Which Windows editions suit your company best?

Microsoft offers different editions of the Windows operating system, with target customers ranging from private individuals to companies. Which of the editions is best for you? What about licensing and updating the different operating systems? At what point does it make sense to switch to the Windows 11 version? These and other questions will be answered in this article.

The differences and similarities of the Windows versions

The Windows 10 versions Pro and Home differ fundamentally in their use. Windows Home versions are intended for private use and Windows Pro versions for professional purposes. With Windows 10 Pro, additional functions are added in the category of managing devices and apps as well as in setting up server-based Windows networks. Both versions have the service CB or CBB (Current Branch & Current Branch for Business) in order to be able to carry out regular security updates at short intervals. A major advantage of Windows 10 Pro and the Home versions is their upgrade compatibility with older Windows versions.  It is possible to install the new versions as an update for Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 8.1 Pro operating systems. Features such as Kiosk Mode, mobile device and application management, Windows Autopilot and the Microsoft Store for Business are included. Users of Windows Pro receive 18 months of support on the respective version (e.g. Windows 10 Pro 21H1). During this period, Microsoft supports its users with patches and the latest security updates to maintain the functionality of its operating system and close security gaps.

Compared to the Pro version, Windows Enterprise includes additional functions and features created to simplify work tasks and maximise work efficiency. These include direct and transparent access for mobile employees to the company network, which is ensured by “Direct Access”. The “Branch Cache” delivers faster access and management of files. The “Device Guard” enables a security check of permissible app sources and “Windows To Go” allows the user to save Windows 10 Enterprise on a USB stick. In contrast to the Pro version, Windows Enterprise and Windows IoT Enterprise offer a Long Time Servicing Channel (LTSC) or LTSB version (Long-Term Servicing Branch). Instead of issuing new function updates every six months, Windows offers a new version every 2-3 years.  The latest versions are thoroughly tested in advance so that compatibility problems can be avoided.

At first glance, the differences between Windows loT Enterprise and Windows Enterprise may not be obvious. Both are full-fledged Windows 10 versions that include all the familiar programmes and features for private customers. However, the first major difference is already revealed by the name.  “IoT” – or the “Internet of Things”. This name stands for optimised solutions that created many innovations, raised the competition and the demands on the labour market. Windows loT Enterprise is characterised by more efficient networking of devices and machines and more cost-effective, intelligent maintenance compared to Windows Enterprise. A common deployment, management and maintenance system of Windows IoT makes it easier to deploy and operate devices. Entrepreneurs can use IoT Enterprise to create a unique software image based on their own product and configure it for all their products.  Overall, loT solutions achieve increased data collection efficiency, reduced costs, increased business competitiveness and ultimately increased revenue . Microsoft Windows Embedded/loT operating systems and tools are designed for business use of intelligent solutions such as data collection and processing. These data processing procedures should also be able to run securely via lockdown functions (also called “kiosk mode”). These include lockdown functions against unauthorised access, recovery options in the event of system crashes and the automatic login function. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise supports industrial devices in retail, healthcare, manufacturing and other industries. These devices are specifically designed for complex, business needs such as ATMs, industrial tablets, digital signage or manufacturing.  Windows promises 10 years of support on embedded/IoT products.

Internet of Things revolutionised digital networking of networks and devices through smart computing and significantly increased IT security. With built-in intelligent security features, Windows 10 automatically detects malware threats and hacker attacks while protecting user identities, device and business information. The security solutions offer versatile endpoint security management. Anti-ransomware, Windows Defender System Guard, antivirus and other functions such as Information Protection and Windows Hello for Business guarantee flawless security for systems and devices. Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise also differ in the licensing terms in how each version can be used.

Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Windows 10 Enterprise Windows 11 Pro

8 Safety functions:

  • Windows Hello
  • BitLocker
  • Windows Information Protection
  • Windows Defender Credential Guard
  • Windows Defender System Guard
  • Windows Defender Exploit Guard
  • Windows Defender Antivirus
  • TPM Support

9 Safety functions:

  • Windows Hello
  • BitLocker
  • Windows Defender Credential Guard
  • Windows Defender System Guard
  • Windows Defender Exploit Guard
  • Windows Defender Antivirus
  • Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
  • TPM Support

12 Safety functions:

  • Windows Hello
  • BitLocker
  • Windows Information Protection
  • Resilient File Systems (ReFS)
  • Windows Defender Credential Guard
  • Windows Defender System Guard
  • Windows Defender Application Guard
  • Windows Defender Application Control
  • Windows Defender Exploit Guard
  • Windows Defender Antivirus
  • Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
  • TPM Support

13 Safety functions:

  • Windows Hello
  • BitLocker
  • Windows Information Protection
  • Windows Defender Credential Guard
  • Windows Defender System Guard
  • Windows Defender Application Guard
  • Windows Defender Exploit Guard
  • Windows Defender Antivirus
  • TPM 2.0 Support
  • Virtualisation-Based Security (VBS)
  • Secure Boot
  • Device encryption
  • Firewall and network protection

6 Update Features

  • Function updates (with CBB Branch)
  • Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)
  • Windows Update for Business
  • Windows Insider Programme for Business
  • Express updates
  • Transmission optimisation

7 Update Features

  • Function updates (with CBB Branch)
  • Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)
  • Windows Insider Programme for Business
  • Express updates
  • Transmission optimisation
  • 30 months support for targeted September releases
  • Long-term support available

11 Update Features

  • Function updates (with CBB Branch)
  • Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)
  • Windows Update for Business
  • Desktop Analytics Upgrade Readiness
  • Desktop Analytics update compliance
  • Desktop Analytics device status
  • Windows Insider Programme for Business
  • Express updates
  • Transmission optimisation
  • 30 months support for targeted September releases
  • Long-term support available

6 Update Features

  • Function updates (with CBB Branch)
  • Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)
  • Windows Update for Business
  • Windows Insider Programme for Business
  • Transmission optimisation
  • 24 months support

7 Management tools

  • Kiosk mode
  • Shared Windows devices
  • Windows AutoPilot
  • Hybrid Azure Active Directory Joining
  • Microsoft Store for Business
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)
  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)

7 Management tools

  • Kiosk mode
  • Shared Windows devices
  • Windows AutoPilot
  • Hybrid Azure Active Directory Joining
  • Microsoft Store for Business
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)
  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)

12 Management tools

  • Kiosk mode
  • Shared Windows devices
  • Windows AutoPilot
  • Cloud activations
  • Hybrid Azure Active Directory Joining
  • Microsoft Store for Business
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)
  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)
  • Manage user environment
  • Usage rights for Windows Virtual Desktop
  • Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V)
  • Microsoft User Environment Virtualization (UE-V)

12 Management tools

  • Shared Windows devices
  • Windows AutoPilot
  • Cloud activations
  • Hybrid Azure Active Directory Joining
  • Microsoft Store for Business
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)
  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)
  • Manage user environment

10 Available features

  • Microsoft Search in Windows
  • Windows user environment
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Cortana
  • Office 365
  • Microsoft Whiteboard
  • OneNote for Windows 10
  • Working across devices
  • Accessibility
  • Customisable start menu

4 Available features

  • Microsoft Search in Windows
  • Windows user environment
  • Accessibility
  • Windows Ink

13 Available features

  • Microsoft Search in Windows
  • Windows user environment
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Cortana
  • Office 365
  • Persistent memory
  • SMB Direct
  • Microsoft Whiteboard
  • OneNote for Windows 10
  • Working across devices
  • Accessibility
  • Windows Ink
  • Customisable start menu

11 Available features

  • Microsoft Search in Windows
  • Windows user environment
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Office 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Widgets
  • Microsoft Whiteboard
  • Accessibility
  • Customisable start menu
  • Working across devices
  • OneNote for Windows 11

Windows 11

Windows 11 is the enhanced version of the Windows 10 operating system. With the help of new features and a simpler design, the user experience is improved. It is more reliable, more secure and more powerful than the previous versions. The different editions are to be tailored even more precisely to the requirements of the users. 

The first visual change is the user interface, which includes a new Start button and a new taskbar. Snap layouts and snap groups are also among the new features of the Windows 11 system, with the help of which one can comfortably arrange several windows next to each other on the screen. This makes multitasking for private and business purposes possible. Microsoft Teams is already integrated in Windows 11 and does not have to be installed additionally. Windows 11 also offers new accessibility tools with settings for sound, light sensitivity and colour designs. These tools make the operating system much easier and more universal to use.

Windows 11 is supported by Intel 8th Gen Coffee Lake and Zen 2 CPUs, so older Windows devices with lower system requirements will not be suitable for the new system BIOS. Only if the TPM chip (Trusted Platform Module) is activated and Secure Boot is supported can the hardware be upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is based on the same foundation as Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, so you can continue to use the same tools and features. Microsoft continues to give assurances that compatibility will be maintained for Windows 11 IoT editions. So most drivers will likely continue to work with Windows 11 IoT Enterprise. Microsoft’s compatibility assurances mean that no changes are required to either the support process or the respective management tools to continue to maintain specific enterprise applications and devices.

Now that Microsoft offers two different versions of the IoT operating system and support for Windows 10 IoT will continue for years, the question is which version the consumer should ultimately choose. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 help with cloud applications, kiosks, ATMs, POS systems or digital signage. Since both versions meet the already existing requirements of end users, it is the differences between the two systems that matter. Compared to 10, Windows 11 supports the latest hardware and standards such as USB 4 and WiFi 6.

USB4 is a super-fast interface that allows a data transfer rate of up to 40 gigabytes per second. This interface standard was developed on the basis of the Thunderbolt 3 standard, which is compatible with the predecessor standards. USB 4 supports various data and display protocols, which can be used to connect external graphics cards or 4K monitors. It proves to be extremely helpful in industrial control or the use of a POS system.

WiFi 6E is an extension of the WiFi 6 WLAN standard, which is set in the licence-free 6 GHz frequency range. For short ranges, the increase maximises the theoretically possible speed to 2.3 Gbit/sec. Currently, there are fewer sources of interference in the 5.925-6.425 GHz range, which is why the network connection has become much more reliable.

Older operating systems will be difficult to adapt to future standards, as long as these standards are built on the latest hardware. Windows 10 (2004 version) and Windows 11 support the latest WiFi 6 and WPA3 standards for the wireless network.  Windows 10 can only use unencumbered frequencies and encryption standards to a limited extent, while Windows 11 IoT Enterprise satisfies the hardware requirements for the latest standards.

However, a major obstacle to the use of Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is the fact that there is currently no LTSC version for this operating system. Currently, Microsoft only promises an update cycle of 36 months and annual releases for Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise. For longer support cycles like 10-year support, you need Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. This system is recommended for hardware that lasts more than 10 years, while Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is designed for hardware and applications that can be improved with annual updates. The Multi App Kiosk mode, which allows access to multiple apps, is not usable with Windows 11 right now. This feature is expected to be available in a future release, but the release date has not been announced yet.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Windows 11 IoT Enterprise
+ LTSC version available
- Currently no LTSC version available
+ All IoT applications available
- Compatibility issues with Windows 10 devices
+ Few compatibility problems with older Windows devices
- No multi-app kiosk
- no USB 4
+ USB 4
- WiFi only 6
+ WiFi 6E
- only conditionally WPA 3
+ WPA3

Licence overview

Product End of support End of licence availability
Windows 10 Home and Pro
14/10/2025
-
Windows 10 IoT Ent LTSB 2015
14/10/2025
31/7/2025
Windows 10 IoT Ent LTSB 2016
13/10/2026
31/7/2026
Windows 10 IoT Ent LTSC 2019
9/1/2029
30/11/2028
Windows 10 IoT Ent LTSC 2021 (21H2)
13/1/2032
30/11/2031
Windows 10 IoT Ent SAC
14/10/2025
30/11/2025, replaced by Windows 11 IoT CBB
Windows 11 IoT Ent CBB (21H2)
8/10/2024
-
Windows 11 Enterprise and Education (Version 21H2)
8/10/2024
-

Conclusion

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise represents the future of IoT solutions. Upgrading to Windows 11 makes sense when WiFi6 or USB4 are needed.  Overall, it is advisable to upgrade to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise as soon as an LTSC version is released for it. However, if you are looking for many years of support for your applications and operating devices, you should go for the latest version of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.

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