Windows 10 different versions. What is an OEM license? What is RC or Insider
The best builds of windows 10 2018 download torrent for free and without registration, the latest builds of windows10 x64 and x86 with an activation key.
For every user, Windows 10 is of clear interest. After the fatal failure of OS version 8, this software seems especially successful. Here, enhanced functionality meets familiar controls and a host of special features. In addition, a distinctive feature of the operating system is adaptability. Windows 10 is equally well suited for both traditional PCs and laptops and portable equipment. It is successfully used in mobile devices, televisions and industrial equipment. Let's talk about the technical requirements and functions of the expanded version and assemblies.
Technical requirements for the device
Microsoft software has fairly low hardware requirements. Despite the announcement of the transition to a new version of processors, the developers have so far abandoned this idea. This is due to the large number of users around the world who have inexpensive, weak PCs. So, for a smooth installation, your device will need to meet the following technical specifications:
- RAM – depending on the capacity of the system – with a capacity of 1 to 2 GB.
- Bit depth – x32 or x64.
- Processor clock frequency – minimum 1 GHz (more than 1.5 GHz recommended).
- Free memory on a network drive – the software will take from 16 to 20 GB of free disk space.
- Video card – capacity from 128 MB with support for DirectX 9 with WDDM driver version 1 or later.
- Mouse, keyboard (or touch input devices), and monitor.
Features of Windows 10 functionality
The packaged product is intended for people who want to customize all the controls as much as possible to solve their tasks. Never before has an OS been so interactive and functional. Among the distinctive additions of the latest version of the operating system are:
- Availability of the Start menu. In the previous version, the developers abandoned this familiar addition. Users greeted this decision with a wave of indignation, so in the new version the button and menu are in the usual place. However, the functionality of the key has expanded - Internet search is integrated here, as well as information about each individual element.
- Full time desktop. The new version offers extensive opportunities for entertainment and work. To do this, the entire desktop can now be occupied by windows of active applications. In addition, the user can create several desktops at the same time. Thus, user productivity is improved and multitasking problems are also solved. This will require sufficiently powerful hardware, otherwise the system may work too slowly.
- Ease of transition between dialog boxes. When you have many applications and programs open, switching between them can be very easy. There is a Task View button for this. After clicking on the icon, the system will display all open windows on one screen. Next, all you have to do is select the required program to solve your work or entertainment problems.
- Advanced coding and archiving system. All data will be securely protected and backed up in case of emergency.
- Integrated algorithms for protection against malware.
- Special properties of memory and comfort of use. Many users call Windows 10 the most powerful and functional system that the corporation has produced.
The corporation has released five main editions of Windows 10. Each of them allows users to solve a number of problems with specific requirements. So, OSes created based on the editions are freely available:
- Homemade. Version for a user with a small range of tasks - searching for information on the Internet, working with basic programs, video and audio files.
- Professional. Provides a wide range of settings and graphic design options. Here functionality and adaptability are expanded. This program is the most popular and easy to use.
- Corporate. Practically not used by private individuals. Its purpose is to maintain operational communication and communications between departments of corporations and companies. An attractive product for legal entities.
Differences between the assembly and the original version
Most builds integrate some design and functionality additions. In addition, keys for activating the OS are built-in. Depending on the installation algorithm, here you will find detailed instructions. The changes affected:
- Graphic component. Components have been introduced that will help the user get rid of basic topics and choose what he likes. The list of available wallpapers and other design elements has been added.
- Adding a function for selecting programs that must be installed. Now the user can get rid of unnecessary components by simply prohibiting their installation on the PC.
- Software update integration. By default, the latest versions of the programs at the time of release are added to the assembly. This will allow you to save your time and traffic.
- Anti-virus system protection. The assembly components responsible for protection against malware were replaced with modern, more efficient and compact programs. The virus databases and their detection algorithms have been updated.
On our website you can download the Windows 10 torrent for free and download it to your device. To do this, select the appropriate assembly and follow the instructions and complete the installation. Particular care should be taken when recording media - a flash drive or disk. If you follow all the instructions and recommendations, you will soon be able to use all the functionality of the software product for work and entertainment absolutely free!
- Using Windows Hello for Business with biometrics requires specialized hardware, including a fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor, and other biometric sensors.
- TPM 1.2 or later is required for TPM-based key protection. BitLocker Pro editions include additional customization options and do not require InstantGo devices or devices that pass the Hardware Security Testability Specification.
- WIP requires the use of Mobile Device Management (MDM) or System Center Configuration Manager to manage settings. These products are sold separately. Active Directory simplifies management tasks, but is not a required component.
- Requires UEFI 2.3.1 or later with secure boot capability. You must enable virtualization extensions such as Intel VT-x, AMD-V, or SLAT. Requires Windows x64 version; IOMMU, for example, Intel VT-d, AMD-Vi; BIOS Lockdown).
- The System Integrity Protection feature at boot in Windows Defender System Guard requires UEFI 2.3.1 or later and Secure Boot mode. The optional remote integrity verification capability in the Windows Defender System Guard cloud service requires TPM 1.2 or later and a management system that supports remote assessment capabilities (for example: Intune and System Center Configuration Manager).
- Requires UEFI 2.3.1 or later with secure boot capability. You must enable virtualization extensions, such as Intel VT-x, AMD-V, or SLAT. Requires Windows x64 version; IOMMU, for example, Intel VT-d, AMD-Vi; BIOS Lockdown.
- Requires UEFI 2.3.1 or later with secure boot capability. You must enable virtualization extensions such as Intel VT-x, AMD-V, or SLAT. Requires Windows x64 version; IOMMU, for example, Intel VT-d, AMD-Vi; BIOS Lockdown.
- Devices running desktop versions of Windows are supported starting with Windows 10 1607. Enrolling Windows devices running previous versions of the OS (Windows 7 and 8.1) is not supported for devices using roaming profiles. If you rely on roaming profiles or settings, you should use Windows 10. You must have a working and up-to-date version of Azure AD Connect.
- Available in select countries only. Availability of features and applications may vary by country and device.
- MDM requires an MDM product such as Microsoft Intune or other third-party solutions (sold separately).
- Requires either App-V Server (available free as part of the Windows 10 Deployment and Assessment Toolkit) or System Center Configuration Manager (sold separately).
- Requires Bing for Business. Office 365 subscription sold separately.
- Personal assistant Cortana is only available in select countries. Features of its operation depend on the region and device. Android and iOS devices require the Cortana app (requires Android 4.1.2 or later, or iPhone 4 with iOS 8.0 or later).
- Office 365 subscription required (sold separately).
- The user must link their computer and phone in the computer settings. Users will receive an application from Microsoft that must be downloaded to their mobile phone and follow the installer's prompts.
- Requires a tablet or PC that supports touch controls. Feather may be sold separately.
The multitude of official versions of Windows 10 has confused a significant number of users and left them with difficult choices. There are modifications of Windows 10 for desktop computers and mobile versions. The entire list of editions includes 8 pieces. In this case, each version is assigned a specific number, depending on the installed update packages.
Below is a detailed comparison and main differences between the types of operating system with the index “10” from Microsoft and recommendations on which version of the new Windows 10 is best for installation on a computer, based on specific user requirements, since each has individual differences in functionality.
Basic (general) functions that unite all modifications of Windows 10
Windows 10 versions can be classified according to the type of devices used:
- For desktop computers, laptops, “Transformer” devices;
- For smartphones, tablets (mobile gadgets).
In the first group, the following versions were used: professional, home, corporate, for educational institutions and IoT. For mobile devices, the following are well suited: Windows 10 Mobile and Mobile Enterprise.
In all versions, the developers returned the “Start” button and supplemented it with some more features that were not present in previous editions. Since nowadays it is already difficult for any user to exist without the Internet, finally the built-in Edge browser will allow you to fully work on the global network.
All Windows 10 have a voice assistant designed to make it easier to manage your PC and quickly find the necessary information not only in the device’s memory, but also on the World Wide Web. Virtual desktops will ensure comfortable switching of the user to different types of activities. All communicator notifications are combined into a special Notification Center. If the device is equipped with a touch screen, the built-in Continuum service will provide the user with convenient switching of the gadget control method.
What are the main differences between the Tens versions?
The name of the OS edition already clearly reflects its attitude to the second group according to the classification. If the display size of your mobile device does not exceed eight 8 inches, then you can install and use this operating system. It has the ability to synchronize with Windows 10 installed on the owner’s desktop computer and it has a full list of programs from the “Home” modification.
The OS has the MS Office application installed, adapted for smartphones and tablets. Using the special “Continuum” service, you can connect a mobile device, for example, to a keyboard and monitor, and then work on it as on a desktop computer. 
Mobile for corporate clients
It differs from the corporate version of Windows 10 in the ability to function on smartphones and tablets and has an increased level of security.
IoT
This version of the OS is specially designed for functioning in robots, terminals, etc. It has special capabilities, for example, for the purpose of working in payment terminals. 
This edition of home Windows 10 is standard, and it will be equipped with a significant number of computers, laptops, netbooks and transformers sold in general retail outlets. Compared to other versions of the Tens, it includes only basic functions. 
Home (with 1 language pack)
The functionality is completely similar to “Home”, but you cannot change the OS language in it. It is cheaper than the basic edition and is planned for distribution in developing countries.
Pro
It belongs to the premium category of the “Ten” versions and is called “Professional”. In addition to the main functions of the basic modification, the OS is equipped with a list of features for small businesses, for example, remote control. 
The edition for Corporate clients is similar to the Professional edition, however, it includes additional functions, as it is designed to serve enterprises with a medium-sized workforce. An enhanced security system has been introduced. 
It is analogous in its capabilities to the Corporate edition of Windows 10, except that it is intended specifically for educational institutions. 
After reading the descriptions of all editions of the new system, we can conclude that the main features included in the Home (basic) version of the OS are the same for all. They differ only in some business additions.
The main thing before installing a specific modification of Windows 10 is to make sure of the purpose of the PC and its capabilities in terms of equipment, for example, whether Continuum is supported by the device or whether there are additional devices, such as a fingerprint scanner for Windows Hello.
It should be noted that only the Home and Professional versions are sold at retail outlets. The corporate version can be purchased with a corporate license, and the modification for educational institutions can only be purchased under the licensing program for educational institutions.
Microsoft started releasing Windows 10 back in 2015. From this moment on, users were able to upgrade their devices to this distribution for free if they previously used Windows 7 or a later version. New PCs with OS 10 pre-installed have also gone on sale.
Later, a “shell” of this series appeared for phones, Xbox game consoles and other devices. The first versions of Windows 10 were designed for computers, laptops and tablets (devices with a screen size of 8 inches or larger).
Initially, four versions of the new OS appeared for PCs: Home, Pro, Enterprise and Education. In 2017, several more versions of this distribution were released.
New shell features
Microsoft representatives described in detail the differences between versions of the new OS even before it entered the market. All variants include a new menu (the classic Windows 10 Start view) and the Edge web browser, as well as Cortana personal assistant software, support for new security features including facial and fingerprint recognition. There's also the ability to use a virtual desktop and seamless transition from PC to tablet mode when you detach the keyboard.
When it comes to business functions, things look a little different. Windows 10 Home doesn't support BitLocker encryption, Windows Remote Desktop, Group Policy Management, enterprise data protection, or some of the other features that require Pro and others.
Meanwhile, Enterprise users get some features not available on Windows 10 Pro, including AppLocker, To Go Creator, Credential Guard, and Device Guard.
For the most part, the Education version is the same as the Enterprise version. It's just intended for educational use, not business use.
One feature that is only available for Enterprise is the Long Term Service Branch. This means that enterprise customers can defer Windows updates that provide new features for many years while still receiving security updates.
It is worth noting the following. While upgrading your device to Windows 10 will bring some new features, you will also lose some features that were available in earlier versions of the OS. Native support for DVD playback is no longer present, but you will be able to install third-party video players that can handle the format. Additionally, Windows Media Center is also not available for the Tens distribution.
Types of Windows 10 and their differences
Today, Windows 10 has twelve editions with different sets of features, capabilities, or specifications for specific devices. Some editions only cover devices directly from the manufacturer, while other OS variants (such as Enterprise and Education) are only available through volume licensing channels. Microsoft also introduced Windows 10 for use on certain classes of devices, including smartphones (Windows 10 Mobile) and IoT devices. It is advisable to compare all types of Windows 10 and the differences between them, starting with the most common versions.
The 10 Home variety is designed for use on PCs, tablets and 2-in-1 PCs. This version includes all the necessary functions and capabilities aimed at the non-professional consumer.
Windows 10 Pro has additional functionality aimed at business environments and power users. In terms of operating capabilities and characteristics, this OS is equivalent to Windows 8.1 Pro. It has Windows 10, and its features are expressed in the presence of additional professional applications and services.
Corporate publications
These editions of Windows 10 contain special features designed to make it easier to centrally manage many OS installations within an organization. The main source of their acquisition is the volume licensing contract with Microsoft.
Windows 10 Enterprise provides all the features of 10 Pro with additional features designed to work in IT organizations. This OS is functionally equivalent to Windows 8.1 Enterprise.
Windows 10 Education is distributed through Academic Volume Licensing. It was initially reported to have the same feature set as Enterprise. However, it offers slightly fewer features.
In July 2016, Education Pro was released for hardware partners on new devices purchased with a discounted K-12 academic license. This OS variant includes the Set Up School Computers application, which allows you to configure settings using a USB flash drive. Education Pro does not include Cortana, Windows Store, or Spotlight functionality.
Enterprise LTSB is a long-term view of Windows 10 Enterprise that is planned to be released every 2-3 years. It is supported by security updates for 10 years after release, and will intentionally not receive any feature updates. Some features, including the Windows Store and related applications, are not included in this edition. This version is expected to be released in 2019 and will be called Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC.
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise provides all the features of Mobile with additional capabilities to help IT-based organizations in the same way as Enterprise, but exclusively for mobile devices.
Selected device releases
These versions of Windows 10 are licensed only to device manufacturers. The main way to get your hands on these OS options is by purchasing a specific device (such as a smartphone) that has the system pre-installed.
Designed for smartphones and small tablets. It includes all the core consumer features, including Continuum capabilities. De facto, this is a successor to Windows Phone 8.1 and RT.
The IoT edition is designed specifically for use in small sites, low-cost devices and IoT scenarios. This is a rebranded version of Microsoft's earlier embedded operating systems - Windows Embedded. Three releases have already been announced: IoT Core, IoT Enterprise and IoT Mobile Enterprise.
S versions
S is a limited version of Windows 10, intended primarily for devices with limited capabilities in the education market. It has a faster initial setup and login process, and an overall simplified look and feel to Windows 10. This version also lets you set up devices using a USB drive with the Set Up School PCs app.
Windows 10 S allows installation of software (both Universal Platform and API apps) from the Windows Store, although command line or shell programs are not allowed.
System settings are locked, Microsoft Edge is set as the default web browser, with Bing as the search engine. The operating system can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro for a fee to provide unlimited software installation. All 10 S devices include a free one-year subscription to Minecraft: Education Edition. Critics compared the publication to Windows RT and called it a competitor to Chrome OS.
In March 2018, Microsoft announced it was phasing out Windows 10 S, citing confusion between manufacturers and end users. The company plans to replace this edition with the ability for vendors to release devices with Home or Pro versions in "S Mode", where by default it is allowed to install applications from the Windows Store with free disabling of restrictions.
Highly specialized versions
What are the highly specialized types of Windows 10 and their differences?
In addition to the main versions of the OS, the developers presented several options unknown to a wide range of users. They are designed to work on some strictly defined devices and to solve specific problems. What versions of Windows 10 are there besides the ones listed above?
Team Windows 10 Team is the version designed for devices that download to Surface Hub.
On August 10, 2017, Microsoft announced the release of the Pro for Workstations edition in September, along with the Fall Creators Update for Windows 10. This version is designed for high-performance hardware for intensive computing tasks. It supports Intel Xeon or AMD Opteron processors. Other device requirements include up to 6TB of RAM, ReFS, Non-Volatile Dual Linear Memory Module (NVDIMM) file system, and Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA). On December 15, 2017, this version was pre-installed on two Dell workstations. Windows 10 Home, Pro and S versions can update to this version. This version, in turn, can be configured to Pro Education, Enterprise or Education.
System options for different countries
As with previous versions of Windows starting with XP, all editions of Windows 10 for PC hardware have "N" and "KN" variations targeting Europe and South Korea that exclude some related multimedia features, including media players and related components in order to comply with antitrust regulations. How to 10 in classic view to get full access to multimedia?
The Media Feature Pack can be installed to restore these features. As with Windows 8.1, a low-cost version of 10 with Bing is available for OEMs. It is provided when Microsoft's search engine is installed as the default, and cannot be changed to another search engine. The version is intended primarily for low-cost devices, and is otherwise identical to Windows 10 Home.
The Microsoft OEM licensing formula takes into account screen size, RAM, and storage capacity. Overall, this version has the standard Windows 10 look and feel.
In May 2017, it was reported that Microsoft, as part of its partnership with China Electronics Technology Group, had created a specially modified version of Enterprise intended for use in branches of the Chinese government. This option is pre-configured to “remove features that Chinese government employees do not need” and allows the use of its own internal encryption algorithms. Changing the appearance of Windows 10 is not available in this case.
Free update
During the launch of version 10 of the OS, Microsoft representatives announced that users of Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1), 8 and 8.1 can upgrade to 10 for free if the update occurs within one year of its release date. RT and the corresponding enterprise editions of OS 7, 8 and 8.1 have been excluded from this offer.
New releases of Windows 10, called feature updates, are released twice a year as a free update for existing users. Each update contains new features and other changes to the operating system. The rate of change at which the system receives feature updates depends on the release branch from which the OS downloads updates. The main types of versions of Windows 10 - Pro, Enterprise and Education - may additionally use a branch that receives updates at a slower pace. These modes can be controlled through system settings, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update for Business, Group Policy, or through mobile device management systems such as Microsoft Intune.
Windows Insider
Windows Insider is a beta testing program that allows you to access preview versions of Windows 10. It is designed to allow power users, developers and vendors to test and provide feedback on future feature updates for Windows 10 as they are developed. Insider itself consists of three "rings" - Fast (which receives new builds as they are released), Slow (which receives them when delayed after deployment to Fast Ring users), and Release Preview.
Semi-annual channel (target)
The Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted), formerly known as the Current Branch (CB), distributes all feature updates as they complete the Windows Insider review. Microsoft only supports the latest version. This provides additional settings to pause or delay feature updates for a specified period of time. It's worth noting that they are not available on Windows 10 Home.
Semi-annual business channel
The semi-annual business channel, formerly known as the Current Branch for Business (CBB), distributes feature updates with a four-month delay compared to the target. This allows customers and suppliers to evaluate innovations and perform additional testing before widespread release. Devices can be switched back to the target channel at any time.
Long Term Service Channel (LTSB)
This branch is available exclusively for the Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB edition, and it distributes new editions that are updated every 2-3 years. LTSB designs adhere to Microsoft's traditional support policy, which was in effect prior to version 10: the OS is not provided with new features, but only supported with critical updates for 10 years after release. They do not affect the Windows Store, most Cortana features, or additional apps (including Microsoft Edge).
Microsoft has said that Windows 10 is the final version of Windows, but no one ever said it would be easy. After two years of existence, Windows 10 has no less than ten different editions. Each is essentially the same thing, but offers slightly different features for users with different needs. Along with constantly changing features, this can keep track of what's happening with Windows 10. Let's look at each version of Windows 10 in turn and see why Microsoft has created such a fragmented environment.
Comparison of Windows 10 versions
| Components and Functions | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
| Continuum for phone | + | + | + | + |
| Cortana | + | + | + | |
| Windows Ink | + | + | + | + |
| Start Menu and Live Tiles | + | + | + | + |
| Tablet mode | + | + | + | + |
| Voice, pen, touch and gestures | + | + | + | + |
| Microsoft Edge | + | + | + | + |
| Mobile device management | + | + | + | + |
| Windows Update | + | + | + | + |
| Windows Hello | + | + | + | + |
| Companion devices for Windows Hello | + | + | + | + |
| Device encryption | + | + | + | + |
| + | + | + | + | |
| Windows Device Health Attestation Service | + | + | + | + |
| Group Policy | + | + | + | |
| Roam enterprise data with Azure Active Directory | + | + | + | |
| Windows Store for Business | + | + | + | |
| Limited access | + | + | + | |
| Dynamic provisioning | + | + | + | |
| Windows Update for Business | + | + | + | |
| Shared PC Configuration | + | + | + | |
| Test | + | + | + | |
| Windows Information Protection | + | + | + | |
| BitLocker | + | + | + | |
| Joining a domain | + | + | + | |
| Join an Azure Active Directory domain with single sign-on for cloud apps | + | + | + | |
| Internet Explorer in Enterprise Mode (EMIE) | + | + | + | |
| Remote Desktop | + | + | + | |
| Hyper-V Client | + | + | ||
| DirectAccess | + | + | ||
| AppLocker | + | + | ||
| Guided user experience | + | + | ||
| Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) | + | + | ||
| Microsoft User Environment Virtualization (UE-V) | + | + | ||
| Credential Guard | + | + | ||
| Device Guard | + | + | ||
| Windows to Go | + | + | ||
| BranchCache | + | + |
Brief description of publications
- Windows 10 Home is a standard offering and includes everything home users need.
- Windows 10 Pro builds on Home and includes additional features for power users and small business use.
- Windows 10 S is a stripped-down Chromebook competitor that lets you install Windows Store apps.
- Windows 10 Enterprise has advanced features for large-scale enterprise deployments.
- Windows 10 Education is an offshoot of Enterprise with education-specific default settings and a lower price for schools.
- Windows 10 Pro Education comes pre-installed on PCs that schools can purchase at a discount and offers a learning-specific Pro flavor.
- Windows 10 Mobile is a Microsoft mobile operating system that is not very popular.
- Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise allows businesses to manage Windows 10 mobile devices for their employees.
- Windows 10 IoT replaces Windows Embedded, a lightweight version of Windows that hobbyists or businesses can install on small computing devices, as well as robots and sales applications.
- Windows 10 Team is a specialized version of Windows 10 that only runs on the Surface Hub smart board.
- for workstations supports powerful PCs that regularly perform intensive computing
Windows 10 Home
We start with the basic version. If you're going to walk into a store and buy a new laptop off the shelf, it's almost certainly going to be Windows 10 Home. True to its name, it includes the full experience of Windows 10 features that the average home user will enjoy. You'll find all the major products inside, including Cortana, Store apps, Xbox, and support for tablet and touch features. The Home Edition leaves out some of the business-oriented features that are the only other edition in the PRO, but you can buy them separately.
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro builds on what Home offers, but includes more features aimed at power users and businesses. The most notable differences are the ability to join a Pro machine for a domain, support for BitLocker encryption, and Group Policy support for easily changing company-wide settings. Most machines in business use the Pro version, so IT professionals can use these tools to their advantage. But enthusiasts can also benefit from what the Pro has to offer.
For example, many of the settings we discuss in the articles are easier to change using the Group Policy Editor than in the Registry. However, I don't think this is suitable for most home users. You can replace free alternatives for some Pro-only features. For example, TeamViewer can replace Remote Desktop, and you can trade VeraCrypt for BitLocker. And no normal Windows user at home should join their computer to a domain.
Windows 10 S
One of the newest releases in the lineup, Windows 10 S is a smoothed-out version of the operating system. Its most distinctive feature is that you can only install apps from the Windows Store, so it won't work with any traditional desktop software. Microsoft Edge is the default browser and you cannot change the default search engine from Bing.
Windows 10 S is only available on pre-installed devices, and most of them are inexpensive. Microsoft is targeting Windows 10 S at the education market as it is something of a competitor to Chromebooks. While you can upgrade Windows 10 S to Pro for dollars, most home users should stay away from it. The combination of cheap hardware and limited available apps limits what your device can do.
Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 Enterprise, unsurprisingly, is intended for large-scale business use and is only sold through Microsoft Volume Licensing. Unlike Windows 7, there is no full version of Windows 10 that offers the full set of Enterprise features for home users. But that's okay, because Enterprise's additional capabilities only shine in enterprise deployments. The biggest feature is DirectAccess, which allows remote workers to access their company's internal network through a connection similar to a VPN, but provides greater security. AppLocker, another great feature, allows administrators to block access to specific applications. This edition also allows companies to switch to a long-term branch to avoid regular Windows 10 changes that could break their operations. Enterprise also contains some behind-the-scenes tweaks that make it easier for IT pros to install or migrate Windows on a mass standardization basis. While Pro is great for small businesses, a company with thousands of employees can save money and control their setup with the Enterprise edition.
Windows 10 Education
The Windows 10 Education Edition includes all Enterprise features. As Microsoft explains, this is actually a variant of Windows 10 Enterprise that provides education-specific default settings. In past versions this included disabling Cortana by default, but it is present in current builds. Windows 10 Education also disables tips and offers that are only advertisements.
Apart from these default settings, the only significant change for the Education edition is that it costs significantly less than the Enterprise edition. This helps schools keep costs down while still getting a powerful version of Windows that allows them to block games and inappropriate content on the computers students use. Although your computer must be running Windows 10 Pro to upgrade to Enterprise, this does not apply to the Education edition. PCs running Windows 10 Home can upgrade to Windows 10 Education, further reducing costs for schools.
Windows 10 Pro Education
Are all these names confusing? Windows 10 Pro Education combines two existing titles. Everything is the same as in Windows 10 Education, the only difference is the taste of Windows 10 Pro with several default settings typical for educational environments. The biggest difference between Pro Education and Education is that the former comes pre-installed on new devices purchased through the K-12 program at a discount. This means schools do not need to go through Microsoft Volume Licensing to purchase pre-built PCs. Smaller schools that lack a full IT staff or don't need the enterprise features of Windows 10 Education can still maintain control using the features found in Windows 10 Pro Education.
Both editions of Windows 10 Education include the Set Up School PCs app, which guides administrators by creating a standard Windows image. They can choose options such as uninstalling browser apps, automatically connecting computers to the school domain, and configuring Windows Update to avoid restarts during school hours. After completing this process once, IT staff can place the package on a flash drive and quickly apply it to other machines.
Windows 10 Mobile
Did you know that Windows Phone is still around? It's currently called Windows 10 Mobile, but it's the next iteration of the launch version of Windows for your smartphone. This is part of Microsoft's plan to create a single, unified operating system on every device. It lets you access the same new Windows Store apps that are available on the Windows 10 desktop, along with the Continuum feature that lets you use your phone like a PC on the big screen.
While it's an improvement over Phone 8.1, Windows Mobile is still largely irrelevant in the mobile space as Android and iOS reign supreme. Thanks to a botched rollout and continued lack of reliable apps, Windows 10 Mobile has suffered from limited usage. But I still use the budget lumia 640 and I’m quite happy with it than the virus-ridden android.
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise
The enterprise version of Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise is almost the same as the consumer version. As you'd expect, it offers business features like deferring and managing updates, telemetry control, and more powerful deployments.
Windows 10 IoT (Internet of Things)
For previous versions of Windows, Microsoft provided a shortened version called Windows Embedded. For example, Windows XP Embedded was and is still extremely popular for lightweight devices such as ATMs, cash registers and watches. Embedded editions of Windows contain only the essential components, reducing the footprint on the machine while still allowing the device to take advantage of the benefits of Windows. Now the successor to Windows Embedded is known as Windows IoT.
IoT is connected by internet connections to everyday household objects. For example, it is popular among smart things like the Alexa speaker from Amazon and this version of Windows serves to allow hobbyists and enterprise users to use it. Windows 10 IoT can run on popular small devices that don't have powerful resources.
Microsoft offers two options: Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. Core is free to download and you can install it on devices like the Raspberry Pi. Enterprise Flavor is equivalent to Windows 10 Enterprise and therefore more powerful. Enterprises can install it on industrial robots, cash registers and other IoT devices.
Windows 10 Team
The Microsoft Surface family includes an interactive whiteboard known as the Surface Hub. Like other smart cards, it is designed for business use so employees can collaborate and video conference between locations. This device runs a special version called Windows 10 Team. It is based on Enterprise but offers a few differences as it is specifically designed for the giant board. The user interface is optimized for mega touch screen. Any user can come up and log into a low-level user account without logging in. When your session ends, the system deletes your local files unless you save them to OneDrive. And like Windows 10 S, you can't install traditional desktop apps. Team is a specialized version because it only applies to one device. You'll probably never run into this.
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
Because 11 editions weren't enough, Microsoft recently announced another version of Windows 10. This product is called Pro for Workstations, and it's designed for high-end PCs that require heavy workloads. New features include Resilient File System (ReFS), persistent memory, faster file sharing and enhanced hardware support. Essentially, this results in a host of internal improvements that make the daily grind of computing information throughout the day smoother. Microsoft explains that these changes will result in less data corruption, faster network transfers, and up to 6TB of RAM usage. Windows 10 Pro for workstations will launch with the Fall Creators Update in fall 2017. This edition will likely only see business use.
