Windows 11 Pro vs Home: Which One is Right for You?

Windows has been around for years, and it is only getting more advanced with each new version it releases. So, what about Windows 11 Pro vs. Home versions? How do you decide which is right for you? In actuality, there is plenty of overlap between the two, and most of your needs will be met with either product. That said, there are a few key differences that are noteworthy enough that we’ll cover them in detail so that you have access to all of your must-have features. 

These are two of the newest Windows operating system versions, with Home being the standard, general version for most uses. They each have features in common, but for users with more advanced needs (such as for work or school) Windows Pro has tools and capabilities that may be more useful. This guide will help you decide which version fits your needs best. You may be needing to choose your Windows version sooner rather than later – as support for Windows 10 is ending in October of this year. 

A Comparison of Windows 11 Home vs. Pro at a Glance

There are definitely more differences to expand upon, but for those in a hurry, here’s a brief overview of some notable capabilities both versions have (we’ll dive further into common features between the two options later in this guide): 

Where Windows 11 Home and Pro Overlap the Most

While the purpose of this guide is to help you differentiate between Windows 11 Pro vs. Home, it is important to examine their similarities. Here is a rundown of some of the Windows 11 functions that you’ll get, regardless of the version you choose: 

• Device encryption to protect access to your data
• Find my device feature
• Built-in firewall and network protections
• App and browser control to protect your internet browsing from dangerous sites, apps, and downloads
• Parental controls
• Windows security features
• Windows Hello, which lets you use biometrics like fingerprints to unlock your device
• Secure Boot helps keep your computer safe from malicious startup programs
• Gaming features, such as DirectX 12 and Game Mode
• Microsoft Copilot AI
• Generative Erase for photo editing
• Smart App control to make sure apps aren’t malicious
• Windows backup and restore
• Snap assist to arrange windows how you prefer
• Syncing your PC and iPhone or Android
• Improved File Explorer
• Screen recording and screenshots

Essential Features Compared: What Changes with the Pro Version?

For those wanting a more in-depth overview of Windows Home vs. Pro 11, we’ll get into features, pricing, security, and other factors that may influence your decisions. 

Security Features

When it comes to basic security protections, both Windows 11 versions have baselines in place. This includes Smart App Control, which screens apps for safety, before they can run on your device, and Secure boot. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is yet another way that both Windows 11 versions stay protected. It constantly scans your device for malware or other threats, even monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic for anything that looks off. 

An important requirement for any Windows 11 version, is TPM (trusted platform module). This crypto processor manages encryption keys and security tasks to keep your system secure.

BitLocker is where Windows 11 Pro truly shines. It can encrypt your entire hard drive, even if you lose your device, or if it’s stolen. This is vital for any business that has private or sensitive data to protect, and offers an extra layer of security for preventing unauthorized access. 

Another security aspect to be aware of is Windows Information Protection. This was another exclusive feature to Windows Pro, that can be used to protect against data leakage in enterprise-level scenarios. However, it is currently being deprecated by Microsoft in an effort to get businesses and users to switch to Microsoft Purview, a more enhanced and unified security solution that, unsurprisingly, comes with extra fees. 

System Capabilities

One of the most significant differences in the battle of Windows 11 Pro vs. Home is the maximum power limits and system capabilities. Unless you have a crazy powerful computer, you’ll probably be more than satisfied with what Windows Home has to offer. However, there is enough of a difference between the two versions that some users might want to be aware of the memory and CPU support stats of each. 

Most user’s systems won’t even come close to needing the system supports that Home offers, let alone Pro. On the other hand, if you often use your computer for rendering advanced product designs or other heavy-duty applications, Pro may just be the better option. 

Another system capability to know is that of Hyper-V, which only is available with Pro. This permits users to create and run virtual machines via their computer, which is especially important for anyone who requires virtual testing environments.

Business & Productivity Tools

Group Policy management permits administrators to configure and control their OS settings in a network of multiple computers. This allows you to control user permissions, be involved with system updates, enact security policies, and manage multiple devices.  Being able to set limitations and controls for users is particularly useful for IT administrators, making Pro an indispensable tool in a professional setting. The Home version lacks this feature completely. 

Similarly, remote desktop is a powerful tool for business professionals. Windows Home can connect to a remote desktop as a client, but not as a host. Pro, however, can do both.

Another productivity tool is Assigned Access, also called “Kiosk Mode”, which is only available to Pro users. This feature lets the administrator configure a device as though it were a kiosk, restricting the user’s access and capabilities to a predefined list of applications and locking down activities outside of these restrictions. This is particularly suited for environments such as student devices, public browsing, frontline worker devices, and other scenarios that require limitations or reduced distractions. 

Pricing and Licensing

• Windows 11 Home Pricing: It is currently $139.00 USD to purchase and download the official Microsoft Windows 11. This still gives you tons of baseline features and security, but it lacks the specialized solutions that Windows Pro provides. 
• Windows 11 Pro Pricing: It is $199.00 USD to download the Pro version. Yes, it’s pricier, but if you have enterprise-level requirements, it’s well worth the price hike. 

That said, buying directly from Microsoft is sometimes the more expensive way to go. If you can find good retail deals, you can sometimes buy Windows 11 Home or Pro for a fraction of the price. Case in point: as of this writing, you can buy Pro from Walmart for $49.95, a far cry from Microsoft’s fees. That said, be mindful that retail versions are usually OEM versions (original equipment manufacturers). This means they are only usable on specific hardware, whereas other versions can be used on any compatible device. 

Moreover, be sure that you only purchase from reputable sources. Sometimes users who buy on sites, such as eBay, find that the product key needed to activate Windows 11 is not accurate. When in doubt, try to find customer reviews to see if there have been complaints about inaccurate product keys. Or better yet, find a qualified and reputable seller, such as Best Buy. 

You could also skip the hassle entirely. Many new laptops or PCs come with Windows 11 or Pro preinstalled. If you’re already plunking down the cash – you might as well figure out which OS you want to go with your new computer. 

Updates

Windows 11 Home is designed to automatically download and install updates, so you don’t have to worry about it. However, Pro versions offer a feature, called Windows Update Client Policies (formerly Windows Update for Business). This lets administrators control their organization’s devices, letting them keep devices current with various security and system updates. 

One way this level of control is helpful is by choosing which devices to update and when, which can be a useful way of testing for bugs or issues before deploying these updates on a wider scale. You can control what kinds of Windows updates are used on your organization’s devices, when these updates take place, and if you want to perform them in waves instead of all at once. 

Microsoft Entra ID

Previously called Azure Active Directory, the functionality is much the same under the new name of Microsoft Entra ID. This is a feature that Home does not have. It is a cloud-based service that lets users access internal company resources while managing them based on aspects such as identity, job roles and titles, and other such permissions.

Entra ID allows IT administrators to control who has admission to their systems, what permissions they need, if they need to provide multifactor authentication, and other identity or access best practices. This enforces least-privilege access, lets you manage cloud-based domain services, protects access to critical data and assets, verifies user identities, and lets administrators have more control over who gets to access what. 

Which Option Is Best? Here’s What to Consider

Your final decision should really depend on what you use your computer for. Power users, small business owners and other professionals can greatly benefit from the control and features that Windows 11 Pro offers. If you have more casual or everyday use, Windows Home should more-than meet your needs.

Here are some questions to help you decide: 

• Do I need to use Windows for work?
• Do I need to be able to connect remotely with the same permissions?
• Do I need extra security features and encryptions? 
• Do I need an operating system that can handle my high-powered computer? 

If your answer to any of these questions is yes, consider Pro. Fortunately, you can change your mind later on. That’s right, you’re not stuck with Home if you decide that’s where you want to start. You can always save money in the beginning and upgrade if your needs expand. 

How to Upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro

Assuming you’ve already installed Windows 11 in the past and have the Home version, here are a few ways to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro: 

Using Windows 11 Pro Product Key

There are multiple ways to obtain a product key. Once you have it, the steps to upgrade are simple. This includes buying Windows 11 Pro from an authorized retailer (digitally or physically). You should get the key with your confirmation email or inside the physical box if you purchased an actual copy of the OS.

You can also purchase Windows Pro through the Microsoft store. Likewise, you’ll find your key in your confirmation email. If you used the Microsoft Store App, you may get a digital license instead of the product key. Your confirmation email should have this information, and you can just use the digital license to activate Windows Pro instead.

Once you have your key or license, here’s what to do on your Windows device: 

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to System.
3. Go to Activation.
4. Choose Change product key.
5. Fill in the field with the 25-character Windows 11 Pro key or digital license.
6. Choose Next to begin the upgrade.

Upgrading Without a Key

1. Go to Start.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Go to System.
4. Go to Activation.
5. Find Upgrade Your Version of Windows.
6. Choose Open store.
7. Sign in with your Microsoft account and purchase the upgrade (Windows 11 Pro)
8. When your purchase is complete, it will give you the prompt automatically to install Pro and reboot your computer. From there, it will be running on this upgraded operating system.

Wrapping Up: A Quick Recap to Help You Choose

At this point, you probably already have an inkling as to which Windows 11 version is right for you. Anyone with professional or high-demand requirements will quite likely find Pro a great fit.

However, for the average user, Home will be more than enough for basic needs. This option will also save you a little money at the same time. Plus, it’s low-risk starting out with Home because you can always upgrade to Pro if things change down the road. 

Frequently Asked Questions