Summary of Windows 10
Windows 10 is a computer operating system created by Microsoft that was first introduced in 2015. It is the latest version of the Windows series and comes with numerous new features and enhancements compared to its predecessor, Windows 8.1.
Some notable features of Windows 10 include the return of the Start Menu, Microsoft Edge as the default web browser, Cortana digital assistant, virtual desktops, and the Action Center. It also supports new technologies such as DirectX 12 and Windows Hello, allowing users to log in using facial recognition or a fingerprint scanner.
It also offers several editions tailored for specific devices and users. These are Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Education, and Windows 10 Enterprise.
One of the big changes in Windows 10 is how updates are released through the Windows as a Service (WaaS) model. Instead of waiting years for a new version, Microsoft now regularly pushes out updates to the operating system. This approach keeps users up-to-date with the latest security patches and new features as they become available.
Windows 10 has become incredibly popular worldwide due to its versatility and the plethora of features it offers. It’s a great operating system for both personal and professional use, and many users appreciate the wide range of customization options available to them.
What are the minimum and recommended system requirements for Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise?
The minimum and recommended system requirements for Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise are as described below:
Minimum System Requirements:
Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor or SoC (System on a Chip)
RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Hard disk space: 32 GB for both 32-bit and 64-bit OS
Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 800×600
Recommended System Requirements:
Processor: 2 GHz or faster processor or SoC
RAM: 4 GB or more
Hard disk space: 128 GB or more for both 32-bit and 64-bit OS
Graphics card: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display: 1920×1080 or higher resolution
Please remember that these are minimum and recommended requirements, and depending on the usage, specific tasks may require a more powerful computer. For example, tasks such as video editing, gaming, or running virtual machines may require higher specifications since these require more resources.
What are the differences between Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise?
Windows 10 comes in several editions that cater to different types of users and devices. The main differences between Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise are described below:
- Features:
- Windows 10 Home: This edition is designed for home users and offers basic features such as the Start Menu, Cortana digital assistant, Microsoft Edge browser, and Windows Hello facial recognition. It also includes support for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps from the Microsoft Store.
- Windows 10 Pro: Windows 10 Pro is a version of the operating system that’s designed for users who need more advanced features beyond what Windows 10 Home offers. In addition to all the features found in Windows 10 Home, it includes extras like BitLocker encryption for added security, Remote Desktop for accessing your computer from another location, Hyper-V virtualization for running multiple operating systems on the same computer, and the ability to join a domain or Azure Active Directory for seamless integration with your workplace or organization.
- Windows 10 Enterprise: This edition is specifically designed for large organizations and includes all the features of Windows 10 Pro. It provides enhanced security and management capabilities through features such as Windows Defender Application Guard, Windows Information Protection, and Windows Update for Business. These features can help organizations better protect their data and systems, while also ensuring that updates and patches are applied in a timely and controlled manner.
- Licensing:
- Windows 10 Home: This edition is licensed for personal use on a single device and cannot be used for commercial purposes.
- Windows 10 Pro: This edition is licensed for business use and can be used on up to 5 devices. It also includes additional licensing options for organizations such as the ability to purchase through Volume Licensing.
- Windows 10 Enterprise: This edition is licensed for large organizations and offers more flexible licensing options such as subscription-based licensing through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program.
- Pricing:
- Windows 10 Home: This edition is the most affordable version of Windows 10.
- Windows 10 Pro: This edition is more expensive than Windows 10 Home but includes additional business features.
- Windows 10 Enterprise: This edition is the most expensive version of Windows 10 and is typically only used by large organizations.
The editions of Windows 10 that users should choose depend on their specific needs and intended use. For most home users, Windows 10 Home will suffice, while business users may benefit from the additional features and security capabilities of Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise.
Pricing to buy Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise are available at different prices depending on several factors such as your country, region, retailer, and licensing program. However, here are some general pricing guidelines you can expect:
- Windows 10 Home: The cost of Windows 10 Home can vary depending on a few factors such as where you live, where you buy it from, and what type of license you’re getting. Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere between $139 and $199 if you’re purchasing it outright. Keep in mind that some devices already come with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, which may affect the price.
- Windows 10 Pro: The retail price of Windows 10 Pro typically ranges from $199 to $299. Similar to Windows 10 Home, some devices may come pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro.
- Windows 10 Enterprise: If you’re looking to purchase Windows 10 Enterprise, the pricing is not publicly available. Typically, this edition of Windows 10 is sold through volume licensing agreements or the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. You can contact Microsoft or a licensed reseller to get more information on pricing and licensing options for Windows 10 Enterprise.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft occasionally runs promotions or offers discounts on Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro, especially around major holidays or events. Additionally, organizations purchasing Windows 10 Enterprise may be able to negotiate pricing through their licensing provider.
What is the best Windows 10 version?
Selecting the appropriate version of Windows 10 for your particular requirements involves considering the features and functionalities that are important to you, please read below:
- Home use: For those who primarily use their computer for home-related activities such as web browsing, emailing, social media, and entertainment, Windows 10 Home is likely the most suitable option. This edition includes all the basic features needed for everyday use, without the additional features that may be more useful for business or enterprise-level use.
- Business use: For small businesses or individual professionals, Windows 10 Pro is a good choice as it offers additional business features such as BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop, and the ability to join a domain or Azure Active Directory. Larger organizations may want to consider Windows 10 Enterprise for more advanced security and management capabilities.
- Gaming: For gaming, any version of Windows 10 will work, but Windows 10 Pro may be the best option as it includes the ability to disable automatic updates, which can help prevent interruptions during gameplay.
- Education: For educational institutions, Windows 10 Education is the best option as it includes all the features of Windows 10 Enterprise, but is licensed specifically for use in the educational sector.
- Developer use: When it comes to software development, Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise are great options to consider. These editions include tools like Hyper-V virtualization and PowerShell scripting that can be particularly useful for developers who need to test their code across different environments. Additionally, Windows 10 Enterprise offers even more advanced features like Windows Sandbox and Windows Defender Application Guard for added security when running potentially risky code.
Please keep in mind that these are only general recommendations and the most suitable version of Windows 10 for your particular use case will ultimately depend on your specific needs and requirements.
