If you’re ready to upgrade your Windows version, the main question is, “Which one?” Both Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home are powerful and affordable operating systems.
To help you decide, we’ll compare their features, security, performance, and price.
Windows 11 Pro vs. Windows 11 Home:
Microsoft names these versions to indicate their target users.
Windows 11 Pro is for active users like businesses and teams needing advanced security and management features.
Windows 11 Home is for typical users, students, and those who email, play games, browse the web, and use everyday apps.
Choosing an operating system involves looking at features, security, performance, and cost, not just the name.
However, as we all know, the name alone doesn’t determine our choice between two options. For an operating system, we consider the features first, then security and performance, and finally the cost.
Feature comparison
For a comprehensive overview, especially if you’re interested in a specific tool, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the features of Windows 11 Pro versus Windows 11 Home, listed in alphabetical order.
| Feature | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home |
|---|---|---|
| Active Directory / Azure AD | X | |
| Assigned Access | X | |
| Biometrics | X | X |
| BitLocker Drive Encryption | X | |
| Device Encryption | X | X |
| Dynamic Provisioning | X | |
| Find My Device | X | X |
| Firewall and network protection | X | X |
| Firewall and network protection | X | X |
| Windows Sandbox | X | |
| Windows Remote Desktop | X | With client |
| Windows Information Protection (WIP) | X | |
| Windows Hello for Business | X | |
| Windows Hello | X | X |
| Windows Defender Application Guard | X | |
| Windows Autopilot | X | |
| Secure boot | X | X |
| Resilient File System (ReFS) | X | |
| Remote deployment and compliance | X | |
| Parental controls and protection | X | X |
| Multifactor Authentication | X | X |
| Mobile device management (MDM) | X | X |
| Kiosk mode | X | |
| Internet protection | X | X |
| Integrated with Microsoft Information Protection | X | |
| Hyper-V | X | |
| Group Policy | X |
Business-focused features
Many of the features exclusive to Windows 11 Pro are tailored for businesses. While some might be appealing for home users, they are designed with professional needs in mind.
For instance, Windows Information Protection (formerly Enterprise Data Protection) safeguards enterprise apps and data against accidental leaks on both company-owned and personal devices used by employees.
Similarly, features like Windows Sandbox, a controlled environment for running untrusted applications, and Windows Autopilot, which assists IT departments in setting up and configuring devices, are not typically necessary for average computer users.
Security tools
Both Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home include key security features such as device encryption, firewall, network and internet protection, Windows Defender, multifactor authentication, and Find My Device.
Windows 11 Pro enhances security with features like Windows Information Protection, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker Drive Encryption. BitLocker allows users to lock down a device if it’s lost or stolen, which is particularly useful for businesses aiming to protect company data.
In summary, both versions offer robust security to keep you and your data safe, but Windows 11 Pro provides additional protections tailored to business needs.
CPU and RAM support
When choosing between Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home, consider the CPU and RAM support each offers.
- Windows 11 Pro supports up to 2TB of RAM, two CPUs, and 128 CPU cores.
- Windows 11 Home supports up to 128GB of RAM, one CPU, and 64 CPU cores.
While 128GB of RAM is sufficient for most users, Windows 11 Pro’s support for 2TB accommodates tasks like creating virtual machines and assigning ample RAM to each.
Dual-CPU systems in Windows 11 Pro can significantly boost performance by increasing the number of ports, sharing memory resources, and dividing the workload. However, a single CPU machine, as supported by Windows 11 Home, is adequate for everyday tasks, applications, and games.
More CPU cores mean better efficiency in handling tasks. Windows 11 Pro’s support for 128 CPU cores makes it a multitasking powerhouse. However, typical users can handle most activities, from emailing to web browsing, with just two or four CPU cores.
Price Difference
With the additional features, RAM, CPU support, and other system specifications, Windows 11 Pro costs more. Currently, Windows 11 Pro is priced at $199, while Windows 11 Home costs $139.
If you start with Windows 11 Home, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro later for an additional $99. Therefore, if you can afford the extra $60 upfront, it’s more cost-effective to get Windows 11 Pro from the beginning for the added features.
Which Windows 11 version should you pick?
As stated earlier, Windows 11 Pro caters more to business users, while Windows 11 Home is designed for individuals. However, there are exceptions to this distinction.
Being a small-business owner doesn’t necessarily mandate the advanced security features of Windows 11 Pro. Conversely, if you’re a power user beyond your professional role, you might require more robust features than those offered by Windows 11 Home.
Assess the features based on your specific needs, including your security requirements, and consider both the initial and ongoing costs.
Regardless of your choice between Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home, you’ll still get a reliable operating system that meets your needs.
