Windows 11 is Microsoft’s newest operating system. It offers many new capabilities and upgrades compared to Windows 10. However, not all Windows 11 features are included in every edition. This article will compare the most common versions – Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home.
We outline the key differences between these two editions to help you decide which best meets your needs.
Windows 11 Home and Pro have their strengths depending on your computer use. As we discuss the unique features and limitations of each, you’ll get a clearer sense of the best edition for your situation.
Windows 11 Home vs Pro
What are the Home and Pro versions?
Windows 11 is available in various versions, each catering to different user needs:
- Windows 11 Pro: Designed for users who require advanced features and greater control over their system. Windows 11 Pro offers data encryption, multi-computer management, access to company services, and customizable updates. It is ideal for professionals and businesses seeking enhanced security and management options.
- Windows 11 Home: Geared towards users who prioritize simplicity and affordability. Windows 11 Home provides a user-friendly experience with essential features, making it suitable for everyday use. Windows 11 Home offers modern security measures and a sleek interface despite its lower price point, ensuring a pleasant computing experience.
Both Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home share many features, including the revamped interface, simplified login methods like Windows Hello, parental controls, live subtitles, natural narrator, widget panel, and the redesigned File Explorer. These shared features ensure consistency and familiarity across different versions of Windows 11.
Differences between Windows 11 Pro and Home
While Windows 11 Home and Pro share many key features, Pro includes additional capabilities for businesses and power users. Some significant differences only available in Windows 11 Pro include:
- BitLocker Device Encryption: Encrypts your entire hard drive or external drives to protect data
- Windows Information Protection: Helps prevent accidental or malicious business data leaks
- Assigned Access: Allows separate protected user profiles to keep things separated by person and application
- Dynamic Provisioning: Speeds up setting up new devices without long installs
- Enterprise State Roaming: Syncs settings between company devices in the cloud
- Group Policy: Manages user accounts, groups, files, and printers in one dashboard
- Kiosk Mode: Allows remote configuring of locked-down devices
- Active Directory/Azure AD Support: Integrates with Microsoft enterprise identity/management
- Microsoft Store for Business: Distributes and manages business apps
- Mobile Device Management: Controls Windows from the cloud
- Advanced Windows Update controls: More update options for better speed and flexibility
Windows 11 Pro contains more security, customization, and management capabilities tailored to organizational and advanced requirements. The home strives to meet general household user needs. Comparing the specifics shows which is the better match for your situation.
Below, we present a table with the differences between Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home:
| Characteristic | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Device encryption | Yeah | Yeah |
| Device encryption with BitLocker | No | Yeah |
| Firewall and network protection | Yeah | Yeah |
| Windows security options | Yeah | Yeah |
| Internet Protection | Yeah | Yeah |
| Parental control | Yeah | Yeah |
| Secure boot | Yeah | Yeah |
| Windows Hello | Yeah | Yeah |
| Windows Information Protection (WIP) | No | Yeah |
| Assigned access | No | Yeah |
| Dynamic provisioning | No | Yeah |
| Enterprise State Roaming with Azure | No | Yeah |
| Group Policy | No | Yeah |
| Full-Screen Settings | No | Yeah |
| Active Directory and Azure Active Directory support | No | Yeah |
| Microsoft Store for business | No | Yeah |
| Mobile device management | No | Yeah |
| Windows Update for business | No | Yeah |
Windows 11 Home vs. Windows 11 Pro: Which is better for gaming?
If you’re into gaming and wondering which version of Windows 11 is right for you, you’ll be happy to know that both editions are excellent for gaming. Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro both support the latest DirectX version and can run games in 4K, provided your hardware can handle it.
Windows 11 Home is a great choice if you’re on a budget. You can save money on the operating system and spend it on a better graphics card, allowing you to enjoy next-gen games with the best graphics settings.
Security features in Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home
Security and privacy features are key considerations when deciding between the different versions of Windows 11. Thankfully, both Windows 11 Home and Pro offer robust security features.
Both versions include Windows Security, the built-in antivirus, and a firewall tool to protect your computer from cyber threats. They also support Windows Hello, allowing biometric authentication like fingerprint and facial recognition.
However, Windows 11 Home lacks some advanced features in the Pro version, such as BitLocker, which encrypts your devices to protect your data from unauthorized access. While Windows 11 Home does include ‘Device Encryption,’ it’s not as comprehensive as BitLocker.
Which edition of Windows 11 is better?
This is an important question, but the answer depends on your needs and budget.
If you plan to use Windows 11 for basic tasks, want to save some money, and don’t mind missing a few advanced features, then the Home edition is the best option for you. However, if budget isn’t a concern and you want all the features without limitations, then the Pro edition is the way to go.
Factors to Consider
- The primary use of the computer
- Budget constraints
- Security requirements
- Networking needs
- Level of control desired over the system
- Future scalability
Recommendations
Choose Windows Home if:
- You’re a casual user or student
- You primarily use your computer for web browsing, entertainment, and primary productivity.
- You don’t need advanced networking or security features
- You’re on a tight budget
Choose Windows Pro if:
- You’re a professional or small business owner
- You need advanced security features like BitLocker
- You require remote desktop hosting capabilities
- You want more control over system settings and updates
- You plan to join a Windows domain or use Azure Active Directory
- You need virtualization support
The choice between Windows Home and Pro ultimately depends on your needs and use case. Windows Home offers a cost-effective solution for casual users and families, providing all the essential features for everyday computing tasks.
On the other hand, Windows Pro justifies its higher price tag with advanced features that cater to professionals, small businesses, and power users who require enhanced security, networking capabilities, and system control.
Consider your current requirements and potential future needs when making your decision. If you’re unsure, starting with Windows Home and upgrading to Pro later (if necessary) is always an option, although it may be more cost-effective to choose Pro upfront if you think you’ll need its features in the future.
