Microsoft primarily provides Windows in two distinct versions: Home and Professional.
Many PCs come with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, while businesses typically opt for the Pro version. The reason being, Windows 11 Pro allows integration into corporate networks through Active Directory, which isn’t supported by the Home edition.
Nevertheless, this functionality is not essential for individual users who rarely run a Windows server within their residential networks.
Despite this, the Windows Pro edition includes several features that may appeal to all users.
・ Saving tip 1 : Purchase a legitimate copy of Windows 11 Pro for only $79 instead of the regular price of $199.
・ Saving tip 2 : Purchase a Windows 11 Pro upgrade for only $59 rather than the usual price of $99.
If you want to take advantage of this, you can perform a Pro update for a fee. For details, see the box “Upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro.”
IDG
But an upgrade from Windows Home can also be completely free: Almost all Pro functions can be replaced by free software.
It's also feasible to activate two Pro features within the Home Edition, as detailed further in this article.
See also: Essential Windows Skills: 8 Tasks Every Computer User Should Master
The distinctions between Windows Home and Pro
In reality, there are just a handful of differences between the two editions. Below are the ones that matter most to individual users:
・ Bitlocker encryption The feature designed to encrypt an entire drive or USB stick is exclusive to the Pro version. It’s especially beneficial for laptop owners as it prevents unauthorized access should the device get misplaced. Nevertheless, Microsoft introduced a comparable capability called Device Encryption in the Home edition of Windows 11 24H2 (refer point 3). To utilize this, however, you must sign in using a Microsoft account. For those preferring not to use a Microsoft account or operating on Windows 10, alternate solutions are available (see points 4 and 5).
・ Hyper-V This refers to software capable of virtualizing operating systems. You could run Linux or Windows within Hyper-V even when Windows is already active, essentially using both as separate systems concurrently. Here’s guidance on enabling Hyper-V in the Home version along with an alternate option. Virtualbox proposals in points 6 and 7.
・The remote desktop allows you to remotely access the desktop of another Windows computer over a network. The Home version provides remote support, but a user needs to invite a helper initially before gaining access to the other PC. Neither method is ideal for quick online assistance. For remote access to function, the required ports must be open in the router’s firewall. However, this isn’t needed with some other remote assistance applications (refer to point 8).
・ Group policies They provide centralized control over user permissions. These tools are primarily utilized within extensive corporate networks where roles can be limited or defined across multiple devices through a single server. For machines outside a Windows domain, local group policies serve as an option. This feature may be enabled even in the Home version, or you could opt for another software solution instead (refer to the sidebar titled "Using Group Policies to Configure Windows").
Encryption using built-in features of Windows
The Home version of Windows 10 and 11 does not support BitLocker drive encryption. Nevertheless, you can incorporate encrypted external hard drives or USB sticks into your file system. This encryption process needs to be done using a different computer running either the Pro or Enterprise editions.
In case another computer isn't accessible, utilize a virtual PC as outlined in point 6 or 7.
Microsoft
Click on "Settings" (Win-I) and look for Bitlocker And click on "Manage BitLocker." Select the desired drive followed by clicking on "Activate BitLocker."
Check the box labeled "Use password to unlock the drive" and input a strong, secure password. Upon clicking "Next," store the recovery key in a document, for instance. Then proceed with following the remaining prompts provided by the setup assistant.
A drive encrypted in this way can also be used with the Home edition. If you open it in the file manager by double-clicking on it, Windows will ask you for the password.
Encryption feature of Windows 11 24H2
Microsoft has included a new feature in Windows 11 24H2 Home for encrypting the system drive. This functionality builds upon BitLocker but offers fewer customization options compared to the Pro version. Additionally, logging into Windows using a Microsoft account is mandatory.
Chris Hoffman / IDG
If you're utilizing version 24H2, ensure to review the setting within "Settings" under "Privacy and security > Device encryption."
If "Device encryption" isn’t shown, your device likely doesn't meet the system prerequisites for Windows 11. In this case, verify within the BIOS/UEFI settings of your computer that both TPM and Secure Boot are enabled.
If you enable device encryption, make sure to preserve the corresponding recovery key. This key can be obtained through the process mentioned below. account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey once you have signed in using your Microsoft account.
A recovery key is necessary to ensure you can retrieve your information through an alternative system if you encounter issues with Windows or your hardware.
See also : Ways to get Microsoft Windows services working for your benefit
Encrypt drives with Veracrypt
If you prefer not to or cannot utilize BitLocker or device encryption, Veracrypt It serves as a nearly identical alternative. Additionally, this tool boasts the benefit of being accessible on both Linux and Mac OS. With it, you can also incorporate encrypted Windows drives within those operating systems.
When considering security, comparing BitLocker and VeraCrypt isn’t straightforward. The open-source VeraCrypt allows you to review its source code so you can assess the coding standards and how well the encryption algorithms have been implemented. This level of transparency is not available with BitLocker.
No approach guarantees complete safety — at the end of the day, using any piece of software comes down to trusting it.
A research carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute forSecure Information Technology (SIT) In 2020, it was titled "VeraCrypt with Minor Flaws." No significant vulnerabilities were discovered.
VeraCrypt isn’t as seamlessly integrated with the system compared to BitLocker. Using it can be a bit clunky, requiring you to input the password each time you reboot your Windows machine. To enhance security, ensure that your password exceeds 20 characters and includes sufficient complexity.
If this seems like too much work for you, think about whether full disk encryption is necessary. The approach outlined in step 5 might be enough. Keep in mind that VeraCrypt prompts for the password only when restarting the system. If waking up from sleep mode, typically just the Windows login password is required by default.
If you want to encrypt the system partition, proceed as follows:
Step 1: Using VeraCrypt is deemed secure. However, it's recommended to make a full backup of your Windows partition or at minimum, your individual files.
For instance, should a power failure occur during the encryption process, the files on your hard drive may become unreadable. Additionally, ensure you have a USB stick prepared and formatted using the FAT32 file system.
About 5MB of free space is sufficient and you can also use the stick for other purposes.
Veracrypt
Step 2: In Veracrypt, go to “System > Encrypt system partition/system drive.” Follow the easy-to-understand instructions of the wizard. You can accept the defaults almost everywhere.
Upon inputting the password, keep in mind that the Veracrypt bootloader operates using the U.S. keyboard configuration. The software adjusts for this change as you enter your password. To view the real password, check the "Show password" option.
Step 3: The wizard asks you to generate a rescue data carrier. By default, Veracrypt stores the necessary file named "VeraCrypt Rescue Disk.zip" in your "Documents" folder.
Extract the file and transfer the "EFI" directory from inside it onto your FAT32-formatted USB drive. Upon pressing "Next," the assistant will verify that the folder has been copied correctly.
Step 4: During the "System encryption pre-test" phase, press "Test." Carefully read through the details; printing them might be helpful. When asked to reboot your computer, select "Yes." Then enter the password followed by pressing Enter.
If Veracrypt does not accept the password, for example if it is entered incorrectly, press the Esc key. Windows will then start as usual from the previously unencrypted hard drive and you will have to configure the encryption again.
Otherwise, Windows will start after you enter the password. After Windows logon, the “Pre-test completed” window appears automatically, in which you click on “Encrypt.” Veracrypt then starts the encryption process, which may take some time. A window will inform you of the progress.
Step 5: Try booting from the rescue drive. You may need to change the boot sequence in the firmware setup. The rescue system offers a simple menu that can be used to repair the Veracrypt boot loader, load an alternative boot loader, or decrypt the system partition.
Upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro
The Home version can be upgraded to the Pro version without needing to reinstall. You just require a new product key for this upgrade.
Microsoft presently asks for $99 as the upgrade fee at their official outlet. In the Massimashop, however, you can get the official upgrade for just $59 .
Should you have acquired a Pro license, navigate to "System" within "Settings" on your Windows 11 device. From there, select "Activation," followed by clicking on "Update Windows Edition." Next, press "Change" beside "Change product key," and input the updated product key provided for your purchase.
Foundry
Encrypted container with Veracrypt
When you encrypt your Windows partition, you no longer need to be concerned with securing each file individually. However, it can be quite inconvenient having to input an extensive and complex password every time you reboot the machine.
To enhance security, encrypt only those files that truly require protection. You can achieve this by using VeraCrypt to generate an encrypted container file where you will store your confidential data.
Veracrypt
Step 1: In VeraCrypt, navigate to "Volume > Create new volume." Keep the initial choice as “Create an encrypted container file” and proceed by clicking “Next,” followed by another click on “Next.”
Step 2: After clicking "File," specify the storage location and filename. Then proceed with the remaining steps provided by the wizard.
Step 3 In the "Volume password" window, input a highly intricate password consisting of at least 20 characters. Should you select the "Show password" checkbox, you will be able to verify your entry.
Step 4 (optional): You may opt for a brief password or a PIN if you generate a key file as well. To proceed with this, check the box labeled "Use key file" followed by clicking on "Key files."
Click "Generate Key File" and increase randomness by moving your cursor around. Name your new key file, then press the "Save Key File" button and choose where you want to store it.
Store the file on a USB drive. The container won’t open without the drive or the key file along with the password.
Shut the window, then click "Add files," choose the key file you've recently generated, and hit "OK." Proceed with the wizard.
Step 5: In the VeraCrypt main interface, choose an available drive letter, proceed to "Volume > Select file," and designate the file you made in step 2. Next, select "Volume > Mount volume" and input your password.
If you generated a key file in step 4, check "Use key file," then click on "Key files," and add your file using the "Add files" option.
Step 6: To gain quicker access to the encrypted volume, click the right mouse button on the (virtual) drive within the Veracrypt primary interface and choose "Add to favorites" from the pop-up menu.
Check the "Mount selected volume at login" checkbox and click "OK." This will cause VeraCrypt to automatically open a window for you to enter your password following the Windows sign-in process.
If you're utilizing a key file, indicate it through "Settings > Default key files." Failing to do so requires selecting the file every time within the password entry window. The same key file can be designated when establishing additional data containers.
Virtual second PC with Virtualbox
Virtualbox Is an open-source software offered at no cost for every version of Windows. Its functionality is comparable to Microsoft’s Hyper-V. To use certain features like remote access and encrypted virtual hard disks, you'll also need to install VirtualBox along with the VirtualBox Extension Pack.
Tap on the "New" button to initiate a setup wizard for configuring a virtual machine within VirtualBox. Here, you'll input the ISO file containing your chosen OS and define details such as the type of operating system along with allocating memory space and disk capacity for the virtual environment.
After completing the wizard, click on “Start” and install the operating system as usual.
Oracle
Within the virtual machine window, navigate to "Devices > Insert Guest Additions" and proceed with installing the guest additions via the virtual DVD drive. These enhanced drivers help improve graphic performance among other optimizations.
Accessing remotely or performing maintenance through the network
Rustdesk
You aren’t obligated to use the remote desktop connection from the Pro version for accessing remotely. Numerous software options can handle this job. One such option is an open-source solution. Rustdesk is free of charge.
The program doesn’t necessitate any firewall setup. The connection is created in an encrypted manner through the provider’s switch server.
The program operates without needing installation; all participants have to do is launch it. The individual requesting assistance shares the ID and password shown with you. Afterward, you initiate the connection, which requires confirmation from the user on the remote computer.
Tasks that necessitate elevated permissions must be verified as well. For ease of use, though, we recommend installing RustDesk via the button located in the lower-left corner of the window. Doing so will grant you unsupervised access to your machine. Ensure you configure a password for this feature within the "Security" section of the settings.
Further reading: All Windows operating systems, listed in order of preference