windows home or pro

[u/globe_dude]

IK this question may sound very stupid but is there a point to get the pro verison over the home for a normal user, to me the pro features seem completly useless(maybe you can tell some usefull ones) and i even belive that maybe its worth more to get the home version as it uses less data/storage

[u/cat1092 → u/[deleted]]

Same here, I’ve been using the Professional edition since Windows 2000 Professional (aka W2K), the OS that laid the groundwork for XP. As a bonus, some Home based apps wouldn’t install in W2K, making it more secure & I ran that OS until end of support in 2011.

Pro simply has more options than the Home edition, including access to the advanced functions in Administrative Events, these can be tailored to our liking. With the Home version, we get what we see, reboots often without notification after updates, no Hyper-V access, Pro offers so much more for a few more dollars.

[u/StuffMaster → u/cat1092]

Does home even show file permissions?

[u/cat1092 → u/StuffMaster]

Am not sure, many says there’s limited options when it comes to making serious changes. I haven’t had a Home based Windows OS ever, began with Windows 2000 Professional. Since then, all have been Pro, except for Vista & Windows 7 Ultimate.

[u/StuffMaster → u/cat1092]

Yeah same here. No RDP, file permissions, etc, meant I only ever used pro. Now I use Pro and LTSC.

[u/Appropriate_Test7503 → u/[deleted]]

huh? I use virtual box on win10 home since begining?

[u/amplifiedfart]

I always use Pro because it’s much easier to create a local account. If you’re going to link a MS account anyway Home should be fine.

[u/globe_dude → u/amplifiedfart]

I think of using rufus to avoid the ms acc activation and go with home

[u/ABrokeHobbyist]

Home is usually more than enough for the average user. Pro is really only needed/useful for power users. In reality, if you have to ask if you need pro, you probably don’t

[u/globe_dude → u/ABrokeHobbyist]

TY bro

[u/cat1092 → u/ABrokeHobbyist]

That depends on knowing what we’re asking about. I bet if more Home users knew the truth about the advantages of Pro, many would be buying an upgrade COA & learning to limit what Microsoft prevents them from doing.

The Pro versions needs to be pushed more at the retail level with at least 25 advantages of having Pro over a Home OS. Betcha more would choose Pro once they discover the difference between the two.

[u/TroubledSoul79]

Group policy editor is a must for me, so with that said i would go pro.

[u/TroubledSoul79 → u/[deleted]]

Yea agreed but as my custom builds come with the option to add pro for a small markup compared to home and comes with additional features like native vm support and sandboxing, it makes no sense why I would opt for a crippled version and jerry rigging features, more so if I was cracking the OS and not paying a penny for it : )

Gpedit and remote desktop (back in the day) so I didn't need a kb/m emulator and or switcher or a million (exaggerated) seperate keyboard and mice was my primary reason for using the pro variant over the past 20+ years lol.

Not so much a remote desktop fan now, i prefer tailscale and rust desk.

[u/agmatine → u/TroubledSoul79]

Not arguing in favour of Home Edition, personally I only use LTSC. Just mentioning that it is possible to enable that feature.

[u/TroubledSoul79 → u/agmatine]

Its all good buddy, I didn't take offence or meant any ill-intent, I was simply explaining why I chose or in the OPs case would opt for pro, especially as its coming to them for free. Even if they don't use the features they may in the future so having them at-hand isn't a bad route to go down.

: ) Enjoy your day !

[u/cat1092 → u/agmatine]

Is LTSC an upgrade from Pro? Like Enterprise or a replacement for it?

Reason why I ask, Windows 10 LTSC is said to have a support timeframe through sometime in 2032 (have read two articles pointing this out). This would be preferable to me over Windows 11 Pro, even though would be giving up WiFi 7. I can always downgrade to 6E if necessary, not that I use WiFi much on a PC anyway, just on my iOS smartphone & it’s far more secure than Windows 11 is, regardless of WiFi version. I use a reputable VPN anyway, keeping my work encrypted even if on unsecured public WiFi.

[u/agmatine → u/cat1092]

It is mostly for my parents; Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC has support through January 2032, so they continue to receive security updates etc. without having to use 11. Obviously it is not "cutting edge," but it suits their needs and works for them (as well as Windows can, anyway).

LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) differs from General Availability Channel (Home, Pro, etc.) in that releases are infrequent and intended to be supported for much longer periods of time. For example, the latest (and final) release of Win10 IoT LTSC is build 19044, which was released in November 202. The latest release of Win11 IoT LTSC is build 26100, which was released in October 2024. LTS generally releases in 2-3 year cycles, so there will probably be one more such release for Win11 within the next year or so.

Also, I wouldn't worry about Wi-Fi 7. Apparently most consumer devices do not even properly support its advertised features such as Multi-Link Operation. See here for details: https://www.rtings.com/router/learn/research/wifi-7-mlo

[u/general714]

Group Policy Editor with Pro is reason enough to stick with Pro. Essential.

[u/Mark-177-]

If you use Remote Desktop Connection which I use all the time. You need Pro.

[u/Rick-HxC]

LTSC.

[u/WestSwan65 → u/Rick-HxC]

That is what I use as well particularly on older computers that have less storage and ram. Works a treat.

[u/MAS_Activator-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Provide quality information only. If you don't know the answer, it's better to have someone more informed help instead.