While there are several advantages for a business to choose Windows Pro over Windows Home, one of the first and foremost is data encryption via a feature called BitLocker. Only available in Windows Pro, BitLocker protects the confidentiality of a computer’s files by encrypting its hard drive. This means, for instance, if a laptop is stolen, the data on it will be inaccessible to the thief. Below is a feature comparison with more details:
And below is a table with additional comparisons:
| Feature | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Requires a Microsoft account for setup | Yes | Only when set up for personal use |
| Join Active Directory/Azure AD/Microsoft Entra ID | No | Yes |
| Hyper-V | No | Yes |
| Windows Sandbox | No | Yes |
| Microsoft Remote Desktop | Client only | Yes |
| Windows Hello | Yes | Yes, plus Windows Hello for Business |
| Copilot | Yes | Yes |
| Device encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Find my device | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall and network protection | Yes | Yes |
| Internet protection | Yes | Yes |
| Parental controls/protection | Yes | Yes |
| Secure Boot | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Defender Application Guard | No | Yes |
| BitLocker drive encryption | No | Yes |
| Windows Information Protection | No | Yes |
| Mobile device management (MDM) | No | Yes |
| Group Policy | No | Yes |
| Enterprise State Roaming with Azure | No | Yes |
| Assigned Access | No | Yes |
| Dynamic Provisioning | No | Yes |
| Windows Update for Business | No | Yes |
| Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) | No | Yes |
| Windows Autopilot | No | Yes |
| Kiosk mode | No | Yes |
| Maximum RAM | 128GB | 2TB |
| Maximum no. of CPUs | 1 | 2 |
| Maximum no. of CPU cores | 64 | 128 |