Windows 11 Versions Explained: Which Edition Is Right for You?

A Complete Guide to the Different Windows 11 Versions

Learn about the unique features, benefits, and use cases of each Windows 11

With several editions tailored for various types of users and organisations, knowing which Windows 11 version suits your needs can help you get the best value and features.

Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system comes in multiple editions, each designed for a specific type of user — whether you’re a home-based gamer, a working professional, or a global enterprise IT manager. While the core experience remains consistent across all versions, certain features, management tools, and security enhancements differ based on the edition you choose.

In this guide, we’ll explore the primary Windows 11 versions, highlight their unique capabilities, and help you decide which edition is right for you.

Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Home is the ideal edition for personal use, entertainment, and casual productivity, designed with everyday consumers in mind. It’s the version most commonly pre-installed on personal laptops and desktops. Focused on ease of use and visual improvements, it includes all the essential features needed for web browsing, gaming, media streaming, and light productivity tasks.

Key Features:

Redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar:

A fresh, centered layout offering quick access to apps and files.

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups:

Intuitive tools for multitasking, allowing users to organise multiple open windows on the screen easily.

Microsoft Teams Chat Integration:

Built directly into the taskbar for seamless communication with friends and family.

DirectX 12 Ultimate and Auto HDR:

Enhanced graphics capabilities for gamers, supporting better visuals and higher frame rates.

Widgets and News Feed:

Personalised, at-a-glance information including weather, news, calendar events and reminders.

Built-in Security Features:

Includes Windows Hello for facial recognition and device encryption to keep personal data protected.

Limitations:

Lacks advanced management, virtualisation, and enterprise-level security tools found in the Pro and Enterprise editions.

Learn More About Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro builds on the Home edition by adding advanced security features, management tools and business capabilities. It’s the preferred version for professionals who need to secure sensitive data, manage devices remotely or run virtual environments.

Key Features:

Everything in Windows 11 Home:

Plus enhanced security and business tools.

BitLocker Device Encryption:

Protects data on your device, even if it’s lost or stolen.

Remote Desktop:

Enables users to securely access their work PCs from another device.

Hyper-V Virtualisation:

Run multiple operating systems on the same device for testing or development.

Windows Sandbox:

Isolated, disposable desktop environment for safely testing untrusted apps and files.

Group Policy Management:

Advanced configuration control over users, devices and apps within a networked environment.

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Join:

Seamlessly connect to Microsoft’s cloud-based directory service for easier device management.

Why It’s a Good Fit:

Ideal for freelancers, remote workers and small business owners who need extra security, management capabilities and flexibility.

Explore Windows 11 Pro Features

Windows 11 Pro for Workstations

Windows 11 Pro for Workstations is tailored for power users and professionals dealing with heavy workloads such as video editing, 3D modeling, large databases and scientific computations. It’s built to handle demanding applications on advanced hardware configurations.

Key Features:

Support for High-Performance Hardware:

Capable of running on devices with up to four CPUs and 6TB of RAM.

ReFS (Resilient File System):

Offers superior data protection and reliability to reduce the risk of data corruption.

Persistent Memory Support:

Keeps files readily accessible even when the system is turned off.

SMB Direct:

Enables high-speed, low-latency file sharing over networks using RDMA-enabled network adapters.

Enhanced Hardware Security:

Combines existing Pro features with workstation-class security and reliability.

Why It’s a Good Fit:

Perfect for engineers, data analysts, content creators and developers working with resource-heavy applications.

Find Out About Pro for Workstations

Windows 11 Enterprise

Windows 11 Enterprise is designed for large organisations requiring advanced security and management tools and includes all the functionality of Windows 11 Pro, along with additional features tailored for corporate IT environments. It’s optimised for large-scale device deployments, enterprise-level security and centralised management.

Key Features:

Microsoft Defender Credential Guard:

Protects credentials against advanced persistent threats.

Windows Information Protection (WIP):

Helps prevent accidental data leaks by separating personal and business data.

AppLocker:

Allows IT admins to specify which apps can or cannot run on company devices.

DirectAccess:

Enables secure, seamless remote connections without the need for a traditional VPN.

Virtualisation-Based Security (VBS):

Provides hardware-based security features for protecting against sophisticated attacks.

Azure Virtual Desktop Optimisation:

Enhanced for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments.

Why It’s a Good Fit:

Best for medium to large organisations with strict security requirements and complex device management needs.

Get Details on Windows 11 Enterprise

Windows 11 Education

Windows 11 Education is an enterprise-grade edition built specifically for schools, teachers and students and delivers a similar set of features to the Enterprise edition, but it’s offered at reduced pricing to educational institutions. It’s designed to create safe, manageable and collaborative learning environments.

Key Features:

All Enterprise-Level Features:

Including AppLocker, WIP and Credential Guard.

Simplified Deployment Tools:

Easy for IT staff to set up and manage classroom devices.

Secure Learning Environment:

Features like Microsoft Defender Antivirus and controlled app installations to maintain device integrity.

Classroom Management Applications:

Integrates with Microsoft 365 Education tools such as Microsoft Teams for Education.

Why It’s a Good Fit:

Ideal for universities, schools and academic environments looking for robust security and simplified device management at scale.

Learn More About Windows 11 Education

Quick Comparison Table:

Edition	Best For	Key Features
Windows 11 Home	Home users, students	Redesigned Start, Snap Layouts, DirectX 12, Widgets, Microsoft Teams Chat
Windows 11 Pro	Professionals, small businesses	BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V, Group Policy, Azure AD Join
Pro for Workstations	Power users, heavy workloads	ReFS, 4 CPUs, 6TB RAM support, SMB Direct, Persistent Memory
Enterprise	Large organisations	VBS, WIP, AppLocker, Credential Guard, DirectAccess, Azure Virtual Desktop
Education	Schools, universities	Enterprise features + classroom management and Microsoft 365 Education tools

Which Windows 11 Version Is Best for You?

Choosing the right edition depends on your specific needs, hardware requirements and security expectations.

If you’re a casual user or gamer, Windows 11 Home provides all the core functionalities you need. Windows 11 Pro is a step up for professionals working remotely or in small businesses. Pro for Workstations is built for performance-heavy tasks. Large organisations with complex IT infrastructures should look to Windows 11 Enterprise, while educational institutions are best served by Windows 11 Education.

Match your Windows 11 version to your lifestyle, work, or business needs.

Microsoft has ensured that no matter your role — whether at home, at work or in the classroom — there’s a Windows 11 version tailored to your requirements. Use this guide to compare each edition’s strengths and choose the one that best aligns with your productivity, performance and security needs.