iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows 11 Pro is not a faster version of Windows 11. It is the edition aimed at users who need business administration, virtualization, advanced encryption, or the ability to host remote connections.
For most home users, gamers, Office users, and developers using WSL 2, Windows 11 Home already includes the important everyday features. The upgrade becomes worthwhile when you need a specific Pro-only capability—not simply because Pro sounds more capable.
Windows 11 Home vs. Pro at a glance
| Feature | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Device encryption | Available on eligible hardware | Available, plus full BitLocker controls |
| BitLocker To Go | No | Yes |
| Remote Desktop hosting | No | Yes |
| Remote Desktop client | Yes | Yes |
| Hyper-V | No | Yes |
| WSL 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Sandbox | No | Yes |
| Active Directory or Microsoft Entra join | No | Yes |
| Feature-update deferral and organizational update policies | Limited | Yes |
| Maximum physical memory | 128 GB | 2 TB |
Both editions receive the same 24-month servicing period for each Windows 11 release. As of August 8, 2026, Windows 11 26H1 is the current release for supported new devices, but Microsoft does not offer 26H1 as an in-place feature update for existing 24H2 or 25H2 PCs.
What Windows 11 Pro adds
1. Full BitLocker management and BitLocker To Go
Windows 11 Home is not completely without encryption. On eligible computers, it can provide Device encryption, which protects the operating-system drive and fixed internal drives. You can check for it at:
#1 Best Overall
- STREAMLIMED AND INTUITIVE UI | Intelligent desktop | Personalize your experience for simpler efficiency | Powerful security built-in and enabled.
- JOIN YOUR BUSINESS OR SCHOOL DOMAIN for easy access to network files, servers, and printers.
- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC WITH NO PRIOR VERSION of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE PRODUCT SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption
Device encryption may not appear if the TPM is disabled or unusable, Windows Recovery Environment is not configured, or the system does not meet Secure Boot or PCR7 requirements. To investigate, search for System Information, run it as administrator, and inspect Automatic Device Encryption Support or Device Encryption Support.
Windows 11 Pro adds the full BitLocker feature set. That includes policy and management controls through Group Policy or mobile-device management, as well as BitLocker To Go for USB flash drives, SD cards, and other removable drives. Device encryption on Home does not encrypt external USB drives.
Since Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft has removed some earlier DMA and HSTI/Modern Standby prerequisites, so more supported PCs can qualify for Device encryption. That still does not make Home equivalent to Pro for centrally managed BitLocker deployments.
2. Hosting incoming Remote Desktop connections
Windows 11 Pro can turn the computer into a Microsoft Remote Desktop host. Home cannot accept incoming connections through Microsoft Remote Desktop, although it can still be used as a client to connect to another supported PC.
On a Pro computer, configure the host at:
Settings > System > Remote Desktop
Turn on Remote Desktop, then use Select users that can remotely access this PC to authorize accounts that are not administrators.
The feature will not work merely because the toggle is enabled. The host must be powered on, awake, connected to the network, and reachable through the firewall. Common problems include:
- The host is asleep, hibernating, shut down, or disconnected.
- The client is using an incorrect computer name. An IP address can help diagnose local name-resolution problems.
- The firewall is blocking Remote Desktop.
- A non-administrator account was not added under Select users that can remotely access this PC.
Accessing a computer from outside the local network normally requires a VPN or carefully configured network access. Exposing RDP directly to the internet is a security risk.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 113. Hyper-V virtual machines
Windows 11 Pro supports the full Hyper-V role; Home does not. Hyper-V is useful for running complete Windows or Linux virtual machines with virtual disks, virtual network switches, checkpoints, and configurable virtual hardware.
On supported Pro hardware, open PowerShell as administrator and run:
Rank #2
- Instantly productive. Simpler, more intuitive UI and effortless navigation. New features like snap layouts help you manage multiple tasks with ease.
- Smarter collaboration. Have effective online meetings. Share content and mute/unmute right from the taskbar (1) Stay focused with intelligent noise cancelling and background blur.(2)
- Reassuringly consistent. Have confidence that your applications will work. Familiar deployment and update tools. Accelerate adoption with expanded deployment policies.
- Powerful security. Safeguard data and access anywhere with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection built in.
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -AllThe computer needs a 64-bit processor with SLAT, hardware virtualization enabled in UEFI or BIOS, and at least 4 GB of memory. Those are minimum requirements, not a recommendation for running several demanding virtual machines comfortably.
Do not confuse Hyper-V with WSL 2. WSL 2 is supported on Windows 11 Home and uses the Virtual Machine Platform subset of the Windows virtualization stack. You do not need Pro simply to run Linux distributions through WSL.
Recommended Free Tools
wsl --install4. Windows Sandbox
Windows Sandbox provides a temporary, isolated Windows desktop for testing an installer, opening a suspicious file, or checking a configuration without permanently changing the main installation. It is included with Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Pro Education/SE, and Education—not Home.
Sandbox requires AMD64 or Arm64 hardware, firmware virtualization, at least 4 GB of RAM, at least 1 GB of free disk space, and at least two CPU cores. Everything installed or saved inside the sandbox is deleted when the window is closed.
Networking is enabled by default, which is convenient but means test software can communicate with the network. Beginning with Windows 11 24H2, inbox Store applications such as Calculator, Photos, Notepad, and Terminal are not available inside Sandbox.
5. Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID join
Pro is required when an organization needs to make the Windows installation part of its identity and management boundary. It can join either:
- An on-premises Active Directory domain.
- A cloud-based Microsoft Entra ID organization.
The Microsoft Entra join path is:
Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Connect > Join this device to Microsoft Entra ID
For a traditional domain, use:
Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Connect > Join this device to a local Active Directory domain
Those full device-join options are not available on Home. Home can still connect a work or school account for access to applications and services. It may also support Microsoft Entra registration for personal or bring-your-own-device scenarios, but registration is not the same as joining the device to the organization’s Windows sign-in and management boundary.
Rank #3
- STREAMLINED & INTUITIVE UI, DVD FORMAT | Intelligent desktop | Personalize your experience for simpler efficiency | Powerful security built-in and enabled.
- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
- PRODUCT SHIPS IN PLAIN ENVELOPE | Activation key is located under scratch-off area on label.
- GENUINE WINDOWS SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MIRCOSOFT ONLY.
6. More control over Windows Update
Windows 11 Pro supports Windows Update client policies, historically referred to as Windows Update for Business. Administrators can use Group Policy or mobile-device management to control the timing and deployment of security, quality, driver, and feature updates.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Home does not support feature-update deferral in the same organizational way. It will typically receive a new Windows 11 version before the published end-of-servicing date. That distinction matters for a company managing dozens or hundreds of PCs; it is usually less important on a single personal computer.
7. A much higher RAM limit
| Edition | Maximum physical memory |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 Home | 128 GB |
| Windows 11 Pro | 2 TB |
The Pro limit matters for memory-heavy workstations, multiple virtual machines, large development environments, engineering software, and other unusually demanding workloads. Installing Pro in a computer with 16 GB or 32 GB of RAM does not make the existing hardware faster.
What upgrading to Pro does not provide
It does not improve performance
Changing editions does not add CPU cores, improve the GPU, speed up an SSD, shorten boot times, or increase application performance. If a computer is slow, investigate RAM usage, storage health, startup applications, thermals, and hardware age instead.
It does not unlock better gaming performance
Windows 11 Pro is not a gaming edition. Home and Pro use the same core Windows gaming technologies when the hardware supports them. Pro does not automatically increase FPS or add a special gaming mode.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
It does not include Microsoft 365 or Office
A Windows edition license and a Microsoft 365 or Office license are separate. Upgrading to Pro does not add Word, Excel, Outlook, a Microsoft 365 subscription, or other separately licensed applications.
It is not Windows Enterprise
Pro adds important business capabilities, but it is not a substitute for Enterprise, Education, or the management licenses those editions may require. Enterprise-only security, deployment, and administration features remain outside the normal Home-to-Pro upgrade.
It is not required for WSL 2
WSL 2 works on Home. The old claim that Linux development through WSL requires Pro is no longer correct. Home users can install it with wsl --install, assuming the PC meets the normal Windows and virtualization requirements.
It is not required to use Remote Desktop as a client
The important distinction is direction. Home can connect from the computer to another Remote Desktop host. Pro is needed when that Windows 11 computer must accept incoming Microsoft Remote Desktop sessions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #4
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
How to upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro
Using the Microsoft Store
- Open Start > Settings > System > Activation.
- Expand Upgrade your edition of Windows.
- Select Open Store beside the upgrade option.
- Complete the Microsoft Store purchase and installation process.
- Restart if Windows requests it.
- Return to Settings > System > Activation and confirm that the edition is Windows 11 Pro and that Windows is activated.
This route checks the current Home activation and associates the upgrade with the purchase’s digital license.
Using an existing Pro product key
- Open Start > Settings > System > Activation.
- Find Change product key and select Change.
- Approve the User Account Control prompt if requested.
- Enter the 25-character Windows 11 Pro product key.
- Select Next and complete the edition change.
Microsoft’s documented manual path starts with an activated Windows 11 Home installation. If Home is not activated, activate it before troubleshooting the Pro upgrade.
Important upgrade edge cases
- Reinstalling Windows: A Home digital license automatically activates Home, not Pro. Installing the wrong edition can leave Windows unactivated.
- Replacing the motherboard: A major hardware change can interrupt activation. Link the digital license to a Microsoft account beforehand and keep the installed edition consistent when reactivating.
- S mode: Windows 11 S mode is available only with Home. Leaving S mode is free but permanent. Go to Settings > System > Activation, then under Switch to Windows 11 Pro select Go to the Store. Do not choose the separate paid edition-upgrade option if you only want to leave S mode.
- Home to Pro Education: In June 2026, Microsoft introduced a separate free upgrade path for eligible K–12 education tenants. It requires an eligible academic Microsoft Entra tenant, Windows build 26100.8733 or later, and KB5095093. Personal Microsoft accounts do not qualify.
Who should upgrade?
Windows 11 Pro is a sensible upgrade if you can name one of these requirements:
- You need BitLocker To Go for removable drives or centrally managed BitLocker policies.
- You need to host incoming Remote Desktop sessions.
- You need full Hyper-V virtual machines.
- You want Windows Sandbox.
- Your PC must join Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID.
- Your organization needs Group Policy, MDM, or Windows Update deployment controls.
- You are building a workstation that needs more than 128 GB of RAM.
If your use consists of web browsing, gaming, Office, ordinary security, WSL 2, or connecting to another PC through Remote Desktop, Home generally provides the relevant functionality.
FAQ
Is Windows 11 Pro faster than Home?
No. Pro does not upgrade the computer’s CPU, GPU, storage, boot speed, or game performance. Its advantages are additional business, security, virtualization, and management features.
Can Windows 11 Home use BitLocker?
Eligible Home computers can use Device encryption for the operating-system drive and fixed internal drives. Pro adds full BitLocker management, policy controls, and BitLocker To Go for removable drives.
Do I need Windows 11 Pro for WSL 2?
No. WSL 2 is supported on Windows 11 Home. You can normally install it with the administrator PowerShell command wsl --install.
Can Windows 11 Home use Remote Desktop?
Yes, Home can act as a Remote Desktop client and connect to another supported PC. It cannot host incoming Microsoft Remote Desktop connections; Windows 11 Pro is required for that role.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe Bottom Line
Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for a defined requirement such as BitLocker To Go, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, incoming Remote Desktop, domain or Microsoft Entra join, organizational update controls, or more than 128 GB of RAM. Do not upgrade expecting better gaming, faster applications, Microsoft Office, or WSL 2—Windows 11 Home already covers those needs.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
