Windows 10 is Microsoft’s operating system, offering powerful features and an intuitive user interface. But what makes Windows 10 so versatile is its range of different versions, each designed to meet the needs of various users. Whether you're a home user or part of a larger organization, there's a Windows 10 version that's right for you.
It's important to understand the differences between these versions in order to pick the one that best suits your requirements. In this article we'll take a look at all the available Windows 10 versions and their features, helping you make an informed decision when upgrading or purchasing new hardware.
How many Windows 10 Editions are there?
Windows 10 is available in the following versions:
- Windows 10 Home
- Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 10 in S Mode
- Windows 10 Enterprise (E3 and E5)
- Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB
- Windows 10 Pro for Workstation
- Windows 10 Education
- Window 10 Mobile
- Window 10 Mobile Enterprise
- Windows 10 IoT Core
Let's review each version in more detail.
Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Home is the basic version of Windows 10, designed for consumer use. It offers a number of features and capabilities that make it ideal for home users who are looking to get started with the Windows operating system.
Windows 10 Home provides access to all the core features of Windows 10, including the user-friendly Start menu, Cortana digital assistant, Edge web browser, and an improved Action Center. Furthermore, users can take advantage of additional features including support for multiple desktops or ‘virtual’ desktops as well as easy access to Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps from the Microsoft Store.
Overall, Windows 10 Home is an ideal operating system for regular home users who need a reliable OS without needing any specialist features or complicated management systems. This entry-level version includes all the basics and will suit most people just fine. However, some special features such as remote desktop services or advanced threat protection may be missing for those wanting more robust capabilities.
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro is the ideal version of Windows 10 for business users or those who need advanced features not available in Windows 10 Home. It provides superior data protection via encryption, domain connectivity for company networks, and remote desktop capability. This allows users to access their PCs from anywhere with an internet connection.
The Pro version also offers advanced security features such as the Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection service and access to Pro-only device management tools. Additionally, users can take advantage of specialized software for tasks like running multiple virtual machines or using Hyper-V for server deployments.
Windows 10 Pro is designed for businesses that need a professional-grade operating system that offers advanced data protection and device management tools. It's an excellent choice for those who need a powerful OS with extra features and security capabilities.
Windows 10 in S mode
Windows 10 in S mode is a special version of the Windows 10 operating system specifically designed for security and performance. It provides a simplified experience with standard settings and limited user control, as well as increased protection from malicious apps and malware.
Windows 10 in S mode provides access to most of the features available in Windows 10 Home, including the Start menu, Cortana digital assistant, Edge web browser, and Action Center. However, users are restricted to downloading apps only from the Microsoft Store. This means that non-Store applications cannot be installed on this version of Windows 10 without disabling the S mode first.
Windows 10 in S mode is perfect for those who need an OS with enhanced security and performance but don't need any advanced features. It's great for students or those who don't need access to powerful applications and are only looking for basic computing capabilities from their Windows 10 experience.
Windows 10 Enterprise (E3 and E5)
Windows 10 Enterprise is a version of Windows 10 designed for large organizations and businesses. It provides access to advanced security measures, comprehensive device management capabilities, and specialized applications such as the Windows To Go feature which allows users to take their entire working environment on the go.
The Enterprise version comes in two variations; E3 and E5. The E3 version offers features such as Assigned Access Mode, Azure Active Directory Join, Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG) technology, and Microsoft’s enterprise-grade analytics platform. The E5 edition adds support for cloud-based services such as Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), Microsoft Intune device management tools, and Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP software.
Windows 10 Enterprise is the best choice for businesses looking to get the most out of their operating system. It provides comprehensive security and device management capabilities, as well as access to a large selection of specialized enterprise applications. The two versions provide varying levels of features and services depending on the needs of the organization.
Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB
Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB is a long-term servicing branch of Windows 10 designed specifically for mission-critical systems and embedded devices. It provides stability and performance benefits over the standard edition, such as no automatic updates or feature upgrades.
This version of Windows 10 also comes with specialized features such as AppLocker which can be used to restrict application access on a per-user basis, DirectAccess which allows users to easily connect to corporate networks, and Virtual Smart Card authentication for added security. Additionally, it supports Hyper-V virtualization so users can run multiple operating systems within a single environment.
Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB is the perfect choice for businesses that need a secure and stable operating system with advanced security capabilities.
Windows 10 Pro for Workstation
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is a version of Windows 10 designed for advanced workloads. It includes support for up to four physical CPUs, non-volatile storage devices such as SSDs with Error-correcting Code (ECC) memory, and ReFS (Resilient File System) which helps protect data in the event of unexpected power outages.
This version of Windows comes with extended support for workstation-specific hardware such as high-end GPUs, RAID/NVDIMM storage, and USB Attached SCSI (UAS) devices. It also includes specialized tools such as the Windows Subsystem for Linux which enables developers to run their favorite Linux distributions on Windows 10 Pro for Workstations.
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is the ideal solution for power users and organizations that require high performance from their workstation PCs. With support for advanced hardware and specialized tools, it provides an unrivaled Windows experience optimized specifically for workstation-class PCs.
Windows 10 Education
Windows 10 Education is designed specifically for students and teachers in educational institutions. It provides all the features available in Windows 10 Home, plus additional education-oriented tools such as Classroom View that help instructors easily manage group activities from their PC.
The Education edition also includes access to Microsoft Intune for Education which enables secure mobile device management, as well as improved performance monitoring with built-in analytics tools. Additionally, it comes pre-installed with Office 365 Education which includes specialized versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
Windows 10 Education is perfect for educational institutions looking to get the most out of their Windows 10 experience. It provides access to powerful tools specifically designed for classrooms, as well as enhanced security and performance benefits that make it a great choice for educational institutions.
Window 10 Mobile
Windows 10 Mobile is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft for use on smartphones and small tablets. It is designed to provide a familiar user experience across all Windows 10 devices, with a focus on productivity and security. Windows 10 Mobile includes features such as Microsoft Edge, Cortana voice assistant, Office Mobile, and OneDrive cloud storage.
Windows 10 Mobile is suitable for individuals who prefer to use a Windows-based phone and want to stay connected while on the go. It provides a seamless transition between a user's desktop and mobile devices, allowing them to easily access their files and apps on the go. With Windows 10 Mobile, users can stay productive with Office Mobile and easily access their files with OneDrive.
Overall, Windows 10 Mobile is the ideal option for individuals requiring a secure, yet productive communication device. Featuring Office Mobile, OneDrive cloud storage, and bolstered security features, it provides an unrivaled mobile experience.
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise includes all the features available in Windows 10 Mobile, plus additional enterprise-grade tools for IT management. With this version of Windows 10, users can access specialized security and device management capabilities, as well as a range of specialized apps designed specifically for businesses. Additionally, it provides enhanced performance monitoring with built-in analytics tools.
Windows 10 IoT Core
Windows 10 IoT Core is a version of Windows 10 designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This version of Windows provides a low-cost, highly secure, and fully manageable platform for building connected devices.
It comes with a range of specialized tools such as Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard which helps developers set up their devices and manage applications, Device Health Attestation which provides insights into device security health, and Azure IoT Hub which enables secure device-to-cloud communication.
Conclusion
Windows 10 is the ideal choice for businesses, educational institutions, and individuals looking to get the most out of their Windows experience. With a range of specialized tools and features suited to each use-case, users can easily find the version that’s right for them.
Whether you need a secure enterprise-grade operating system or an efficient way to stay productive on the go, there’s a Windows 10 solution for you. Are you ready to take advantage of the power of Windows 10?
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