It’s not uncommon for people who consider upgrading to Windows 10 to search the Internet for comparisons between editions and Windows 10 Education vs multiple editions is a prime example. You like the Education edition but don’t know how it holds up against Home, Pro and Enterprise? In that case, you should find this article helpful. Down below is everything that you must keep in mind about Education and other editions of Windows 10.
Table of Contents
Insights Into The Editions
Windows 10 Education
Knowing that students and teachers could not spend a lot of money, Microsoft specifically released a Windows 10 edition for them and that is Education. Compared to other editions, Education costs less and contains education-focus features well suited for schools and universities. For instance, Education includes the Take a Test app that allows people to complete assignments on their devices. Also, to help maintain concentration, Windows 10 Education possesses Applocker that restricts sources of distraction on the computer.
To ensure that everyone could get started quickly, Education packs a user-friendly interface that eases login, navigation and so on. In terms of security, Education comes alongside Microsoft Defender, credential protection and endpoint detection and response. Credential protection allows the admin to control who can handle files. On the other hand, endpoint detection and response keeps tabs on the behavior of the Education accounts, single out possible threats, etc.
Windows 10 Home
For your information, Windows 10 Home contains fewer features than other Windows 10 editions including Education. It is the perfect choice for personal use and proves handy for basic computing functionalities such as handling small files and documents, web browsing, …Unlike Education, Home supports gaming: it uses DirectX 12 Ultimate that supports ray tracing which takes gaming experience to a new level. Furthermore, Home features Cortana virtual assistant that is not available in Education.
Windows 10 Pro
In essence, Pro offers all the features of Windows 10 Home plus other components so it works well for small businesses and professionals. Once it comes to licensing, Pro can be acquired through OEM, retail, and volume whereas Education only comes in a volume license.
Windows 10 Enterprise
As the name suggests, Enterprise is an edition designed from the ground up for large organizations. One feature that distinguishes Enterprise from Education and other editions of Windows 10 is Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB). In case you don’t know, LTSB permits computers to run for extended periods in absence of major updates. Needless to say, LTSB is valued in businesses where security and stability take priority.
Noteworthily, Enterprise also provides Remote Direct Memory Access so computers could access one another while minimizing impacts on the rest of the system. Remote Direct Memory Access is not supported in Education.
Summary
Features | Windows 10 Education | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Enterprise |
License | Volume | OEM and Retail | OEM, Retail and Volume | Volume |
Maximum RAM | 4GB on 32-bit &
512GB on 64-bit |
4GB on 32-bit & 128GB on 64-bit | 4GB 32-bit &
512GB on 64-bit |
4GB on 32-bit &
512GB on 64-bit |
Cortana | Not Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported |
Gaming | Not optimized | Optimized | Optimized | Optimized |
BranchCache | Supported | Not Supported | Not Supported | Supported |
AppLocker | Supported | Not Supported | Not Supported | Supported |
Device Guard | Supported | Not Supported | Not Supported | Supported |
Credential Guard | Supported | Not Supported | Not Supported | Supported |
Remote Direct Memory Access | Not Supported | Not Supported | Not Supported | Supported |
Long-Term Servicing Branch | Not Supported | Not Supported | Not Supported | Supported |
Windows To Go | Supported | Not Supported | Not Supported | Supported |
What Must Be Done Prior To Windows 10 Upgrade/Downgrade?
- Compatibility: All Windows 10 editions have their own demands and requirements: RAM, CPU, etc. To make sure that that upgrade/downgrade proceeds smoothly, you must take compatibility into account by going through the specs of the target edition as well as your computer.
- Backup: Moving from one version to another usually involves a clean installation. That means existing data would be wiped so it’s essential to create a backup in advance.
- Product key: During the process of upgrading/downgrading, there is a good chance that you have to provide the product key for activation so keep it on hand. For volume licenses, you could contact the administrator for assistance.
- Antivirus programs: While they mean well, antivirus programs sometimes obstruct the installation of Windows. For good measure, disable your antivirus programs.
Conclusion
Now, you should have a good grasp of the characteristics of Windows 10 editions including Education. If you only use your computer in schools and universities, you won’t regret picking up Windows 10 Education.