Windows 11 Home vs. Pro: Key Differences Explained

Are you wondering whether Windows 11 Home suits your needs or if it’s worth paying extra for Windows 11 Pro? Here’s a breakdown of the differences to help you decide.

Price: A Small Gap, But Pro Costs More

Upgrading a compatible Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 is free, whether you choose the Home or Pro version. Since there’s no cost involved, price isn’t a deciding factor here. For guidance on upgrading, check out the step-by-step process to move to Windows 11.

If you’re buying a new computer, the price difference between Home and Pro is relatively small. For instance, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch costs $1,149 with Windows 11 Home and $1,199 with Pro, just $50 more. When you’re investing in a new PC, this isn’t a significant jump.

For those building their own PCs, you’ll need to purchase a license key. A Windows 11 Home license costs $139, while the Pro version is $199—making Pro $60 more. If you’re upgrading from Home to Pro later, you can do so through the Windows Store app or by entering a Pro license key in Settings > System > Activation. The upgrade typically costs $99.

Features Both Editions Share

Both Windows 11 Home and Pro include the core features of the operating system, such as:

• Copilot AI for tasks like research, rewriting, and image generation
• Snap Layouts for easy window organization
• Tabbed File Explorer
• Widgets Panel with updates on news, weather, sports, and more
• Enhanced Voice Typing for hands-free input
• Passkey Support for better security
• Updates to apps like Photos and Media Player
• Live Captions for any audio source
• An improved Windows Backup Tool
• A robust screenshot tool with video capture
• Quick Bluetooth Pairing
• Clipchamp Video Editor
• Focus Sessions to help eliminate distractions
• Gaming features like Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and a better Game Mode

Exclusive Features in Windows 11 Pro

According to Microsoft’s documentation, Windows 11 Pro includes additional features tailored for business users and IT professionals:

• BitLocker for advanced encryption and data security
• Remote Desktop for controlling other computers
• Hyper-V for running virtual machines
• A Private Catalog for company-specific apps in the Microsoft Store
• Integration with Azure Active Directory for cloud-based business connections
• Domain joining for corporate or school networks

Security Comparison

Both Windows 11 Home and Pro offer standard Windows Security features like virus protection, firewall settings, and device security, including TPM support and core isolation. While Home does include basic device encryption, Pro goes a step further with BitLocker, which enables administrators to remotely encrypt devices.

Windows 11 Pro also incorporates advanced security features for IT departments, like Microsoft Purview Information Protection and Data Loss Prevention, which help companies manage work and personal apps, scan for threats, and restrict data sharing.

Which Version Should You Choose?

For most individual users, Windows 11 Home key is the best choice, as it provides all the essential features you’d need in an operating system. Windows 11 Pro, on the other hand, is worth the investment if you manage multiple devices, require remote desktop access, or need advanced features like BitLocker and virtualization software.