The official consumer release of the Windows 10 operating is just around the corner. Windows 10 is pretty much a very hopeful release from Microsoft after Windows 8, as it brings in a lot of newly added features when compared to older versions.
For beginners, Windows 10 packs in a new start screen, and the old school Internet Explorer web browser has also been replaced with the Microsoft’s newest browser, Edge. Also, there will be tight integration with Microsoft’s Cortana voice assistant, which will surely make working with the Windows 10 a much more joyful experience. Not just these, there are even more features and functionalities packed in.
Recommended: Download & Install Windows 10
Follow this Windows 10 Guide to learn about the requirement and compatibility.
Microsoft has also publicly announced that there will be 7 different versions of the Windows 10 operating system, targeting different types of customers. The Windows 10 Home and the Windows 10 Pro editions will be open for customer purchases, whereas the Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Educational editions will solely target enterprises and educational institutions respectively.
To give you a better perspective on the 4 editions of the Windows 10 operating system that will be up for sale, today we compare the 4 different Windows 10 consumer editions and their features.
However, before differentiating on the features that these four version of Windows 10 will have, below are the common set of features that comes with every Windows 10 editions:
- Customizable Start Menu.
- Windows Defender.
- Windows Firewall.
- Hiberboot and InstantGo for faster start up.
- Battery Saver.
- TPM support.
- Windows Update.
- Cortana and all its features.
- Native fingerprint recognition.
- Native facial and iris recognition.
- Enterprise level security.
- Virtual Desktops.
- Snap Assist.
- Snap applications across different monitors.
- Easy switch between PC and Tablet modes.
- Microsoft Edge browser with Cortana integration.
- Device Encryption.
- Business apps side loading.
- Mobile device management.
- Microsoft Passport.
Apart from the above mentioned common features, the only added feature for the Windows 10 Home edition, is the easy upgrade scheme from Home to Education edition of Windows 10.
Features of Windows 10 Pro Edition:
Apart from the list of the common features, below are some features that sets the Windows 10 Pro Edition apart from other editions.
- Domain Join.
- Group Policy Management.
- Bitlocker.
- Enterprise Mode Internet Explorer(EMIE).
- Assigned Access 8.1.
- Remote Desktop.
- Ability to join Azure Active Directory with single sign-on.
- Business Store for Windows 10.
- Easy Upgrade from Pro to Enterprise Edition.
- Enterprise Data Protection.
- Windows Update for Business.
- Current Branch for Business.
Features of Enterprise and Education Editions:
The Education and Enterprise editions of the Windows 10 operating system will have all the above mentioned features from both Home and Pro editions, along with the below listed features:
- Direct Access.
- Windows to Go creator.
- AppLocker.
- BranchCache.
- Start Screen control with group policy.
- Granular UX control.
- Credential Guard.
- Device Guard.
- Long term service branching (only for Enterprise Edition).
Final Words:
That was a very easy to understand article on the features that the four different version of the Windows 10 operating system by Microsoft. I hope this article helped you in understanding the uses and features of all the Windows 10 editions listed above and hence, help you in picking the perfect Windows 10 edition for your needs.
