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Windows 11 Home vs Pro Comparison: What’s The Difference?

Here are all the differences between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro.

Published on

December 11, 2023

Xuyun Zeng

Windows 11 usually comes in two editions: Home and Pro.

So it’s only natural for you to wonder if it’s worth the extra $60 to jump from the Home version ($139.99) to the Pro version ($199.99).

You might also have the Windows 11 Home pre-installed and want to move up to the Pro version. You can do this upgrade for $99.99.

Let’s see what the difference is between the two editions.

Differences Between Windows 11 Home and Pro

Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro differ in several key areas, tailored to different user needs. Here’s a comparison table outlining their main differences:

Feature	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Pro
Avoid Using Microsoft Account?	With workaround	With workaround
BitLocker Device Encryption	Not available	Available
Windows Information Protection	Not available	Available
Group Policy	Not available	Available
Hyper-V	Not available	Available (with compatible hardware)
Remote Desktop	Only remote assistance available	Both remote assistance and desktop available
Assigned Access	Not available	Available
Enterprise State Roaming with Azure	Not available	Available
Windows Update for Business	Available, but limited control	More control over updates
Domain Join	Not available	Available
Azure Active Directory Join	Not available	Available
Max Supported RAM	128 GB	2 TB

What does BitLocker Device Encryption do?

Secures data by encrypting the hard drive, providing enhanced security against data theft or exposure on lost or stolen devices.

What does Windows Information Protection do?

(Phased out in July 2022) Protects against potential data leaks without interfering with the employee experience. It helps to keep accidental data leaks from apps and services on Windows devices.

What is Group Policy?

Enables centralized management of settings on PCs within a network, allowing administrators to control user and computer configurations and enforce specific security policies.

What is Hyper-V?

Provides virtualization technology to create and manage virtual machines, enabling multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single physical machine.

What does Remote Desktop do?

Allows users to connect to and control their PC from a remote location, providing access to its files, folders, and applications.

What is Enterprise State Roaming with Azure?

Provides a unified experience across devices, synchronizing user and application settings through Azure, enhancing mobility and security in business environments.

What does Windows Update for Business do?

Offers control over the deployment of updates within your organization, ensuring that devices stay current and secure with minimal effort.

What is Domain Join?

Allows PCs to become a part of a corporate network, enabling networked access to resources, group policies, and consistent security management.

What is Azure Active Directory Join?

Enables users to use a single sign-on to access various services, providing integration and access control for cloud-based applications.

What is max-supported RAM?

Indicates the maximum amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) that the operating system can utilize, impacting overall system performance and multitasking capabilities.

Avoiding Using a Microsoft Account In Windows 11

It used to be that if you bought a Pro version, you could use a local account rather than signing in with a Microsoft account. Unfortunately, Microsoft has patched that and you are only able to avoid this step by using a workaround or by installing Windows 11 as part of a work or educational setting. Home use still requires a Microsoft account unless you use the following workaround.

The only reliable way to avoid using a Microsoft account is to create a custom installation of Windows 11 through Rufus. In short, you will need to download Windows 11 ISO here and download Rufus. Then, in the installer, you will be asked if you want to customize the Windows installation — make sure to check the “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account”. Make sure to do the installation without connecting to the internet.

Read: How To Use A Windows Tablet: Our Guide For Beginners

Windows 11 Pro Has BitLocker

This is pretty important for tablet and laptop users. If you travel a lot with these devices, there’s a risk you might get your device stolen. On an unencrypted hard drive, anyone can access your hard drive even if you have a password on Windows. Once you move the hard drive to another computer, everything that’s on it will be easily accessible.

BitLocker avoids this by encrypting your data so that in the case of loss, your data will be safe. When BitLocker is active, the information on the drive is inaccessible without proper authentication, typically a password or a PIN.

Additionally, BitLocker integrates with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) on modern devices, providing an extra layer of security by storing encryption keys securely, making it more challenging for attackers to bypass the encryption.

Read: The Best Windows Tablets You Can Buy Today

Windows 11 Pro Has Windows Information Protection

Another feature that’s particularly useful for the mobile Windows user is Windows Information Protection (WIP).

Windows Information Protection (WIP) helps secure information on Windows tablets and laptops by separating personal and organizational data.

It controls which apps have access to organizational data and encrypts organizational data and can define policies that control how data is shared and transferred, ensuring that sensitive information remains within the confines of the organization.

If a device is lost or an employee leaves, WIP allows the organization to remotely wipe corporate data while leaving personal data untouched. This approach maintains user privacy while protecting organizational information.

Most Other Useful Features Are Meant For Admins…

Most other features in Windows 11 are really meant for workplace admins. If you are an end-user using Windows 11 on a personal basis, then you might not be able to enjoy the benefits of being able to create and remotely manage your computers whether it’s through Remote Desktop or by pushing Windows Updates down to various computers.

Windows 11’s advanced security features also cater more to admins than home users. With enhanced capabilities like stronger malware protection and advanced encryption options, admins can ensure a secure and controlled environment for their organization.

Additionally, Windows 11 offers improved group policy management and easier access to enterprise-level tools, making it simpler for admins to enforce policies and manage large numbers of systems effectively.

However, these features are not typically utilized in a home setting, where users have simpler needs and less complex system configurations.

Conclusion

If the features comparison table above didn’t give you a good reason why you should buy Windows 11, then there’s probably little reason why you should get the Pro edition if you are just using Windows 11 on a personal basis.

One reason why you might want to get Windows 11 Pro as a personal user is BitLocker. Losing a Windows tablet or laptop can be catastrophic if you don’t have your content encrypted because unencrypted data is easily accessible with the right knowledge.

On the other hand, there are so many features that you can’t really employ unless you are an admin, so Windows 11 Pro doesn’t make sense for most people.

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