All versions of Windows 11 and their differences explained in detail

Since its official launch in October 2021, Windows 11 has raised many questions regarding its various available versions. With a refreshed design, new productivity features, and more stringent security policies, this operating system has marked a significant leap forward from Windows 10. But not all versions of Windows 11 are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a difference in performance, security, or the overall user experience.

In this article, we offer a detailed guide to all available editions of Windows 11, their key features, technical differences, and the types of users each is recommended for. If you're thinking about upgrading, purchasing, or simply learning more about this system, you'll find everything you need to know here, with clear explanations, examples, and comparisons to help you understand it without complications.

How many versions of Windows 11 are there really?

Currently, Microsoft has released a total of 7 major versions of Windows 11, not counting the "N" editions, which remove multimedia elements such as Windows Media Player or Skype to comply with certain regulatory requirements in Europe. The main editions are:

• Windows 11 Home
• Windows 11 Pro
• Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
• 11 Windows Enterprise
• Windows 11 Education
• Windows 11 Pro Education
• Windows 11SE (educational version specific for low-end devices)

In addition, Microsoft has incorporated a series of special tools and subsystems such as Windows Mixed Reality, but these are not standalone versions but rather integrated features across multiple editions, such as Home, Pro, or Enterprise.

Windows 11 Home: The version for the general public

Windows 11 Home is the edition intended for home or personal use. It usually comes pre-installed on most consumer computers and offers all the essential features of the operating system, such as the new Start menu, Snap Layouts for organizing windows, access to the Microsoft Store and support for apps. Android.

Among its main characteristics we find:

• Modern interface with centered design, rounded edges and transparencies.
• Customizable widgets with weather information, news, calendar and more.
• Improved virtual desktops to separate work, study or entertainment environments.
• Microsoft Teams design directly from the taskbar for easy communications.
• Support for Android apps, available through the Microsoft Store and Amazon Appstore.
• Microsoft Edge as default browser, with features such as Collections or Immersive Mode.

Windows 11 Home supports systems with up to 128GB of RAM and 64 CPU cores, which is more than enough for the average user. In addition, it includes security measures such as Windows Defender, parental controls, and device encryption, although it leaves out enterprise tools like BitLocker. If you want to learn more about how to optimize windows 11, it will be useful to you.

Windows 11 Pro: Designed for professionals and small businesses

Windows 11 Pro contains all the features of the Home edition and adds advanced security, virtualization, and device management tools. It is aimed at more demanding users, small businesses, or workers who require a more controlled and secure environment.

Includes exclusive benefits such as:

• BitLocker to encrypt the hard drive and protect data from theft or unauthorized access.
• Hyper-V which allows you to create and manage virtual machines directly from Windows.
• Remote Desktop Access for remote PC management or working from anywhere.
• Windows Update for business with full control over the deployment of updates.
• Domain Join
  using Active Directory or Azure Active Directory.
• Windows Defender Application Guard, which isolates suspicious websites and applications in protected environments.

Windows 11 Pro is the recommended choice for work environments that require a higher level of security or centralized management. Its ability to support up to 2TB of RAM and dual-processor systems also makes it ideal for powerful workstations. For those wondering how to disable Narrator, please refer to related articles.

Windows 11 Pro for Workstations: Maximum performance for advanced users

This edition is specifically designed for powerful workstations and users with very demanding technical needs. It combines all the features of Pro with improvements in performance, capacity, and compatibility with very high-end hardware.

Remarkable Features:

• Support for persistent memory (NV-DIMM), ideal for intensive workloads.
• Support for the ReFS file system which allows handling large volumes of data.
• Optimization for hardware configurations with multiple processors and cores.

It is not a necessary version for the common user or even for most professionals., but in environments where you work with large amounts of data, 3D modeling, multimedia editing, or scientific simulations, it is the right choice. For more information on graphics performance, there are guidelines on how to troubleshoot graphics card problems.

Windows 11 Enterprise: Security and Management for Large Corporations

Windows 11 Enterprise is designed for large organizations that require a robust security, management, and scalability environment. It is based on the Pro version but with even more comprehensive features for complex IT environments.

Tools such as:

• Microsoft Endpoint Manager for remote device management.
• Windows Autopilot which facilitates the massive implementation and configuration of equipment.
• Access to the LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) branch to maintain critical equipment without the need for frequent updates.

Plus, it fits seamlessly into Active Directory environments, offering granular control over users, permissions, files, and updates. To learn more about how to hide files and folders in Windows 11, you can access a relevant article.

Windows 11 Education and Pro Education: Tailored for educational institutions

Both versions are specifically designed for academic institutions that require collaboration, security, and control tools tailored to the school environment.

They share several features with the Enterprise edition, but also integrate educational resources such as:

• Microsoft Teams for Education for communication between teachers and students.
• Access to Minecraft: Education Edition.
• Microsoft Whiteboard Application for collaborative whiteboards.

The Pro Education version, as its name suggests, is even more comprehensive, including Windows Pro features such as remote desktop, domain access, and centralized policies.

Windows 11 SE: Designed for the basic educational environment

The Windows 11 SE edition is a simplified and optimized version for portable low-end schoolchildren. It features a clean interface, without widgets or complex multitasking, ideal for the classroom. It includes OneDrive with 1TB of storage. storage y Microsoft Office basic.

It's designed to be used with Microsoft Intune, allowing administrators to centrally control system policies. All apps open maximized and do not include the Microsoft Store, as the apps are preconfigured by the school administrator. If you need to change the folder layout in Windows 11, there's helpful information at this link.

Windows 11 Mixed Reality and additional features

It is not a separate version of the system but rather a set of features integrated into several editions such as Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Allows you to use viewers virtual reality and augmented compatible with the platform.

Includes:

• Windows Mixed Reality Portal for initial setup.
• Support for headsets such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows headsets.
• Immersive apps and games which can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Technical comparison between Windows 11 Home and Pro

Both versions share many features, but also have important differences that are worth understanding.

Functionality	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Pro
BitLocker	No	Yes
Hyper-V	No	Yes
Remote Desktop (Host)	No	Yes
Domain Join	No	Yes
Supported RAM	128 GB	2 TB
Number of cores	64	128
TPM 2.0	Required	Required

Recent developments and future developments

Windows 11 has received multiple updates since its debut., such as the packages known as “Moments,” which have brought new features, cosmetic tweaks, and performance improvements every few months.

Among the most outstanding:

• Copilot, the new AI-powered assistant, replacing Cortana.
• Windows Recall, to remember previous system actions.
• Native support for RAR archives and ZIP improvements.
• Volume mixer and undockable taskbar redesign.

Additionally, support for features like DirectStorage, AI Explorer, and Windows Studio Effects requires specific hardware, such as 16GB of RAM, ARM Snapdragon X Elite processors, or chips with NPUs.

Windows 11 continues to consolidate itself as an operating system that focuses on integration with the cloud, Artificial Intelligence and continuous improvement through progressive updates. Choosing the right version of Windows 11 depends on how you plan to use your computer. For most home users, Windows 11 Home is more than enough. Those who need security and control features will have more options with Pro or Pro for Workstations. Large businesses and schools will find what they need in Enterprise or Education. And if you're in education with entry-level hardware, Windows 11 SE may be the perfect solution. Knowing the differences between each version helps you make the right decision and take full advantage of everything Windows 11 has to offer.