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EN Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro? Who needs what and why?
META TITLE
Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro? Who needs what and why?
META DESCRIPTION
Compare Windows 11 Home and Pro, understand feature differences and find the right key to upgrade or rebuild
META KEYWORDS
Windows 11 Home Pro comparison upgrade key
Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro in comparison
Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro are the best-known current versions of the Windows operating system. Both operating systems are aimed at different target groups and therefore differ in their functions and possible usage situations.
The table shows a brief overview of users and supported functions. This article provides a detailed comparison of the differences between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro in order to facilitate a targeted purchase decision.
Important for buying the right key
If you want to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro, please buy a Windows 11 Pro upgrade key and NOT a full version of Windows 11 Pro with which you cannot upgrade.
Windows 11 Home vs. Pro: The most important differences for purchase decision & area of application
| Windows Home | Windows Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Users Private use and studies / Business and professional use | Private use and studies | Business and professional use |
| Specifications Hardware support such as CPUs and maximum RAM. | 1 CPU and max. 128 GB RAM | 2 CPUs and max. 2 TB RAM |
| Data protection functions Available security and data protection functions. | Windows Defender, Windows Hello | BitLocker, Windows Hello, information protection |
| Remote login Support for remote desktop. | ||
| Domain Join / Azure AD Enables centralized management and authentication in corporate networks. |
What is included in Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home? Comparison table of the functions included
| Feature | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| BitLocker drive encryption Secures the device against unauthorized access in the event of loss or theft. | ||
| Central update control (Windows Update for Business) Admins control when and how updates are rolled out in the company. | ||
| Windows Information Protection (WIP) Protects company applications and data from accidental data leaks. | ||
| Extended hardware support Up to 2 TB RAM and 2 CPUs/128 cores (Home: 128 GB RAM, 64 cores). | ||
| Device encryption Only authorized persons can use the device and data. | ||
| Windows security Centralized overview of security status and system integrity. | ||
| Firewall & network protection Protects the system against viruses, malware and ransomware. | ||
| DirectX 12 Ultimate State-of-the-art graphics functions, low latency and better gaming performance. | ||
| Internet & app protection Blocks dangerous files, websites, downloads and apps. | ||
| Secure Boot Prevents manipulated software and unauthorized systems from starting. | ||
| Windows Hello login by face, fingerprint or PIN - fast and secure. |
For which users is Windows 11 Home suitable?
The target group for Windows 11 Home, which is also the standard version of Windows 11, is private users.
Windows 11 Home is suitable for a wide range of tasks at home, at university or school, for simple graphic design and gaming.
Windows 11 Home is pre-installed on most consumer PCs and laptops, making it the most frequently used version of Windows. It offers all the basic functions that are important in everyday life and the multimedia sector - including surfing, working, gaming and streaming.
This allows users to easily surf the internet or edit photos and videos in Adobe. Windows Home also works with an Xbox console.
What are the main features and applications of Windows 11 Home?
- Windows 11 Home appears in a modern, clear design including a new start menu and taskbar
- includes Microsoft Store and support for Android apps (available through the Amazon Appstore)
- includes Microsoft Edge, Snap layouts, widgets and virtual desktops
- includes Windows Hello - a face & fingerprint login and Defender
- includes security features such as Secure Boot, TPM2.0 and limited BitLocker Device Encryption
- Windows 11 Home enables cloud integration via OneDrive
The focus of Windows 11 Home is on simplicity, user-friendliness and security in the private user environment.
For which users is Windows 11 Pro the best solution?
The target group of Windows 11 Pro is defined by the "Pro", which stands for "Professional". With its many business functions, this version is aimed at users from the corporate sector, the self-employed, power users and IT administration.
Windows 11 Pro builds on the Home version - but offers far more functions that are useful and important for professional use. These include, for example, encryption for data security, extended remote login options, i.e. extended networking and better administration. In concrete terms, remote login means being able to access files on the office PC while working from home, for example.
Windows Pro is the best choice for business use in the office or even larger tasks. This business version of Windows has more and better data protection functions and supports particularly powerful hardware than Windows 11 Home. This is useful for extensive tasks such as 3D editing and analyzing large amounts of data.
What are the main features and applications that Windows 11 Pro has to offer?
- As a basis, Windows 11 Pro has all the functions of Windows 11 Home
- Includes BitLocker full encryption (full drive encryption) for more data security
- Remote Desktop (full access to other devices on the same network)
- Windows Sandbox for secure software testing
- Group Policy (group policy management) for centralized control in companies
- Hyper-V for virtual machines
- Domain join and Azure Active Directory support (relevant in corporate networks)
- Extended control over updates and security settings
The focus of Windows 11 Pro is on data security, productivity, network integration and administration in a professional environment.
How do Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro differ in terms of security / data protection?
Windows 11 Home offers a solid security foundation for home users.
Windows Home protects files very simply. The pre-installed, integrated Microsoft Defender antivirus software provides the same comprehensive protection as the Pro version.
As a user, you have additional login methods with Windows Hello. For example, via the webcam, the fingerprint sensor or with a PIN code. This provides additional security for the home computer and helps to ward off hackers. For an additional layer of security, a separate virus scanner, such as Norton Security, can be installed. The Home Edition also includes "Device Encryption", which automatically encrypts the system drive if the hardware meets the necessary requirements. With version 24H2, this function will be activated on more devices by default.
However, the Home edition does not include a full BitLocker, which allows manual management and encryption of additional drives.
Windows Pro: Enterprise security for an entire office
Unlike the Home version, Windows 11 Pro offers an extended feature set that includes BitLocker drive encryption, group policies for security policies and additional options for protecting sensitive business data.
In the Pro version, sensitive information can be easily and reliably protected with Information Protection. This program encrypts all available data so that it is virtually behind another lock.
The BitLocker pre-installed in the Pro version closes folders for users without access. If BitLocker detects a suspicious login attempt, it is automatically blocked.
What are the differences in administration and business between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro?
Windows 11 Home is primarily designed for private use and therefore lacks many functions that are important for companies. These missing functions include joining a classic Active Directory domain and administration via group policies. Special business services such as Windows Update for Business or Azure Active Directory are also not available in the Home version.
Windows 11 Pro for professional users and companies, on the other hand, enables domain joining, the use of group policies and connection to Azure AD or Entra ID. This allows the system to be centrally managed, secured and integrated into networks.
Does Windows 11 Home offer remote access in the same way as Windows 11 Pro?
No. With Windows 11 Home, users can access other devices via Remote Desktop, but their own system cannot serve as a host for a remote connection.
Windows 11 Pro is required to control your own PC remotely. This edition supports Remote Desktop both as a client and as a host and therefore offers the full remote control function. This is practical if you want to work from home or on the road and need access to your business computer.
Can virtualization be implemented with Windows 11 Home?
Yes, but Windows 11 Home only allows basic virtualization functions such as the Windows Subsystem for Linux, but does not support advanced tools such as Hyper-V or Windows Sandbox.
The latter are only available in the Pro version and enable the secure testing of software or the creation of virtual machines for development and test environments.
What are the hardware requirements and hardware limits for Windows 11 Home and 11 Pro?
Home edition of Windows 11:
supports up to 128 gigabytes of RAM and only one physical CPU. This is more than sufficient for normal use.
Pro edition of Windows 11:
It is designed for more powerful systems and allows up to two processor sockets and a maximum of 2 terabytes of RAM. This makes it particularly suitable for workstations and demanding professional applications.
Windows Pro therefore has immense advantages for business customers. In addition to the extra security, the support of two processors and up to 2 terabytes of RAM creates a very powerful server.
Are setup and account creation the same for Windows Home and Windows Pro?
No. Windows 11 Home usually requires an Internet connection and a Microsoft account during the initial setup. This requirement can only be circumvented with tricks, as Microsoft is increasingly restricting the options for local accounts.
Even with Windows 11 Pro, setup with a Microsoft account is now the standard, but this version still offers the option of setting up a local account via the "Domain join instead of Microsoft account" path, especially if the device is used in a corporate network.
What is S mode in Windows 11 Home?
Some devices are delivered with Windows 11 Home in so-called S mode. In this mode, only apps from the Microsoft Store can be installed, which provides additional security and keeps the system particularly lean, but also comes with restrictions.
To get around this, however, S mode can be deactivated permanently and free of charge to retain the full functionality of Windows 11 Home.
S mode is not usually offered with the Pro edition.
Important for buying the right key
If you want to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro, please buy a Windows 11 Pro upgrade key and NOT a full version of Windows 11 Pro with which you cannot upgrade.