Windows 10 Professional vs Enterprise features – what’s the difference?

Trying to figure out which version of Windows your small or midsized business should use? You’re not alone. For most entrepreneurs, it comes down to Windows 10 Professional vs Windows 10 Enterprise. Both are widely available on affordable devices, and they offer nearly identical experiences for the end user.

The features included in the Windows 10 Professional and Windows 10 Enterprise service packages are different, though, and so are the prices.

Windows 10 Pro key features

This version was built for professionals with limited tech support who still want access to business-grade features (like mobile device management, remote desktop access, shared devices …)

Windows 10 Pro security

The default security settings in Windows 10 Pro are suitable for most small businesses, and updates are relatively automated. All you need to do is run updates when prompted, and you should be good to go. It also comes with BitLocker and BitLocker to Go, as well as Windows Defender Antivirus.

Windows Autopilot, a built-in feature of Windows 10 Pro, makes it easier for small businesses to deploy new devices to employees. Microsoft, or the hardware vendor you choose to work with, will register new devices for your organization. As the business owner, you can choose to customize the default setup by creating a profile that includes things like specific settings or apps.

If you select the self-deploying mode, this only has to be completed one time. After that, every additional Autopilot-enabled device you purchase will automatically be configured to your specifications. New users can simply unpack their laptops or desktops and start working. Additionally, you can create different profiles for the same devices, which is ideal if multiple workers use the same computer.

Windows 10 Enterprise – large and mid-sized companies solution

While businesses of any size can use Windows 10 Enterprise, it is built primarily for large and midsize companies. Exceptions may include small businesses with intensive security needs and skilled in-house tech pros.

Windows 10 Enterprise security

Windows 10 Enterprise gives IT departments more freedom to manage security on their own terms. With these Enterprise features, your IT department can do things like remotely manage devices, deliver virtual desktops using Azure, control OS updates, manage apps, access security analytics through the Microsoft Intelligent Security Graph, identify and manage data breaches, create custom detection alerts, and pull reports.

Upgrading to Windows Enterprise gives users access to everything included in lower-tier versions of Windows, as well as a bevy of other solutions tailored to larger businesses, packed together in Microsoft 365.

Windows Defender:Unlike the professional version of Windows, which includes Windows Defender, all Enterprise subscriptions include additional sub-products: Credential Guard, Application Guard, Application Control and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)

Virtualization: Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) and Microsoft User Environment Virtualization (UE-V) are both standard with Enterprise subscriptions. These apps+ allow businesses to centralize Win23 apps on a server and manage all the settings and accounts in one place. This allows your IT department a higher level of oversight and increases app security, though it has little impact on the end user.

How can ITAF help you?

ITAF support for Microsoft Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise helps you set up an environment in the right way, provide your organization with 24/7 operational management and / or increase business security by performing server and security patching.

Contact ITAF for professional support.