What Is The Difference Between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro?
With Microsoft’s release of Windows 10, users have been given two versions to choose from: Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. While both versions may look the same at first glance, there are a number of differences that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro, so you can decide which version is right for you.
Contents
Windows 10 Home vs. Windows 10 Pro
Features
Windows 10 Home comes with a number of features that are designed for home users. These features include Cortana, Microsoft Edge, Windows Hello, and more. Windows 10 Pro, on the other hand, is designed for business users and comes with features like BitLocker, Hyper-V, Remote Desktop, and more.
Price
Windows 10 Home is the less expensive of the two versions and is generally priced lower than Windows 10 Pro. This is because it is designed for home users and does not come with some of the more advanced features that are included with Windows 10 Pro.
Security
One of the biggest differences between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro is the level of security that each version provides. Windows 10 Pro comes with additional security features like BitLocker and Windows Information Protection, which are not available in Windows 10 Home. These features are designed to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access to your computer.
Networking
Windows 10 Pro also comes with more advanced networking features than Windows 10 Home. For example, Windows 10 Pro supports Domain Join, which allows users to join a domain and access network resources like printers and servers. Windows 10 Home, on the other hand, does not support Domain Join and is not designed for use in a business environment.
Update Control
Another difference between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro is the level of control that users have over updates. With Windows 10 Home, updates are automatically installed and users have limited control over the update process. With Windows 10 Pro, however, users have more control over updates and can choose when to install them.
Virtualization
Windows 10 Pro also comes with built-in virtualization capabilities that are not available in Windows 10 Home. With Hyper-V, users can create and manage virtual machines, which can be useful for testing software or running multiple operating systems on the same computer.
Support
Finally, there is a difference in the level of support provided for each version of Windows 10. Windows 10 Pro comes with additional support options like the ability to contact Microsoft directly for support, while Windows 10 Home users have to rely on online resources like forums and knowledge bases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro may look similar at first glance, there are a number of differences between the two versions. Windows 10 Home is designed for home users and comes with features like Cortana and Microsoft Edge, while Windows 10 Pro is designed for business users and comes with features like BitLocker and Hyper-V. Ultimately, the version of Windows 10 that you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget.
FAQs
Can I upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro?
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro by purchasing a product key and upgrading through the Windows Store.
Can I downgrade from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 Home?
No, it is not possible to downgrade from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 Home without doing a clean install of the operating system.
Can I use Windows 10 Home for business purposes?
While you can use Windows 10 Home for business purposes, it is not recommended as it does not come with the same level of security and networking features as Windows 10 Pro.
Is there a difference in performance between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro?
No, there is no difference in performance between the two versions of Windows 10.
Can I switch between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro?
Yes, you can switch between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro by purchasing a new product key and upgrading or downgrading through the Windows Store.
