When we install a new PC that meets the requirements of Windows 11, it is possible that by searching for the corresponding license, we will find several types of license available. What if Windows 11 Home, what if Pro, what if SE... From the names we can intuit that they are licenses with certain differences designed to use Windows 11 in different spaces, the cheapest being those for education and the most expensive for companies, with Some limitations by means.
What is special about each type of Windows 11 license and what are the differences between them? Here we explain it to you.
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Windows 11 Home
This is the version intended for homes, with connectivity features and services dedicated to the domestic user. It has all the basics you might think of in Windows, but without extra features or security software unrelated to what a home user needs.
Windows 11 Pro
This version, in addition to having the same as Home, includes specific options for professionals, home offices and SMEs. It allows joining several different computers to the same work domain, to have the support of group policy management and make use of Bitlocker technology or Remote Desktop, so as not to have to use applications such as TeamViewer. Since it is used for users who need more security when handling sensitive data, Windows 11 Pro has more regular security updates.
Windows 11 Pro Workstation
This version is even more advanced than the normal Pro, designed for Sysadmins and people who work in data centers and servers. This version integrates a file system called Resilient File System, to handle large volumes of data; together with persistent memory support (NVFIMM-N modules), a better transfer rate in shared folders with SMB Direct, and support for much more specialized configurations.
Educations
This model of Windows 11 is made for educational staff, in terms of teachers, not for students as end users. They are based on Windows 11 Enterprise, and that is why they have features like AppLocker, Device Guard, and DirectAccess to maintain some security.
Windows 11 Pro Education
This variant differs from the Education version in that allows installation on multiple PCs in an academic educational environment while maintaining common preferences. This is done through its “Setup School PCs” application using a USB.
Does not include voice assistant Cortana, neither Windows application store nor Windows Spotlight, because it is designed for computers in schools in their computer rooms, so can run on very low cost computers and they can prevent students from installing games like Minecraft.
11 Windows Enterprise
You may think that for a large company, Windows 11 Pro is worth it, but the Windows Enterprise range is made for these large groups. It has been designed for large companies by offering them greater benefits, especially security. Enterprise can only be accessed through the Volume Licensing program, so that a large number of licenses are sold, since it is designed to be part of the computer fleet of an environment full of interconnected computers.
One of its unique features is DirectAccess, which allows remote users to access the internal network through a system similar to a VPN, without being essentially a VPN. Another feature is AppLocker, which allows you to restrict the use of certain applications in the system, such as the blocking of the Microsoft store, games or other programs that are not necessary to carry out the activity.
What is different about the Enterprise Multi Session version?
This version allows users remote access to desktops and applications without relying on Windows Server. Designed for a group with a small number of users. Those using the regular version of Windows Enterprise still have the option of running a single virtual Windows desktop.
What is Windows Enterprise IoT?
IoT stands for Internet of Things, the internet connectivity that is given to numerous items that normally do not have an online connection, such as household appliances. This version of Pro IoT is made for solutions in the Internet of Things, with IoT Core, IoT Enterprise, and IoT Mobile Enterprise sub-editions.
Windows SE
This Special Edition of Windows 11 is designed for computers that are considered old. It is intended to remove many heavy functionalities, but be able to be used in offices, education and home environments since it allows access to Google cloud services and applications based on UWP and Win 22.
What are Windows Single Language Versions?
They are versions that, as their name indicates, only have a single language available and it is not possible to change it or install a new one. make them be noticeably lighter versions of Windows since they don't have to load dozens of languages.
In addition, they are ideal for computers for public use in public areas and that do not want people to change the language to one that is not the one that is already installed, such as in a library that wants its computers to always be in Spanish and does not want that tourists change the English, French or German language and thus make it difficult for other users to use. It also serves to make the operating system weigh less, since you only have to save the texts and messages of a single language.
Does anything happen if I use Windows without a license?
Most likely nothing will actually happen. Microsoft does not send inspectors to companies to verify that they are using the Windows license on all workstation computers. But have an up-to-date license allows them to access new software updates and security.
If you do not have a Windows license, you will lose the personalization option and you will not be able to change the operating system theme, wallpaper, cursor, fonts, or anything else that is tied to personalization. You also won't be able to use Microsoft services like the settings sync feature between devices, such as access to OneDrive. And you'll also constantly have a huge visual reminder to activate the license that is overlaid on top of all the apps, so if you take a screenshot with it, people will know that you have Windows hacked, or that you've let the license pass.
If you need to get a Windows 11 license based on the differences in needs that the different versions cover, one possibility is to buy it directly from Microsoft. But these are usually much more expensive than the ones that sell key shops, which do is sell keys for OEM manufacturers who have ordered in bulk and that would normally go to pre-assembled computers by brands like MSI, Acer or ASUS. It is not an illegal practice, and it can save you a lot of money and headaches when it comes to activating Windows 11 on your PC.
