Windows 10 Pro Features: What Pro Adds Over Home in 2026
Windows 10 Pro includes the same core Windows experience as Windows 10 Home, but adds several advanced security, remote-access, virtualisation and business-management features.
The most useful Pro additions include full BitLocker management, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, Group Policy, domain joining and Microsoft Entra ID joining.
Important in 2026: normal Microsoft support for Windows 10 Home and Pro ended on 14 October 2025.
Windows 10 Pro still works, and there are legitimate reasons to use it for older hardware or software, but it should now be treated as a legacy operating system rather than Microsoft's current Windows platform.
Quick answer: Windows 10 Pro is worth choosing over Home when you specifically need features such as BitLocker Drive Encryption management, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V virtual machines, Windows Sandbox, Group Policy or business-domain functionality. Pro is not automatically faster than Home and it does not improve gaming performance simply because it is the Professional edition.
Windows 10 Home vs Pro: The Main Difference
Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro use the same underlying Windows operating system.
Both editions can run normal Windows software including:
- Microsoft Office.
- Web browsers.
- PC games.
- Email applications.
- Video and streaming software.
- Creative software.
- Printers and normal peripherals.
The difference is that Windows 10 Pro unlocks additional functionality aimed mainly at:
- Business users.
- IT administrators.
- Advanced home users.
- Developers.
- People running virtual machines.
- People who need advanced drive encryption.
- People who need to remotely connect into their Windows PC using Microsoft's built-in Remote Desktop.
| Feature | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Windows desktop and applications | Yes | Yes |
| PC gaming | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Office compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Device Encryption on compatible hardware | Available on compatible devices | Available |
| Full BitLocker Drive Encryption management | No | Yes |
| Remote Desktop client | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Desktop host | No | Yes |
| Hyper-V | No | Yes, with compatible hardware |
| Windows Sandbox | No | Yes, with compatible hardware |
| Local Group Policy management | Limited | Yes |
| Active Directory domain join | No | Yes |
| Microsoft Entra ID join | No normal organisational join | Yes |
| Assigned Access / kiosk functionality | Limited compared with Pro | Supported |
Do not choose Pro simply because it sounds more powerful. If you do not need any of the additional features, Windows 10 Home can run the same normal desktop applications and games.
1. Full BitLocker Drive Encryption Management
One of the most useful Windows 10 Pro features is BitLocker Drive Encryption.
BitLocker can encrypt an entire drive so that its contents cannot normally be read if somebody removes the drive and attempts to access it from another computer.
This can be particularly useful for:
- Business laptops.
- Computers containing financial information.
- PCs holding customer information.
- Portable systems that could be lost or stolen.
- External and USB drives containing confidential files.
Windows Home can still have encryption
This is an important distinction.
Some compatible Windows Home devices can use Microsoft's simpler Device Encryption functionality.
Windows Pro adds the full Manage BitLocker interface, allowing manual control over supported operating-system drives, fixed drives and removable drives.
So “Home has no encryption” is no longer an accurate explanation. The real difference is that Pro provides the full BitLocker Drive Encryption management experience.
BitLocker To Go
Windows 10 Pro can also encrypt compatible removable storage such as USB flash drives using BitLocker To Go.
This can help protect portable business files if the USB drive is lost.
Always protect the BitLocker recovery key. A BitLocker recovery key contains 48 digits and may be required to unlock the drive after certain security, firmware or hardware changes.
For a complete explanation, see our Windows 10 BitLocker and encryption guide.
2. Remote Desktop Hosting
Windows 10 Pro can act as a Remote Desktop host.
This means you can configure the Windows 10 Pro PC so that an authorised user can remotely access:
- The desktop.
- Applications.
- Files.
- Windows settings.
from another supported device.
Home can connect to another Remote Desktop PC
This is another feature that is often misunderstood.
Windows 10 Home
Can act as a Remote Desktop client and connect to another supported remote computer.
Windows 10 Pro
Can act as the Remote Desktop host that another device connects into.
You do not need Pro on both computers. Microsoft's requirement applies to the remote Windows PC that you are connecting to.
Enable Remote Desktop
On Windows 10 Pro, open:
Settings → System → Remote Desktop
Then enable:
Enable Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop should be configured securely. Avoid exposing a Windows Remote Desktop service directly to the public internet without appropriate security controls.
3. Hyper-V Virtual Machines
Hyper-V is Microsoft's built-in virtualisation platform.
Windows 10 Pro can use Hyper-V on compatible hardware to create and run virtual machines.
A virtual machine behaves like a separate computer running inside the physical PC.
What can Hyper-V be used for?
Common uses include:
- Testing software.
- Running another operating system.
- Creating a development environment.
- Testing configuration changes.
- Running compatible legacy software in a separate environment.
- IT training and experimentation.
Hyper-V hardware requirements
Having Windows 10 Pro does not automatically mean every PC can run Hyper-V.
The hardware must support Microsoft's virtualisation requirements, including appropriate processor virtualisation capabilities.
Virtualisation may also need to be enabled in the computer's UEFI/BIOS settings.
Hyper-V is useful for developers and technical users, but many normal home users will never need it. It should not be a reason to buy Pro unless virtualisation is actually required.
4. Windows Sandbox
Windows Sandbox provides a temporary isolated Windows environment where you can run software separately from the main Windows installation.
When the Sandbox is closed, its temporary contents are discarded.
This can be useful when:
- Testing an unfamiliar application.
- Checking software behaviour.
- Opening a temporary test environment.
- Testing configuration changes without altering the main Windows installation.
Windows Sandbox is not a replacement for normal security precautions. Microsoft notes that Sandbox can have network access and other host integrations depending on configuration.
Hardware requirements
Windows Sandbox requires compatible virtualisation hardware.
Microsoft's current minimum guidance includes:
- Compatible 64-bit architecture for Windows 10.
- Virtualisation enabled.
- At least 4 GB RAM, with 8 GB recommended.
- At least two CPU cores.
- At least 1 GB of free storage, with an SSD recommended.
Enable Windows Sandbox
On an appropriate Windows 10 Pro PC:
- Search Windows for Turn Windows features on or off.
- Open the Windows Features window.
- Find Windows Sandbox.
- Tick the option.
- Select OK.
- Restart Windows if requested.
5. Group Policy Management
Windows 10 Pro provides access to additional Windows policy controls through the Local Group Policy Editor.
Group Policy can be used to manage many Windows settings more centrally and consistently.
Examples include policies affecting:
- User accounts.
- Windows components.
- Security behaviour.
- Applications.
- Desktop restrictions.
- Network configuration.
- Administrative settings.
Open the Local Group Policy Editor
Press:
Windows key + R
Type:
gpedit.msc
and press Enter.
Do not change Group Policy settings simply because an online optimisation guide tells you to. Policy changes can disable Windows functionality or create unexpected behaviour. Change only settings you understand and can reverse.
6. Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID Join
Windows 10 Pro is designed to work more effectively in managed business environments.
Active Directory domain join
A Windows 10 Pro PC can join a traditional on-premises Active Directory domain.
This allows an organisation to centrally manage:
- User accounts.
- Computer access.
- Security settings.
- Policies.
- Network resources.
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft renamed Azure Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID.
Windows Pro supports Microsoft Entra joining, which can be used as part of a modern cloud-managed workplace environment.
If an older article still refers to “Azure AD”, that does not necessarily describe a different service. Microsoft changed the product name to Microsoft Entra ID.
Do normal home users need this?
Usually not.
Domain and Entra joining are mainly relevant to:
- Business-owned PCs.
- Managed workplace environments.
- IT departments.
- Organisations using central identity and device management.
7. Assigned Access and Kiosk Mode
Windows Pro supports Microsoft's Assigned Access functionality.
This can be used to configure a Windows computer as a kiosk or restricted-use device.
Examples include:
- A public information terminal.
- An interactive display.
- A reception PC.
- A retail kiosk.
- A shared workplace device.
- A computer where users should only access specified applications.
Single-app kiosk
A single application — such as Microsoft Edge — can be launched as the restricted kiosk experience.
Restricted user experience
Windows can also be configured so the user has access only to an approved set of applications and Windows functionality.
This is a genuine Windows Pro management feature, but it is mainly useful for business and specialist deployments.
8. Encrypting Individual Files With EFS
Windows 10 Pro also supports Encrypting File System (EFS) for compatible NTFS files and folders.
EFS differs from BitLocker:
BitLocker
Encrypts an entire drive.
EFS
Can encrypt selected individual files or folders.
EFS is primarily an advanced feature because its encryption certificates and keys need to be managed carefully.
Losing the relevant EFS certificate/private key can make encrypted files inaccessible. BitLocker is generally the easier encryption option for users who simply want whole-drive protection.
Features Windows 10 Home Already Includes
Several features listed as “Windows 10 Professional features” in older articles are actually normal Windows features available on Home as well.
You do not need Windows 10 Pro simply to use:
The word “Professional” refers to the additional Windows feature set, not a faster or higher-quality version of every ordinary Windows function.
Features the Old Article Incorrectly Associated With Windows 10 Pro
The previous version of this article contained several claims that now need correcting.
Windows Defender ATP
The old article suggested that Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection was simply included as a standard Windows 10 Pro feature.
Microsoft's enterprise endpoint-security products have their own licensing and management requirements and should not be treated as an automatic benefit of buying Windows 10 Pro.
DirectAccess
The old article listed DirectAccess as a Windows 10 Pro feature.
DirectAccess is associated with higher Windows enterprise editions and should not be promoted as a standard Windows 10 Pro capability.
Cortana
Cortana is no longer a reason to choose Windows 10 Pro. Microsoft retired the standalone Cortana experience and it is not a Pro-exclusive feature.
Enterprise Mode Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer-era compatibility functionality should not be promoted as a modern Windows 10 Pro benefit in 2026.
Do not use an old Windows 10 feature list when deciding whether you need Pro. A feature may have been renamed, retired, moved to another Microsoft service or never have been a Pro-only feature in the first place.
Is Windows 10 Pro Faster Than Windows 10 Home?
Not simply because it is Pro.
For an otherwise identical computer, changing from Home to Pro does not automatically provide:
- Higher frame rates.
- Faster Windows startup.
- Faster Microsoft Office performance.
- Faster internet speeds.
- Better application performance.
- More CPU power.
The primary reason to choose Pro is the additional feature set.
For gaming: Windows 10 Pro does not normally provide a gaming-performance advantage over Home. Choose Pro only if you also need one of the advanced Pro features.
Does Windows 10 Pro Support More RAM?
Windows editions can have different technical limits, but this is rarely the deciding factor for an ordinary Windows 10 PC.
Most home and small-business computers contain far less memory than the practical maximums supported by modern 64-bit Windows editions.
For most buyers, features such as BitLocker, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V and business management are much more useful considerations than theoretical RAM limits.
Can You Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro Without Reinstalling?
Yes.
If Windows 10 Home is already correctly installed and activated, you can normally change edition to Windows 10 Pro without performing a clean Windows installation.
The standard route is:
Settings → Update & Security → Activation → Change product key
Enter the valid Windows 10 Pro key and follow the edition-upgrade process.
Make sure Windows 10 Home is activated before starting the edition upgrade. If the existing Home installation has an activation problem, resolve that first.
For full instructions, see our Windows 10 Home to Pro upgrade guide.
Who Actually Needs Windows 10 Pro in 2026?
Windows 10 Pro can still make sense when there is a specific Windows 10 requirement.
You specifically need a Pro feature
- Full BitLocker management.
- Remote Desktop hosting.
- Hyper-V.
- Windows Sandbox.
- Group Policy.
- Active Directory domain join.
- Microsoft Entra join.
- Kiosk or Assigned Access functionality.
You use the PC normally
- Web browsing.
- Office.
- Gaming.
- Email.
- Streaming.
- Studying.
- Normal home working.
Why would someone still need Windows 10?
Windows 10 itself can still be required because of:
- Older hardware that cannot run Windows 11.
- Legacy business software.
- Specialist hardware drivers.
- Existing tested business environments.
- An established Windows 10 installation that needs to be repaired or restored.
For a completely new modern PC that supports Windows 11, Windows 10 Pro should not normally be the first long-term choice.
Windows 10 Pro Support in 2026
Microsoft ended normal support for Windows 10 Home and Pro on:
14 October 2025
Version 22H2 was the final normal Windows 10 feature release.
Without an applicable Extended Security Updates arrangement, Windows 10 Pro no longer receives Microsoft's normal:
- Security updates.
- Feature updates.
- Bug fixes.
- Technical support.
Consumer Extended Security Updates
Eligible personal Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs can enrol in Microsoft's Consumer Extended Security Updates programme.
Consumer ESU provides applicable critical and important security updates through:
12 October 2027
Consumer ESU does not provide:
- New Windows 10 features.
- A newer Windows 10 version.
- Normal Windows technical support.
- A return to full Windows 10 support.
Businesses also have separate Microsoft commercial ESU arrangements. Those programmes have different eligibility, licensing and lifecycle terms from the consumer ESU programme.
Should you upgrade to Windows 11?
If the computer fully meets Microsoft's Windows 11 requirements and there is no software or hardware reason to remain on Windows 10, Windows 11 is normally the better long-term option.
Windows 10 Pro Features Checklist
BitLocker
Do you need full manual drive-encryption management?
Remote Desktop
Do you need other devices to connect into this Windows PC?
Hyper-V
Do you need to run virtual machines?
Windows Sandbox
Do you need an isolated temporary test environment?
Group Policy
Do you need advanced Windows policy controls?
Domain or Entra joining
Will this PC be centrally managed by an organisation?
Windows 10 compatibility
Do you genuinely need Windows 10 rather than Windows 11?
Support lifecycle
Remember that normal Windows 10 support ended in October 2025.
Need Windows 10 Pro for a Legacy PC?
If you have confirmed that you specifically need Windows 10 rather than Windows 11 and require one of the additional Pro features, EcoKeys still provides Windows 10 Professional licences.
Before buying, check the Windows edition already installed and its activation status so you do not purchase a licence you do not need.
Related Windows Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main Windows 10 Pro features?
The main additions over Windows 10 Home include full BitLocker Drive Encryption management, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, Group Policy, Active Directory domain joining, Microsoft Entra ID joining and additional business-management functionality.
Is Windows 10 Pro faster than Home?
No. Pro does not automatically make Windows, Office or games run faster. The main difference is access to additional security, virtualisation, remote-access and management features.
Is Windows 10 Pro better for gaming?
Not purely for gaming. Windows 10 Home can run the same normal Windows games. Pro makes sense only if you also need one of the additional Pro features.
Does Windows 10 Pro include BitLocker?
Yes. Windows 10 Pro includes the full BitLocker Drive Encryption management interface. Compatible Windows Home devices can also have the simpler Device Encryption feature.
Does Windows 10 Pro include Remote Desktop?
Yes. Windows 10 Pro can act as a Remote Desktop host. Windows Home can normally be used as the client that connects to a supported Pro PC, but a Home PC cannot provide Microsoft's built-in Remote Desktop host functionality.
Does Windows 10 Pro include Hyper-V?
Yes, on compatible hardware. Hyper-V requires appropriate processor virtualisation support and may require virtualisation to be enabled in the computer's UEFI or BIOS settings.
Does Windows 10 Pro include Windows Sandbox?
Yes, on compatible hardware. Windows Sandbox creates a temporary isolated Windows environment that is discarded when the Sandbox is closed.
Does Windows 10 Pro have Group Policy?
Yes. Windows 10 Pro provides the Local Group Policy Editor and supports additional policy-based Windows management.
Can Windows 10 Pro join a business domain?
Yes. Windows 10 Pro supports traditional Active Directory domain joining and Microsoft Entra ID joining for supported organisational environments.
Does Windows 10 Pro include Windows Defender ATP?
Do not assume so. Microsoft's enterprise endpoint-security products have their own licensing and management requirements. They should not be treated as automatically included simply because Windows 10 Pro is installed.
Does Windows 10 Pro include DirectAccess?
No. DirectAccess should not be promoted as a standard Windows 10 Pro feature. It is associated with Microsoft's higher enterprise Windows editions.
Can I upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro without reinstalling?
Yes. If Windows 10 Home is correctly activated, you can normally enter a valid Pro key through Settings → Update & Security → Activation → Change product key and complete an edition upgrade without a normal clean installation.
Is Windows 10 Pro still supported in 2026?
Normal Microsoft support for Windows 10 Pro ended on 14 October 2025. Eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 devices can receive limited security servicing through applicable Extended Security Updates programmes.
Should I buy Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro in 2026?
If the computer fully supports Windows 11 and there is no specific Windows 10 compatibility requirement, Windows 11 Pro is normally the better long-term choice. Windows 10 Pro is now mainly appropriate for legacy hardware, software or established environments that specifically require Windows 10.
