Microsoft Windows 10 Comparison | SoftwareKeep - EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN)

Windows 10 comes as Microsoft’s latest addition to its list of operating systems designed to improve computing experiences.

Windows 10 home

The OS’s target devices include PCs, Surface Hub Microsoft HoloLens, Xbox One, phones, and tablets. Microsoft considered devices such as elevators, ATMs, wearables, and heart rate monitors to benefit from some of the new features of the OS.

With Windows 10 installed on your device, you can find, download, and install a wide range of Windows apps from the universal Windows store.

Windows 10 proved to be more secure, reliable, and efficient with its regularly timed updates. Microsoft sends security and feature updates to the OS intending to allow you to get the most out of the OS.

Windows 10 is available in several editions, just like the previous version of Microsoft’s operating system line. Since each edition targets a specific user group, your experiences with the OS will depend on the type of the edition you’re using.

Editions of Windows 10

Microsoft’s products tend to come in different editions targeting different user groups and devices. Your unique needs as a Windows user will be addressed by the edition you choose. All of the Windows 10 editions cater to individual customers, large enterprises, and small businesses.

Which Edition of Windows 10 is best?

Windows 10 Pro is a desktop edition for PCs, tablets, and 2-in-1s.
Windows 10 Mobile is designed to deliver the best user experience on smaller, mobile, touch-centric devices like smartphones and small tablets.
Windows 10 Home is the consumer-focused desktop edition.
Windows 10 Enterprise builds on Windows 10 Pro, adding advanced features designed to meet the demands of medium and large-sized organizations.
Windows 10 Education builds on Windows 10 Enterprise and is designed to meet the needs of schools – staff, administrators, teachers, and students.
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise is designed to deliver the best customer experience to business customers on smartphones and small tablets.

Windows 10 Home

Windows 10 Home features consumer-focused capabilities to deliver familiar yet personal experiences to users of PCs, 2-in-1s, and tablets.

The OS edition brings:

Cortana digital assistant,
Edge web browser, and
A facial recognition tool known as Windows Hello to your devices.

You also get to enjoy apps such as Photos, Videos, Maps, tablet mode (for touch-enabled gadgets), and iris and fingerprint login. Windows 10 Home also enhances your Xbox gaming experiences by giving you access to the Xbox Live gaming community. Get cheap Windows 10 Home key here.

Windows 10 Pro

Though it borrows some of its features from Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro has unique features that make it an ideal OS edition for PCs, 2-in-1s and tablets.

Small businesses can benefit from its data protection, mobile, and remote productivity and cloud-based tools.

Windows 10 Pro also targets organizations that support Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) programs. With this product, you’ll enjoy the new Windows Business Update for faster access to security updates and more tools for reducing management costs.

Windows 10 Mobile

windows 10 mobile

While it shares the same Windows apps as Windows 10 Home, Microsoft Windows 10 Mobile targets users of handheld touch-enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets.

It comes handy if you’re using your tablet or phone to make use of Windows productivity apps. The OS allows select handheld devices to function as a computer when connected to a bigger screen.

Windows 10 Enterprise

Windows 10 Enterprise builds on the features and capabilities of Windows 10 Pro while introducing tools that large and medium-sized businesses can use to stay productive.

The OS gives you several comprehensive options for operating system deployment as well as app and device management. It’s ideal for protecting sensitive company information, devices, identities, and applications against different kinds of threats.

As a Volume Licensing product, Windows 10 Enterprise regularly receives innovation and security updates from Microsoft.

Windows 10 Education

While it carries the same features as Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education comes with tools targeted to students, administrators, teachers, and school staff.

The OS also comes as part of Microsoft’s Volume Licensing products. Schools and students already using Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Professional have the option to upgrade the editions to Windows 10 Education.

Windows 10 Home Vs. Windows 10 Pro Vs. Windows 10 Enterprise Vs. Windows 10 Education

Windows 10 Home

Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 Enterprise

Windows 10 Education

Architecture

32 bit & 64bit

Licensing Model

OEM & Retail

OEM & Retail & Volume

Volume Licensing

N Edition?

Yes

Maximum RAM

4GB (32bit) 128GB (64bit)

4GB (32bit) 512GB (64bit)

Continuum

Yes

Cortana

Yes

Microsoft Account Log in

Yes

Microsoft Edge

Yes

Except for LTSB

Yes

Hardware Device Encryption

Yes

Assigned Access 8.1

Yes

Windows Hello

Yes

Virtual Desktop

Yes

Mobile Device Management

Yes

Active Directory Member

Yes

Current Branch for Business (CBB)

Yes

Business Storage

Yes

BitLocker and EFS

Yes

Enterprise Mode Internet Explorer (EMIE)

Yes

Enterprise Data Protection

Yes

AppLocker

Yes

Windows Update for Business

Yes

Remote Desktop Connection

Only Client

Client & Host

Private Catalog

Yes

Azure AD Member

Yes

Hyper-V

Only 64bit

Start Screen Control (with GPO)

Yes

DirectAccess

Yes

Device Guard

Yes

Credential Guard

Yes

BranchCache

Yes

Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB)

Yes

Windows to Go

Yes

User Experience Control

Yes

In-Place Upgrade from Home or Pro to Education

Yes

In-Place Upgrade from Pro to Enterprise

Yes

Microsoft designed Windows 10 editions (also known as Stock Keeping Units) to address the productivity needs of a wide range of users from diverse markets and regions.

The OS editions run on target devices depending on their processing power and architectures. With adequate memory and CPU power, your device is capable of completing more tasks and run more programs. Though the supported architectures for running Windows 10 editions are 32-bit and 64-bit, some editions may demand additional CPU power.

How to Determine your Windows 10 Edition

The previous versions of Windows OS allowed you to determine the edition your device is using from the startup splash screen, welcome screen, or the About Windows dialog.

Knowing the Windows 10 edition installed on your device is crucial if you want a specific level of productivity with the OS. The knowledge will also guide you when updating your current OS to a Windows 10 edition for extra features and capabilities.

Holding down Windows key + R to open the Run utility, type winver, and then hit the Enter button. This will make the OS display your Windows 10 edition. The About Windows dialog will pop up to show the version and build number of the installed OS. Opening the Settings window (from the Start menu), select the System command, and then clicking on About will help you determine the Windows 10 edition installed in your device.

Differences in Windows Updates

The Windows Update lets you upgrade Windows 7 Home, and Windows 7 Home Basic to get Windows 10 Home. You can also use it to upgrade your current versions of Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Professional through to Windows 10 Professional. Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 with Bing get upgraded to Windows 10 Home while Windows 8.1 Professional gets upgraded to Windows 10 Professional through the Windows Update.

What are the Differences Between Home and Pro Editions of Windows 10?

Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro are the most common editions of Windows 10. They both come with unique features targeted at different groups of users. So, what are the main differences between these two Windows 10 editions?

Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 Professional is the premium business edition of Windows 10 since it comes bundled with vast capabilities.

The OS edition supports devices with multiple processors, over 512 GB RAM, Domain Join, Group Policy, Remote Desktop, Network Backup, and Hyper-V. Logically, its predecessors include Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, and Windows 8/8.1 Pro.

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Windows 10 Home

Windows 10 Home is the core edition of Windows 10 since it targets home users more than it targets business users.

It doesn’t offer support for most of the Windows 10 Pro features. Its capabilities and characteristics (as highlighted in the above table) are ideal for users in need of an OS for powering their devices or PCs for less power-intensive tasks.

Windows 10 S

If you’re using a next-generation device (such as wearables), Windows 10 S may suit you and allow you to download universal Windows apps from the Windows Store.

While it may resemble Windows 10 Professional, it doesn’t support Windows Server Active Directory or command-line powered apps like its sister edition. However, it’s more secure and functional to the targeted devices.

Windows 10 Education

Are you looking for an OS edition designed for complex academic environments such as colleges and universities? Look no further because Windows 10 Education (a variation of Windows 10 Enterprise). It comes with tools such as;

App Locker,
Credential and Device Guard,
Direct Access for academic activities.

Though built-in features such as Group Policy, Windows Store suggestions, and Cortana are disabled (by default), you can activate them on different tasks.

Windows 10 Pro Education

Windows 10 Pro Education differs from Windows 10 Education since it is a Windows Professional variation. It comes bundled with tools for avoiding distraction and allowing you to concentrate more on learning. The OS edition is also part of Microsoft’s growing list of Volume Licensing programs.

Windows 10 Enterprise

Though Windows 10 Enterprise carries all the features included on Windows 10 Education and Windows 10 Pro, it has restrictions on user experiences (including the Windows Store suggestions).

With access (as a network or system administrator), you can permit or restrict various features across different user accounts.

Among the highlights, Windows 10 Enterprise includes Microsoft Dynamics Management, Microsoft Application Virtualization, Microsoft User Environment Virtualization, and Direct Access.

Others include Credential Guard, Device Guard, Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Windows Defender, BranchCache, and Windows to Go.

Windows 10 vs. Windows 8/8.1 Vs. Windows 7

Thanks to its regular releases of software and feature updates, Microsoft continues to be relevant in the OS business. The company’s products also have a limited support period (like Windows 7 and Windows XP).

Windows 10 is a debugged version of Windows 7 and a modified version of Windows 8/8.1. Though it features modified and debugged tools from the previous versions, what makes it stand out from the rest?

Differences Between Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10

One thing that makes Windows 10 stand out from its predecessors is its vast tools and improvements.

If your PC or device is still running on Windows 7, consider upgrading the latest OS version to improve your productivity.

It may be frustrating when your device fails to receive essential Windows software and security updates because the OS you’re using is outdated (expired support period).

Windows 10 Vs. Windows 7

The first major release of Windows 7 dates back to 2009 when Microsoft’s goal was to make the OS part of the Windows NT OS family and an increment Windows update.

Windows 7 helped address the negative feedback Windows Vista got while maintaining hardware and software compatibility.

Its new features included a taskbar for pinning apps, new window management features, and Windows Aero improvements. The OS also came with a file-sharing system known as HomeGroup, libraries, and support for multi-touch input.

Windows 10 differs from Windows 7 in terms of support for handheld devices and user interface.

Unlike Windows 7, it features an improved Start Menu, a universal app, Cortana digital assistant, and virtual desktops. It is also possible to synchronize its capabilities with desktop computers, laptops, phones, and tablets.

Windows 10 Vs. Windows 8/8.1

The first release of Windows 8 dates back in 2012 with Microsoft focused on improving the Windows platform and user interface for pleasurable user experiences on PCs and handheld devices.

Windows 8 introduced the Windows Store, touch-optimized Windows shell, the Start screen, and a tool for synchronizing apps and settings between your devices. In response to the criticism that Windows 8 received, Microsoft released an updated version of the OS known as Windows 8.1 a year later.

Based on its wide range of features and capabilities, Windows 10 serves as an update and modification of Windows 8/8.1. Microsoft designed the OS to include apps such as Cortana and Edge browser, which were highly demanded by Windows 8/8.1 users.

Unlike Windows 8/8.1, the icon of the Windows apps is resizable in Windows 10 (which also runs on touch-enabled devices, handheld devices, and PCs).

Windows 7 Vs. Windows 8/8.1 Vs. Windows 10

The clear winner of the battle of operating systems is Windows 10 since it comes with an extended support period when compared to its predecessors (Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1).

As a Windows 10 user, you’ll feel that something is amiss on Windows 8/8.1 when you start using it. Windows 7 has stability and performance issues, which make it less superior to Windows 10. If you’re looking for an operating system that delivers user-friendly, smooth, and fast experiences, the best choice would be Windows 10.

Key Features

Windows 7

Windows 8/8.1

Windows 10

User Interface

User-friendly, best for laptop and desktop user

Specially designed for touch-enabled devices

Hybrid, can run effectively on all devices

Support period

Until 14 Jan 2020

Until 10 Jan 2023

Until 14 Oct 2025

Performance

Robust and reliable performance

High performance

Gaming features

Good gaming platform

Not recommended for gamers

Supports gaming features like direct X12 and Xbox app

Web browsing

Uses primary Internet Explorer for browsing

Updated Internet Explorer

Introduces a new browser known as Microsoft Edge

Quick, simple search

Online search results powered by Bing

Search is excellent, but a bit spread out.

Is Upgrade to Windows 10 Worth it? What Benefits Come with the OS?

The support period for Microsoft Windows 7 ended on 14 Jan 2020. The only choice Windows 7 users have is to switch to Windows 10 unless they want to miss out on essential security updates and support from Microsoft.

The good thing about upgrading your OS to the latest version is that you get better tools for improving your productivity. Besides boasting improved performance and stability, Windows 10 comes with the Cortana digital assistant, a clipboard history tool, and Edge browser, among other amazing apps.

Microsoft has continuously been updating Windows 10 since its release in 2015. The free updates give you the option to select when it’s convenient to install them, depending on your time preferences

Once you switch to Windows 10, you benefit from the new Windows technology Microsoft included in the operating system. The benefits you’ll derive from using the OS are as follows:

Top 18 New Windows 10 Features

The Start Menu: Microsoft went a step further by bringing back the Start menu to improve the Start screen that Windows 8/8.1 introduced. The company took note of the user feedback and responded by designing a Start menu coupled with a tile-based appendage to hold live title information and support touch-enabled devices.
You can even assign smaller tiles to fewer essential apps and bigger tiles to the most frequently used apps.
Speed: Windows 8/8.1 was the first OS under the Windows OS line to allow PCs and devices to boot faster. Microsoft improved this feature on Windows 10, making it more potent than macOS installed on MacBook or PC.
The company added the DirectX 12 3D engine to the OS for immersive performance speeds. With the engine included on the OS, it’s easy to play games or run multiple apps on your Windows 10 powered devices.
Intuitive Productivity and Media Apps: The media and productivity apps you can use on Windows 10 include Music, Photos, Videos, Maps, Mail, People, and Calendar. When launched, each of them runs on a separate sandbox. They’re even easy to integrate your PC’s system. The Windows Store lets you conveniently download or update them as you wish
Action Center: Just like the OS included in smartphones, Windows 10 comes with a built-in tool that displays unread messages, updates, and breaking news. Also known as Action Center, the tool is designed to display messages from your email, the system (Windows updates), and apps.
It also shows power warnings, weather warnings, and birthday reminders. Through Focus Assist, it’s possible to mute or silent the notifications if they seem to disrupt your computing experience
Cortana: One of the personalized apps on Windows 10 is Cortana, which uses voice commands to give you recommendations or answers to different queries. Cortana gives you hands-free control when interacting with the capabilities or features of Windows 10.
You can launch the Music app by telling the digital assistant to play you some music. It’s even possible to shut down or hibernate your PC using Cortana without pressing any button. If you’re using Cortana on multiple devices, you can set different reminders to appear on your devices.

The digital assistant lets you monitor team scores, your favorite sports, and local weather as part of your interests. Cortana is also found on smart home gadgets, including the Philips Hue lightbulbs.
Touch: Windows 10 boasts a beautiful user interface suited for standard PCs and touch-enabled devices. You can seamlessly switch the interface between desktop and tablet mode depending on your Windows 10 device.
Users of touch-enabled devices benefit more from the Start Menu tiles and swipe-in edges on the Edge browser.
Timeline and Virtual Desktop: Work on several desktops on your PC at once with the Virtual Desktop tool. Activate this feature from the taskbar on the task-switching icon that lies next to the search box. Once the task switching view is enabled, a timeline will display your browsing and app.
A Better Browser: In response to the criticism that Internet Explorer received, Microsoft designed the Edge browser. Edge is a modern-looking feature-packed browser that’s faster and more stable than Internet Explorer. The app takes up less CPU and battery power than the Chrome browser.
Its most essential features include the Cortana-powered on-page text lookup tool and the Sharon icon.
Security: Secure Boot is one of the security features that Windows 10 borrows from Windows 8/8.1. It allows Microsoft or the hardware manufacturer to sign codes that run when your device or PC is booting. Up to 10 PCs can be supported by this tool. Windows 10 also carries Device Guard, Microsoft Passport, and Windows Hello as part of its security features
Game Bar: Gaming experiences just got better with Game Bar on Windows 10. The app allows you to control audio sources of a game and broadcast your sessions to a gaming community. Besides using it on games, you can use it to snap screenshots and record screen videos of tasks or activities in your device.
You can chat with other gamers, adjust game audio settings, and monitor performance specs (such as CPU and RAM use) from the panels included on Game Bar
Xbox Integration: If you’re an Xbox lover, Windows 10 gives you a dedicated Xbox app to use when streaming games to your PC, tracking your friends and achievements and participating in multiplayer games.
You can even browse through the Windows Store and purchase games that you would play on your PC or Xbox. Microsoft designed Xbox Console Companion to give you Xbox functionality on PC.
Smartphone Tie-Ins: The new smartphone tie-ins on Windows 10 help make your Android or iOS powered device work hand in hand with your PC. They make it convenient to send a web page or document from your smartphone to your desktop computer.
Thanks to the tie-ins, it’s possible to set the Edge browser to synchronize your browsing sessions or set Cortana to share/send reminders to your handheld devices. The Your Phone Android app allows you to connect your phone to the PC and make voice calls or access photos and text messages.
Clipboard History: Clipboard History gives you the option of choosing from multiple copied or cut items and pasting them to the desired location. Use Windows key + V to enable clipboard history. It works well with texts and images.
The tool also lets you pin repeat items on a new clipboard or roam the cut and copied elements to other devices running on Windows 10
Improved Screen Capture Tool: Screen Capture lets you select a section of the screen that you want to copy in the form of an image file. Holding the Windows button, the S key and Shift key will activate this tool. Once it’s active, use it to mark, crop, save or share the screenshots
OneDrive On-Demand Syncing: OneDrive on Windows 10 introduced Files On-Demand, a tool for uploading files to OneDrive while saving the space on your hard drive. The uploaded files are accessible via OneDrive Android and iOS apps or the OneDrive website (from your browser).
Files on Demand sits on the left side of the File Explorer window with an icon resembling that of a regular Windows folder. It allows you to set the uploads to occur continuously or have the files sent to other Windows 10 devices.
Voice Typing: With the voice typing feature, you can save yourself the effort needed to type a string of words on the keyboard. Hold down the Windows button and H key to activate this tool. Once activated, it’ll allow your PC to type every word you utter.
Nearby Sharing: Nearby Sharing mimics, the functionality of Apple’s AirDrop by allowing you to share pictures or documents to other devices via WiFi even when you don’t have an active Internet connection.
The tool eliminates the need to use a USB cable or a LAN cable to transfer files. You can view nearby devices that support this feature from the share panels on productivity apps such as Edge and Photos
Light and Dark Modes: Microsoft introduced Dark and Light modes to Windows 10 in May 2019. You can adjust the color modes from the Settings window under the Personalization command.
The three supported color modes on Windows 10 include Dark, Light, and Custom. Windows productivity apps, websites, and browsers you’re using will feature the color mode you chose on their interfaces.

Final thoughts

Are you considering switching your current Windows OS to Windows 10 based on what you’ve read from this article?

You’ll be making a great choice by upgrading your OS since Windows 10 brings new and improved utility programs and features to make your computing experiences across PCs, smartphones, tablets, and Mac worthwhile.

Don’t miss out on a chance to have an operating system with comprehensive built-in security features that keep your PC safe and more intuitive tools to improve your productivity. Get your Windows 10 Pro Upgrade Key Today!