When looking for a new Windows operating system, it is common to be confused with the different versions and their features. In businesses, it is also typical, especially regarding the enterprise and professional versions.
From enhanced security to dedicated productivity tools, several features separate the two versions. Understanding them is the key to making the right decision about which option to install on your Windows devices.
If you’re in doubt about which of the two versions to choose, this article is for you. We will show you the main differences between Windows Enterprise and Pro. This way, you can evaluate which of the two versions better suits your company’s needs and expectations.
Windows 11 Enterprise vs. Pro - Which One Should You Get
Why Choosing Windows 11 Is Good for Your Business
But why use Windows 11 instead of other operating systems? There are several reasons for this decision.
First, Windows 11 is the most recent version of the famous OS created by Microsoft and features the top tools of the platform. Moreover, it is constantly being updated, which ensures advanced security features with every new update and full support from the company in case anything happens.
Additionally, Windows 11 is compatible with almost every piece of software created. This way, you don’t need to worry if your computer is compatible with the program you’re trying to download.
Windows is an industry-standard in most business types, and, thanks to that, having compatible Windows devices in your company or private office is an indispensable practice. Microsoft’s operating system has numerous features that help your productivity and ensure you have all the tools necessary to complete your tasks, whether simple or complex.
It is a company with years of experience in the market and constantly adds new features based on its users’ needs and lifestyles. All the essential features for quality business management can easily be found within the system.
Windows 11 System Requirements
Before you start researching which Windows 11 option best fits your needs, it is essential to ensure your hardware can run the OS. Here is a list of the main system requirements you need to have:
Processor: 1GHz or faster with two or more cores
RAM: 4GB
Firmware: UEFI (secure boot capable)
Storage: 64GB
Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12
What Is the Windows 11 Pro Version
The professional version of Microsoft’s most recent OS is the most famous for the general public and small business owners looking for the most optimized way to manage their tasks. It features many programs and tools to help you with the most different tasks you might have.
From a simple calculator to a spreadsheet editor with automation tools, Windows 11 gathers all the experience from Microsoft’s previous systems and unites everything in this professional version. Being the pro version doesn’t mean it is exclusively destined for users with these particular needs.
By purchasing the Pro OS, you ensure access to features everyone should have for effective management and to get the most out of their devices. For example, with the pro version, you can access advanced features and exclusive Microsoft Services, like their password manager.
With it, you can access your password list from anywhere in case of an emergency.
It is a great option for the most diverse audiences.
What Is Windows 11 Enterprise Version
As the name suggests, the Enterprise edition of Windows 11 is dedicated to businesses and companies that need particular tools for their tasks. It is the most complete version of the operating system and features all the tools of the other versions, along with exclusive ones.
Enterprise users can have access to additional tools, like the BitLocker device encryption and the Azure Virtual Desktop, which can become extremely useful depending on the industry you work in. As expected, it is the most expensive version of Windows 11, and its usage is only recommended to users who need a solution like this for their business.
It is crucial to note that the company requires a document called the volume-licensing agreement to purchase this version directly from the Microsoft Store. Its hardware requirements might be higher than the pro version, depending on the tools you’ll be using.
Differences Between Enterprise E3 and E5
Another confusing topic regarding Windows versions is the difference between the Enterprise versions and their key features. When purchasing this edition of Windows 11, you can choose between two settings: E3 and E5.
The main difference is that the E5 is the top version and has additional tools, like advanced threat protection and the Azure active directory premium. It is an edition recommended only to companies that use these features for their daily tasks and objectives.
The E3 version is more affordable and has numerous features you won’t find in other Microsoft services and versions of Windows. Some great examples are the virtual desktops you can access and the credential guard tools that protect your information from potentially dangerous apps.
Both versions are equipped with the most advanced tools from Microsoft and their solutions to make your business life more optimized. The only difference is that E5 has unique features that are dispensable for most users unless your work depends directly on them. You can see a detailed description of the difference between versions on Microsoft’s official website.
Differences Between Pro and Enterprise
Now that you know each version, it is time to see their differences. Read each section below carefully to understand better which option fits your needs best.
We will cover the main differences, but many factors can impact how better an edition can be for your needs. Make sure to analyze what you expect to achieve by using the OS. With this, you can better tell which one is your go-to.
Here are the main differences between Windows 11 Enterprise and Pro:
Price
The first difference between the two versions of Windows 11 is the price. As expected, the Enterprise edition of the operating system is considerably more expensive than the professional. This happens thanks to the features provided by the more complete one. By paying the extra value, you receive more secure Windows information protection and numerous other advantages that justify the higher price.
Tools and Features
The most crucial difference between them is the tools and features. This is the main category to consider when choosing which version to go with.
Depending on your business needs, the Windows 11 Pro might not suit all your needs. Remember that the Enterprise edition has everything the Pro has and additional features. If you see that you and your business don’t need these tools, sticking with the simpler version is recommended.
The main features and tools available in the Enterprise version are:
Universal Print
If you run a business constantly printing materials on a high volume, this feature will catch your attention. With Windows 11 Enterprise, you can create a dedicated network connecting all your printers.
By doing this, you can have remote access to each of them and control the entire network and the tasks for each device with a few clicks. It is a cloud-based service usually managed by the IT team of the company. You can securely print anything with a resilient file system that is made specifically to avoid invasions and cyber attacks.
Remote Desktop Access
Another handy tool that you won’t find in the Pro version of Windows 11 is the remote desktop function. It allows you to fully control the PC from anywhere you are.
It is a safe operation that, combined with the additional security features from the version, makes it hack-proof.
Remote accessing the computer is handy in emergency situations where you need to send a specific file to someone, or you don't have access to the hardware at the moment. The connection is done through the Windows server and is stable most of the time, being a great tool to have in case of emergency.
Azure Virtual Desktop
One of the biggest reasons the Windows 11 Enterprise can be a great deal for business owners is its virtual desktop feature. For those who don’t know, the virtual desktop is a space that allows you to run and execute any application or task like in a real computer, but none of its effects goes to the original PC.
For example, if you notice a link or program with a potential risk of being a virus, you can execute it in the virtual machine. If the application tries to do anything malicious to the PC, you just have to turn off the virtual environment, and everything returns to normal. It is like a secondary PC that serves as a test field for numerous purposes.
Cortana Management
Cortana is one of the least used features in the entire Windows environment, but many people don’t know that if you have the Enterprise version, it has additional features that are handy. For example, you can combine Cortana intelligence with Azure to create an AI tool to automate specific tasks and processes.
If you have Windows 11 Pro, you can only use the standard features and their interactions with Microsoft Edge and other native applications. When using the most expensive version, the powers of this assistant should not be overlooked.
Improved Desktop Management
With the enterprise version, you can better control all your company's devices, including a dedicated mobile device management field. The IT professionals can easily set up additional security policies and features that will be applied to all devices registered.
As the system center configuration manager, you can also check valuable information about the usage of different equipment of your company, making it much easier to gather data about employees and other relevant aspects.
Remote Monitoring Tools
If you want the best option to manage remote workers and have a better understanding of their performance, Enterprise is definitely what you’re looking for. Several Windows apps are dedicated to monitoring this kind of activity and generating instant reports regarding tasks done and their performance.
With the right software, the Microsoft Endpoint manager can quickly create a network connecting all the devices from the company. This makes communication much more manageable and optimizes tasks regarding these devices and workers. It is important to notice that doing this requires Windows server operations.
Which Option Is the Best
As you might expect, there is no right or wrong when it comes to which of the Windows editions is the best. Everything will depend on your company's business needs and what you want to achieve using the OS.
The only way to discover the right option for you is by evaluating your business needs and considering the aspects listed above. If you notice that your company has simpler needs and won’t use the features from the top version, using Pro is the best option. It will not only be simpler to use and manage but will also save you money.
On the other hand, if you notice that some of the tools above are indispensable for your business to work efficiently or want to have them for trial or in case of an emergency, Enterprise best suits you. Before sticking to any of the versions, don’t forget to check if your hardware is compatible with it and supports running the operating system.
Where to Buy a Windows 11 Key
Buying keys for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise is a different process.
To get the Enterprise version, users are obligated to fulfill Microsoft's documentation requirements and pay recurring monthly fees to access the full suite of software offerings. All the obstacles make the Enterprise edition suitable mainly for big enterprises that need its particular solutions.
On the other hand, the Pro version is more accessible. When looking for a place to buy Windows keys, the first place that comes to people’s mind is the Microsoft Store, but the keys there are extremely expensive (the Pro version is $199) compared to other marketplaces. At RoyalCDKeys, you can find a vast number of Windows versions at a considerably lower price, being the perfect place to purchase your activation key and save around $190. Our website offers 24-hour support in case anything happens when trying to activate your Windows or if you have any issues during the activation process.
Time to Choose Your Version
Windows 11 is undoubtedly one of the best OS options your PC can have, and when using it for work, there are two versions that can be perfect for turning your machine into a powerful workstation. Pro and Enterprise have particular features that can become attractive to different users. The most crucial part is understanding which version best fits your needs.
Enterprise has extra security features and the possibility of running a virtual machine. If these or the other characteristics attract you, don’t be afraid to try. On the other hand, if you feel like you don’t need that many tools, Windows 11 Pro is more than capable of executing your business tasks.
Now, it’s time to choose which version to go with. Make sure to analyze your business and what tasks you need to constantly perform before making any decision.