For a very long time nearly all Windows computers were sold in one of two flavours, Windows Home and Windows Pro. There have been variations but those two are the most widespread. The use cases are obvious, but that’s not to say you cannot use either for both.
If your business I.T. needs are very modest, you can get away with a home license for a while, however there are many benefits when upgrading to professional Windows.
Windows Pro – Better security
The Pro version comes with a raft of additional features which help protect your data, and ultimately your business, the greatest of which is Bitlocker. Bitlocker encrypts your disks and data, preventing access through non standard means. You also get access to domains, the ability to log into your device using your work account, as well as great integration with MS365.
For more niche applications, Pro offers what is known as kiosk mode (assigned access). This allows you to limit what applications can run in Windows – restricting programs helps keep your computer safe from unknown apps, and stops your employees from playing games!. Pro also opens up Hyper-V access, which allows virtual computers to be run inside Windows. Lastly you get remote desktop, although this is generally not recommended for use now as there are other better options.
Windows Pro – Better control
By ensuring your employees use work accounts (365) on their devices, you have ultimate control over them. This is both handy and very much safer should an employee leave for whatever reason, as sign-ins can be blocked quickly and access removed, safeguarding your data.
Easy to upgrade
You can easily swap your Windows product key (32 / 64 bit) for a Windows Pro version, providing you purchased a retail copy. However you can also upgrade Windows through the Microsoft store, which is likely easiest but probably not the cheapest. There have also been historical methods in which Pro versions of older operating systems such as Windows 7, 8 and 10 can be upgraded to 11.
Ben Parker – byline and other articles
