Windows 11 brings many improvements over its predecessor, including a slicker and more consistent interface, helpful window-snapping conveniences, better included apps, and increased security. It also includes features designed for better video game experiences, like Auto HDR and DirectStorage for faster game loading.But whether you plan to buy a new PC with Windows 11 preinstalled or upgrade your existing PC (assuming it meets the hardware requirements), you still have to choose either Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro. We’re here to show you the differences between them. In short, Windows 11 Home is best for most individual consumers, whereas Windows 11 Pro is primarily for business and IT professionals who need to manage multiple PCs and require enhanced security.
Price: Not a Huge Difference, But Pro Costs MoreTo upgrade an existing Windows 10 PC that meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11, it doesn’t cost anything. That’s true for both Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro. It’s a free upgrade, so price is not a consideration. For guidance on the process, see how to upgrade to Windows 11.If you buy a new PC to get Windows 11, you won’t see a huge difference in price whether you choose Home or Pro. For example, comparing prices on Amazon for the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch, choosing Windows 11 Home brings the total to $1,149 and switching to Pro makes it $1,199, an increase of $50. That’s not a huge price increase for a big purchase like a computer.If you install Windows 11 on a home-built PC, you need to buy a license key. A Home license costs $139 and a Pro license costs $199, a difference of $60.If you want to upgrade from Home to Pro, you can do so in the Windows Store app or buy a Pro license key and enter it in Settings > System > Activation, as shown below. The list price for a Home-to-Pro upgrade is $99.
(Credit: Microsoft/PCMag)
Features Common to Both Windows 11 Home and ProBoth editions of Windows 11 come with the headliner features of Windows 11:Copilot generative AI for research, rewriting, and image generationSnap Layouts for arranging applications windows quickly and in an organized wayFile Explorer with tabsWidgets panel with news, weather, finance, and sports infoUpdated Voice Typing for hands-free text entryNative passkey support for increased securityUpdated utility apps like Photos and Media PlayerLive Captions that work with any audio playing on the PCUpdated Windows Backup ToolPowerful screenshot tool with video captureBluetooth quick pairingClipchamp video editorFocus sessions to shut out distractions temporarily when you want to get work doneGaming enhancements like Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and improved Game ModeFeatures You Only Get in Windows 11 ProAccording to the Microsoft Store documentation, these features are exclusive to Windows 11 Pro:BitLocker, which helps protect data with enhanced encryption and security managementRemote Desktop controlHyper -V for creating and running virtual machinesPrivate Catalog to access your company’s apps through your own section in the Microsoft StoreAbility to join Azure Active Directory and connect to your school, business, or corporate network via the cloudAbility to join a domain and connect to your business or corporate networkSecurity DifferencesIn terms of security, Windows 11 Home includes the standard Windows Security features, such as virus and threat protection, firewall and network protection, family options, app control, and device security like TPM support and core isolation, which protects the central Windows kernel. Both Home and Pro include a device encryption option, but Pro’s inclusion of BitLocker is more robust, allowing an administrator to remotely encrypt a PC, for example.Windows 11 Pro also adds security features for organizations’ IT departments that manage a workforce of PCs, called Microsoft Purview Information Protection and Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention. They let companies separate personal applications from work applications on the computer. They also scan the machines for unwanted content, restrict sharing, and automatically remove content that could pose a threat.Which Windows 11 Is Right for You?The choice between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro is quite straightforward. For nearly every individual consumer, Home is the way to go. It includes all the standard operating system features. You should only consider the more expensive Windows 11 Pro if you’re managing multiple computers or need remote control, virtualization software, or configurable BitLocker encryption.
Like What You’re Reading?
Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered right to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
