Windows 11 is the last version of the classic operating system released on October 5, 2021. Just like Windows 10, the current version includes Windows Home and Windows 11 versions. But do you know the main difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro? Here, in this Windows 11 Pro vs. Home article, you’ll find the answer.  

Before starting to mention the main differences between the two editions, we have to say that, whatever your choice, you’ll get all the new features with Windows 11 Home and Pro. Here are some aspects that both editions share:

• Device encryption. If you turn on-device encryption, only authorized individuals will be able to access your device and data.
• Find my device. Keep track of your devices, even your digital pen!
• Firewall and network protection. Your Windows device comes with built-in security features to help safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware.
• Internet Protection. App & Browser control in Windows Security helps protect your device from potentially dangerous apps, files, websites, and downloads.
• Parental Controls and Protection. Manage screen time, limit access to mature content, and control online purchases when you connect your family's Microsoft accounts.
• Secure Boot. Helps prevent malicious software applications and unauthorized operating systems from loading during the system start-up process.
• Windows Hello. Uses facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN, for a fast, secure, and password-free way to unlock your compatible Windows devices.
• Windows Security. View and manage the security and health of your device.

The first major difference between these two versions of Windows 11 appears when you’re setting up for the first time.

In this regard, Windows 11 Home has a restriction that can be a bit annoying; you’ll have to set it up with a Microsoft account and an Internet connection.

It’s true that you can remove your Microsoft account from Windows 11 Home after completing the setup, but Windows 11 Pro allows you to simply do it with a local account.

Another major difference between Home and Pro Editions is the support for virtualization features. The Home version of this Operating System does not support Hyper-V or Windows Sandbox. 

Windows 11 Pro supports all of the features mentioned above. So, with the Pro version, you can use Hyper-V, which allows you to create virtual machines to try other operating systems, including older versions of Windows, Linux, and much more. This is a great tool for developers who need to try their creation in different systems. Its performance is way better than other software like VMWare and VirtualBox.

You can also use Windows Sandbox, which provides a lightweight desktop environment. Whatever you do in this Windows subsystem environment stays there and does not affect the OS. If you ask us if Windows Sandbox is the best way to test an app before installing it on your computer, the answer is yes. Windows Sandbox is the best way to do it.

Since business users deal with and manage a lot of information on their PCs, they will prefer a stable Internet connection and extra security features. One of them is the Bitlocker Encryption function. This tool allows you to encrypt the data stored in your hard drive. Even in the case of robbery, your data will be safe.

The Pro version also comes with WIP (Windows Information Protection), a tool that helps you to prevent forwarding content outside of your brand.   

WIP also helps organizations protect enterprise data and apps against accidental data leaks on enterprise-owned devices and personal devices that employees bring to work.

Regarding minimum system requirements, both Home and Pro have the same configuration. The difference lies in the upper limits. For example, Windows Home can only have one CPU socket. Besides, the Home version only supports up to 64 CPU cores. 

The difference is that Windows 11 Pro offers you a larger ceiling for hardware expansion. The Pro version supports up to 128 cores, 2 CPU sockets, and up to 2TB of RAM. On the other hand, Windows 11 Home supports 1 CPU socket, 64 cores, and up to 128GB of RAM. In a few words, Windows 11 Home is going to be enough for most users, even for hardcore gamers.

In short, there is no difference between both versions. Both the editions have support for Xbox Game Bar and Game Mode, so both are perfect for PC gamers. 

In short, most device management features are not available in Windows 11 Home. However, Windows Pro has Windows Update for Business. These features allow companies to control how updates are rolled out to the users. Some of the management features exclusive to Windows 11 Pro include:

• Assigned Access.
• Mobile Device Management.
• Enterprise State Roaming.
• Dynamic Provisioning.
• Kiosk Mode.
• Windows Update for Windows.
• Active Directory/Azure AD.

This is a major difference. Home Version does not come with Bitlocker Device Encryption. But, what exactly does BitLocker do?

As its name suggests, Bitlocker allows you to encrypt your hard disk and disk volumes.

This new functionality is very useful if you have sensitive information because no one can access your data with your permission. 

If your device is lost or stolen, BitLocker uses the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to put everything on lockdown, so no one else can access your systems or data.

In short, you can’t access the policies that your computer uses to run the operating system in the Home edition.

Using Group Policy, you can lock more apps in Windows, such as defer Windows Update for a longer time, or disable Cortana permanently. In short, you can use the Group Policy Editor to tweak your Windows for more personal use.

In Windows 11 Home, you can only act as a client when using Remote Desktop Connection. But what does this mean? In a few words, you can’t initiate a remote connection as you can with Windows Pro. The latter allows you to act as the host as well as the client and enables you to have unlimited access to your computer from any part of the globe. 

This means you can modify your files and programs, doing anything from a distance. In this regard, there are several third-party tools and solutions that work as a remote desktop, offering similar features, such as TeamViewer. 

In the first place, you can buy both versions of Windows 11 in the official Microsoft Store. The Home Version price is around $150, while the Pro version costs $199. On sites like Amazon, you can find the Home version for $124 and the Pro version for $149.

Luckily for you, at RoyalCDKeys, you can acquire Windows 11 Home OEM Key for €3,30.

Also, you can get Windows 11 Pro OEM Key for €2,55.

Of course, you can get a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, but only if your current PC is capable of supporting the new changes. If not, and you’re thinking about purchasing a new PC, then RoyalCDKeys is your best choice!

All the major differences mentioned in this article are irrelevant for most users because they will use Windows to connect to the Internet or play games, and that is ok. All the features mentioned above are for organizations or companies looking for extra security features or keeping safe user accounts and their info. 

If this is your case, we recommend you acquire the Pro Edition of Windows 11. This is designed for business management, providing better solutions for most users and similar features to Home Edition.