Windows 10, known for its robustness and versatility, has seen several updates and versions since its initial release. Microsoft’s approach to Windows 10 has been unique, treating it as a service rather than a standalone product. This means regular updates and versions that enhance security, introduce new features, and improve user experience. Here’s a detailed look into the various versions of Windows 10, helping users and IT professionals understand the landscape of Windows operating systems.

Windows 10 Home and Pro

Windows 10 Home

• Target Audience: Home users
• Key Features: Cortana assistant, Edge browser, Windows Hello face recognition, and more. It’s designed for general consumers and lacks some of the advanced features found in Pro and Enterprise editions.

Windows 10 Pro

• Target Audience: Professionals and small businesses
• Key Features: All the features of Home edition plus additional features like Group Policy Management, Bitlocker encryption, Remote Desktop, and Assigned Access. Ideal for power users and small businesses that need advanced capabilities.

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations

• Target Audience: Advanced users and businesses that need powerful performance
• Key Features: Designed for high-end hardware, it supports features like NVDIMM-N memory, faster file sharing with SMB Direct, and expanded hardware support. It’s tailored for demanding data workloads and computational tasks.

Windows 10 Enterprise

• Target Audience: Medium to large enterprises
• Key Features: Builds on Windows 10 Pro, adding advanced security, deployment tools, and comprehensive device and app management. It’s available to customers through Volume Licensing.

Windows 10 Education

• Target Audience: Educational institutions
• Key Features: Similar to Enterprise edition but tailored for schools and universities. It focuses on providing tools and features necessary for educational environments.

Windows 10 S

• Target Audience: Education sector and performance-oriented users
• Key Features: Designed for security and performance, it only runs apps from the Microsoft Store and uses Microsoft Edge as its default browser. Initially aimed at the education sector, its features are now integrated into the main editions of Windows 10.

Major Updates and Versions

Windows 10 has also been updated through major updates, known as “feature updates.” These updates are named by year and month of release, such as the November 2019 Update (version 1909) or the May 2020 Update (version 2004). Each update brings new features, improvements, and security enhancements.

Staying Updated

Microsoft encourages users to keep their Windows 10 systems up to date to ensure they have the latest security patches and features. Users can check their current version and update their system by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.