Whether you want the standard operating system, advanced options or a special version for smart devices, our expert guidance will help you choose the best Windows 10 edition for your needs.
Of course, the latest version of Windows is 11. So if you can upgrade to that, then do, as you'll get support for longer. Check to see if your PC can upgrade.
Windows 10 editions
There are currently six versions (known as editions) of Windows 10, each with a different set of features. These are Windows 10 Home, 10 S, 10 Pro, 10 Enterprise, 10 Education and 10 IoT.
As of 2023, Microsoft no longer sells licenses for Windows 10, as it's been superseded by Windows 11 (released in 2021). Windows 10 support is still available until 14 October 2025.
Windows 10 Home
Chances are that this will the be the edition best suited to you. Despite its name, it’s actually the standard version of Windows 10, and it's the one that came pre-installed on most PCs sold to UK consumers.
If you upgraded from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10 when Microsoft was offering Windows 10 as a free upgrade, it's likely that you’re now on Windows 10 Home, too. The way the upgrade worked meant that users of Windows 7 or 8 Home editions were upgraded to the same edition of Windows 10.
Windows 10 S
This isn't so much a separate version of Windows 10 as a special mode, which you can turn off if you find its restrictions too onerous.
In S Mode, you can only install software from the Microsoft Store, and you can't install programs from the web. You also can't run commands from the command line, and the only browser you can use is Microsoft's own Edge browser.
These restrictions aim to keep your computer more secure, and will also help to keep it running smoothly: if you haven't got lots of third-party software clogging up your system, it shouldn't slow down as much, and there's much less risk of inadvertently installing malware.
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro offers all of the same features as the Home edition, but also adds tools used by business.
However, it's also suitable for more advanced home users, as it adds tools such as:
- BitLocker, which adds enhanced encryption options
- Remote Desktop, which lets you log in to your PC when you're away from your desk, and provides the ability to create and run virtual machines.
Virtual machines run as sandboxes, and are in effect separate installations of Windows where you can install software without risking your primary installation of Windows.
Can I upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro?
Windows 10 Enterprise
You’re unlikely to encounter Enterprise unless you use a PC from work. You can’t just buy a copy off the shelf.
Instead, a company buys a volume licence, which allows it to install the operating system (OS) on a certain number of PCs. Enterprise includes most of Pro’s features along with some of its own, most of which focus on allowing IT administrators to manage aspects of employees’ PCs remotely.
Windows 10 Education
Again, you can't buy this edition yourself, and unless you're a student or you work at a school or university, you'll probably never come across it.
It's a low-cost way for schools and universities to provide staff and students with Windows 10. It has similar features to Windows Pro, but some elements of the OS – such as the Microsoft Store – can be turned off by default.
Windows 10 IoT
This is a special version of Windows that's designed to run on low-powered smart devices such as touchscreen displays. Instead of booting to the Windows desktop, it's designed to boot to a default app instead.
You can download it from Microsoft's developer site, and if you're feeling adventurous you can install it on a Raspberry Pi.
IT-UK Amersham Tech Support can help you to keep on top of your tech. Our experts explain things clearly so you can resolve issues and feel more confident using your devices.
Comments