they differ in a few key areas such as user accounts and security, licensing and upgrades, Cortana and Edge, system and storage, and Windows Defender and updates.

Windows 10 Home is the more affordable option with a one-time purchase price, while Windows 10 Pro requires a subscription-based license and offers more advanced features. Ultimately, it depends on the user's needs and budget which version of Windows 10 is the best choice.