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Windows 10 comes in two packages instead of the previously overwhelming seven – Home and Pro.
Windows 10 Home
This is the basic variant of Windows 10. It comes with a number of new features including the revamped Start Menu. You also get a full-fledged version of Cortana, the digital voice assistant formerly exclusively available on Windows Phone. The Home edition also boasts features like Battery Saver, TPM support, and the new biometrics security feature called Windows Hello.
Home users can also access Continuum, a flagship feature of Windows 10 that lets you quickly switch from desktop mode to tablet mode, and Microsoft Edge, the new browser in town. This edition supports Windows Update – eligible to snag automatic updates from Microsoft – and provides security measures such as Microsoft Passport.
These features mean the Windows Home edition can be effective in homes and even small businesses. Larger businesses, however, deal with higher staff counts and turnover, have higher security and storage demands and need better solutions for networking than Home can provide.
Windows 10 Pro
The Pro edition of Windows 10, in addition to all of Home’s features, offers sophisticated connectivity and privacy tools such as Domain Join, Group Policy Management, Bitlocker, Enterprise Mode Internet Explorer (EMIE), Assigned Access 8.1, Remote Desktop, Client Hyper-V, and Direct Access.
Assigned Access 8.1, for instance, allows you to lock user accounts and prevent them from accessing specific apps. BitLocker, on the other hand, is one of the most powerful disk-encryption tools on Windows. It lets you encrypt your external USB-drives, which is particularly useful for businesses who work with sensitive information. You also get tools that facilitate seamless connectivity while joining Azure Active Directory, and a Business Store for Windows 10. Remote Desktop makes it easy to connect from one PC or device to another to retrieve files or provide PC support.
Features snapshot
While the Home Edition is feature-packed and well-rounded, it is not ideal for larger businesses that need greater security, remote access, and networking solutions. Taking a chance on Home means you’re likely to have to spend the money on an upgrade to Pro later.
Still not sure which version is best for you? Speak to our Salties for more guidance!