Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro look the same, run the same apps and perform the same on identical hardware. The difference is a set of security, remote access, virtualization and management tools that only Pro includes. Whether those are worth having depends on how you use your PC.
With Windows 10 out of support since October 14, 2025, many people are choosing a Windows 11 edition for the first time. This guide covers what actually differs.
Windows 11 Home vs Pro: feature comparison
| Feature | Home | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday apps, gaming, Microsoft Store | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Hello, Secure Boot, Microsoft Defender | Yes | Yes |
| Device encryption (basic) | Yes, on supported hardware | Yes |
| BitLocker with full management | No | Yes |
| Remote Desktop host | No | Yes |
| Hyper-V virtual machines | No | Yes |
| Windows Sandbox | No | Yes |
| Local Group Policy Editor | No | Yes |
| Join Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID | No | Yes |
| Kiosk mode (Assigned Access) | No | Yes |
| Maximum RAM | 128 GB | 2 TB |
| Maximum CPUs | 1 processor, 64 cores | 2 processors, 128 cores |
The Pro features that matter most
BitLocker
Home encrypts the system drive automatically on supported devices and stores the recovery key in your Microsoft account. Pro gives you full BitLocker: you decide where the recovery key is kept, and you can encrypt extra internal drives and USB drives. This is the main reason to pick Pro on a laptop that carries client or business data.
Remote Desktop
Both editions can connect to another PC. Only Pro can be the PC you connect to. If you want to reach your office or home desktop from elsewhere using the built-in tool, you need Pro on that machine.
Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox
Hyper-V runs full virtual machines, for example a Linux install or a second copy of Windows. Windows Sandbox opens a disposable copy of Windows for testing an unknown file or app, then wipes itself when closed. Both are Pro only. Home still includes Windows Subsystem for Linux, so you do not need Pro just to use Linux tools.
Group Policy and business management
The Group Policy Editor exposes settings that are not in the Settings app, such as fine control over Windows Update. Pro can also join a company domain or Microsoft Entra ID and be managed centrally. If your employer asks you to join the company network with your own PC, you need Pro.
What is the same in both editions
- Performance: Pro is not faster. App launch times and frame rates are the same on the same hardware.
- Gaming: DirectX 12, Auto HDR and DirectStorage work on both.
- Updates and support period: both receive the same feature and security updates.
- System requirements: identical, including TPM 2.0 and a supported processor.
Which edition should you choose?
Choose Windows 11 Home if you browse, study, stream, play games and use Office. It covers everything most home users need.
Choose Windows 11 Pro if you can name the feature you need: full BitLocker control, Remote Desktop into the PC, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, Group Policy, or joining a work domain. It is also the sensible choice for small business PCs, freelancers handling client data, IT staff and developers.
A simple rule: if you are not sure you need Pro, you can start with Home and move up later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro later?
Yes. Go to Settings > System > Activation, choose to change the product key and enter a Windows 11 Pro key. The upgrade keeps your files and apps and does not need a reinstall.
Is Windows 11 Pro better for gaming?
No. Gaming performance is the same. Put the difference toward a better graphics card or more storage.
Does Windows 11 Home have BitLocker?
Home has device encryption, which uses BitLocker technology on supported hardware, but not the full BitLocker management tools found in Pro.
Do Home and Pro have different hardware requirements?
No. The minimum requirements are the same. Pro only raises the upper limits for RAM and processors.
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