In the following article, we explain the main differences between the latest and most widely used editions of the world’s best-known operating system.
Explore the main updates, features, and tips to help you determine the best version of Windows based on your specific needs.

Since its inception, Windows has been a mainstay of the computing world. This operating system, developed by Microsoft, has seen tremendous evolution over the years, with different editions designed to meet the needs of a wide audience of users. Each edition of Windows has introduced new features, security enhancements, and an increasingly intuitive and convenient user interface for its users.

From early versions such as Windows 1.0 and Windows 3.1, to the revolutionary editions of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, to the innovations of Windows 10 and Windows 11, each of these editions has left its mark on computing history.

Let’s look in detail at the major editions of Windows in use today, analyzing their features, innovations introduced, required support terms, and planned updates for each variant.

Windows 10

Windows 10 marks a revolution and a race for innovation for Windows. With Windows 10 it returns to the classic Start menu interface, combining familiar elements from Windows 7 with new features. Notable for Cortana integration, improved security, and continuous updates.

Windows 10 home

Microsoft windows 10 home is born for everyday use within everyone’s reach.

It possesses few differences in practical use compared to Windows 10 Professional, the main difference, apart from optional upgrades present in other versions and features, is the RAM supported for a ceiling of 128 GB, against the 2 TB instead usable by the Pro version for 64bit formats, while for 32bit formats, the Home variant stops at only 4GB.

It is compatible and usable on traditional PCs, 2-in-1 devices, and tablets.

Windows 10 professional

Compared to the Home version, windows 10 pro edition offers more optional updates, larger RAM usage, and business features such as:

• Domain access;
• Group policy management;
• BitLocker;
• “Enterprise” mode for Internet Explorer;
• Remote Desktop optimized

Moreover, dynamic provisioning allows you to quickly and easily configure a new PC for efficient use within your business organization.

Windows 10 enterprise

This version presents advanced features for enterprise use, security terms for business, and optimization of management and control. In detail, we can list and note below:

• Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): Windows 10 Enterprise includes Windows Defender ATP, an advanced security suite that offers protection against advanced threats, breach detection, and error response.
• BitLocker and BitLocker To Go: these hard drive and removable storage device encryption features ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access, even if the device is lost or stolen.
• DirectAccess and VPN Always On: enable business users to securely connect to the corporate network from any location at any time, ensuring an always-on connection.
• AppLocker: allows you to define security rules to control which applications can run on a Windows 10 Enterprise device. It is useful for protecting the enterprise environment from malicious software.
• Credential Guard and Device Guard: enhances system security by protecting credentials and preventing untrusted software from running.
• Licensing Flexibility: Windows 10 Enterprise offers several licensing options that allow businesses to choose the solution that best suits their needs, including a subscription to Microsoft 365 Enterprise.
• Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) and Microsoft User Environment Virtualization (UE-V): these tools simplify the deployment of enterprise applications and management of user settings on Windows 10 devices.
• Advanced Virtualization: Windows 10 Enterprise supports Hyper-V, allowing virtual machines to run directly on the operating system.

Windows 10 Enterprise is especially suitable for companies requiring robust infrastructure and advanced data and asset protection. The end of support and updates for Windows 10, and all its variants, is expected by the end of 2025.

Windows 10 educational

This variant is effectively like Windows 10 Enterprise with educational-specific defaults, however, including the removal of Cortana.

These default settings allow for disabling Microsoft Store suggestions. However, as of version 17.09, it no longer has the same features and updates as the enterprise and full Enterprise version.
We therefore list the main capabilities of education below:

• Access to Microsoft Educational Services: Windows 10 Education users have access to Microsoft educational services such as Office 365 Education, which includes applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as collaborative features such as Teams and OneNote Class Notebook.
• Advanced Security: Windows 10 Education includes advanced security features such as Windows Defender Antivirus, Windows Defender SmartScreen, and BitLocker to protect students’ and teachers’ devices and data.

Windows 11

Launched in 2021 and extensively overhauled by Microsoft, the latest edition of the operating system boasts a completely redesigned interface, optimized legacy features, and new additions.

It also includes dedicated updates for Windows Defender and security, touchscreen support, and simplified system updates, ensuring a revolutionary end-user experience.

Windows 11 home

The main difference to note between the Home variant and the Professional version is that the Pro 11 version has the ability to also be configured on-premises, while the Home version requires an active network connection and a Microsoft account.

The Home version, similar to Windows 10, is designed for high-quality, professional, everyday, private, and home use, without requiring special technical specifications.
The main new features are:

• Tablet Mode (Input): having optimized and integrated the touchscreen, Windows 11 also offers the possibility and experience of being able to use tablet mode as input and then use pens for work. In fact, when switching to tablet mode no change is displayed since the Windows interface is designed for both pointer and finger use. The on-screen keyboard can be made smaller and used with a single hand, thanks to the ability to move it from one area of the display to another by dragging it with your fingers. The slide writing method, often used on smartphones, is included.
• Gaming and Xbox: Windows, compared to other desktop OSes, boasts an optimal gaming proposition, and thanks to integration with Microsoft’s Xbox services; this aspect has been improved with its eleventh version. Relevant is support for auto HDR, which is enabled whenever a supported title is opened, and the addition of DirectStorage technology, with which greater speed and fluidity can be taken advantage of during intense gameplay.
• Android App Compatibility: Windows 11 supports Android apps through the Microsoft Store, offering a wide range of apps to run on Windows devices.
• Simplified Updates: updates are designed to be smaller and less intrusive, reducing system downtime.
• Improved Security: Windows 11 offers enhanced security features, including Windows Defender, BitLocker, TPM 2.0, and improved malware protection.
• Support for Modern Hardware: Windows 11 requires newer hardware and supports features such as facial recognition and fingerprint login for enhanced security.

Windows 11 professional

The version optimized for Business or enterprise use, windows 11 pro, has, unlike the Home version, greater compatibility for RAM and processor cores of machines.

Windows 11 Professional offers a range of advanced features and capabilities tailored to the demands of the modern workplace, from enhanced security and management tools to productivity boosts and enterprise-grade support.

Windows 11 pro include:

• Windows Hello for Business: Windows Hello offers biometric authentication options, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, providing a secure and convenient way for users to access their devices and authenticate identity.
• BitLocker Drive Encryption: BitLocker encrypts data on internal and external drives, protecting it from unauthorized access in the event of theft or loss. This helps ensure that sensitive information remains secure, even if a device falls into the wrong hands.
• Windows Defender Antivirus: Windows Defender Antivirus provides real-time protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, helping to safeguard devices and data from malicious attacks.
• Device Guard: Device Guard helps protect against malware and other unauthorized software by allowing only trusted applications to run on a device, reducing the risk of infection and compromise.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the use or purchase of each edition can vary depending on the needs, which means that a Home version can still be used for work if work needs do not require additional features; it is possible to switch to a different version of the operating system by just inserting the digital key, without having to reinstall the software, the important thing is that the edition of the versions is always the same.

The Educational versions are optimized for school and teacher use, while the Enterprise versions for use are completely dedicated to business innovation and work management.

The Professional versions possess additional features for compatibility to business use.

It’s also important to note that:

• Performing an upgrade to activate a new version of the operating system, still has price variations;
• Windows editions are not compatible with all PCs, so depending on how up-to-date or dated a device is, compatibilities and terms of service may vary;
• Software installed on outdated or obsolete editions of Windows may not be compatible with new upgraded versions, so they may in turn require an upgrade from their manufacturer or may not be usable (strongly recommended when upgrading from Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10 or from earlier versions of Windows 7 to current ones);
• Changing or upgrading the operating system will not result in the removal of sensitive folders or data, but it is still recommended to save a copy.