When investing in new laptops or desktops for your business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which version of Windows to install. At iNTALECT, we strongly recommend opting for Windows Pro rather than Windows Home—and for good reason.
Why Do We Recommend Windows Pro?
First and foremost, let’s clear up a common misconception: Windows Home works perfectly well in a business environment, and there’s no legal reason why you can’t use it. However, as the name implies, Windows Home is designed for personal use—ideal for a single computer and printer setup, where the data involved is generally not commercially sensitive. It performs exceptionally well in that context.
On the other hand, Windows Pro is specifically designed for businesses. It offers enhanced security, greater system management tools, and additional features that make it better suited for the demands of a modern workplace. While Pro is slightly more expensive, the additional features more than justify the cost for most companies.
Here are four key reasons we believe upgrading to Windows Pro is a smart move for your business.
4 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows Pro Over Home Edition
Reason 1: Microsoft Update for Business
One of the standout features of Windows Pro is the ability to manage and control system updates. We’ve all experienced the frustration of a badly timed reboot for a Windows update, but for businesses, the stakes are even higher. Unplanned reboots can cause significant disruptions, and in some cases, updates can interfere with older software, leading to system crashes or incompatibilities.
With Windows Pro, you can delay feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for 30 days—giving your IT team time to test and ensure that everything runs smoothly before rolling them out across the organization. In contrast, Windows Home only allows for short delays, leaving you at the mercy of automatic updates that could interfere with your workflow.
Reason 2: BitLocker Encryption
Security is non-negotiable in today’s business environment, especially with remote work and mobile employees. BitLocker, Microsoft’s built-in encryption tool, is included with Windows Pro and helps protect your data in the event a device is lost or stolen. BitLocker ensures that your sensitive business information remains secure, even if the physical device falls into the wrong hands.
While there are third-party encryption options available, they aren’t as seamlessly integrated as BitLocker. With Pro, the decryption process is smooth and hassle-free, activated when you log in to your device. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses with employees who travel frequently or work remotely.
Reason 3: Domain Join & Group Policy
One of the most significant distinctions between Windows Home and Pro is that Windows Home cannot be added to a business domain. A Windows domain is a network of controlled devices, managed by a domain controller, typically within a corporate environment.
Through the Active Directory service, IT administrators can centrally manage users, granting and revoking access to resources with ease. They can also deploy Group Policies across all machines in the domain, enforcing consistent security measures and system configurations. For businesses, this centralized control is crucial—it saves time, reduces risk, and cuts down on the administrative burden of managing individual devices.
Without a domain, IT staff must manage each computer manually—a process that’s inefficient and costly, especially as your business grows.
Reason 4: Remote Desktop Connection
Remote work has become the norm for many businesses, and Windows Pro provides a significant advantage in this area. Remote Desktop Connection, available only on Windows Pro, allows employees to access their work machines from home or on the go. This feature enables seamless, secure access to files and applications from anywhere.
While Windows Home does allow for Remote Assistance, where a remote user can assist with issues on a home machine, it doesn’t provide the full remote control that Windows Pro does. For businesses with remote workers or those who frequently need to work outside of the office, this feature is a game-changer.
Should Your Business Upgrade to Windows Pro?
Like any business decision, upgrading from Windows Home to Pro depends on balancing cost and benefit. If your business handles sensitive data or if you have employees working remotely or traveling, the security features alone—such as BitLocker—justify the investment.
Similarly, if you plan to grow and implement a domain-based IT infrastructure, moving to Windows Pro from the outset makes sense. The scalability, ease of management, and enhanced control it provides will save you time and money in the long run.
If the price difference between Home and Pro is small when purchasing new devices, we strongly recommend opting for Windows Pro. The additional features, especially in terms of security and remote access, are critical for today’s businesses. Plus, many IT support providers, including ours, recommend Windows Pro to ensure a smoother and more secure support experience.
Ready to Upgrade?
If you’re currently running Windows Home and are considering upgrading to Windows Pro, it’s available from the Microsoft App Store on your computer, or is an Upgrade right in some of the Microsoft 365 plans. Such as Business Premium and the Enterprise E plans.
Invest in Windows Pro today to ensure your business has the tools, security, and flexibility it needs to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
If you need any other assistance or advice regarding what you have read in this article please get in touch or use the book a call link on our website which can be found at the bottom of the page here:
