1 Windows Hello requires specialized biometric hardware, including a fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor, or other biometric sensors. For hardware credential protection and Windows keys Hello requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or greater later version. If the TPM is missing or not configured, credentials and keys will be protected by software.

2 Modern hardware required (InstantGo/AOAC/HSTI compatible). For more information about device encryption, see .

3 TPM key protection requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or later.

4 Windows Information Protection to manage Windows 10 Pro settings requires the Manage mobile devices(MDM) or System Center Configuration Manager. Active Directory makes it easier to manage, but is not required.

5 Windows Information Protection supports Mobile Application Management (MAM) for use with the Home edition only.

6 Requires a tablet or computer that supports the use of a digital pen. The pen can be purchased separately.

7 Performance claims based on Jetstream 1.1 tests using Edge 18 versus Chrome 69 and Firefox 62. For more information on this performance claim, go to .

8 Features and functions may vary on non-Windows devices.

9 Based on time averages; Battery life varies greatly depending on settings, usage patterns and other factors. For more information on this battery life claim, go to .

11 Users need to link their mobile phone to your PC in the settings menu. Users will receive an app from Microsoft that they need to download to their Android phone and then follow the setup instructions, including signing in to account Microsoft in mobile applications and PCs running Windows 10.

12 Users need to link their mobile phone to their PC in the settings menu. Users will receive an app from Microsoft that they can download to their mobile phone and then follow the setup wizard.

14 Not all MDM features are supported on home devices. MDM requires an MDM product such as Microsoft Intune or third-party solutions (sold separately).

15 Separate Azure Active Directory Premium subscription required.

16 Available in select regions. Features and apps may vary by region and device.

17 The timeline displays activity for the last 3-5 days, including phone and tablet activities, if the user uses the same account on all devices Microsoft entry. To view the activity for the last 30 days, the user must select this option in the settings. *Available in select regions. Support may vary by device.

* Based on a comparison of the average time to enter a password and face or fingerprint authentication time. Requires specialized hardware, including a fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor, or other biometric sensors and related devices.

Additional requirements may apply for ongoing updates.

** Sold separately.

*** Office 365 subscription required (sold separately).

Not many people know that in addition to the public package builds of Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 PRO, there are also Educational and Enterprise. It makes sense to consider the main differences between Home and PRO assemblies, since they are aimed at the end consumer, implementation at retail outlets. The potential audience of the latter are exclusively educational institutions and enterprises.

What is the main difference?

The fundamental difference between "Home assembly" is the lack of a choice of update methods. Implementation of the initialization of available updates, their download and subsequent installation is carried out exclusively by means of the Current Branch.


Note! A branch (CB) is a direct update software environment in a common node, already familiar to all PC users, windows update.

Windows 10 PRO, unlike the aforementioned package build, has advanced features updates and, in fact, methods of working in various networks.

Current Branch for Business and PRO Batch Build

The upgrade area of ​​the PRO batch build is more expanded, thereby complementing the software environment with such branches as the Current Branch for Business and the Long Term Servicing Branch. In fact, the business version of the Current Branch is an updated regular (CB), which, in turn, in addition to installing security packages and language packs, emphasizes update priority already installed programs and security systems bordering on a particular business project.

The algorithm for updating installed programs is not limited exclusively to standard and service applications. So, for example, a branch (SVV) can even update a video driver, provided that the video adapter itself is integrated into the processor. This update does not require manual control.

After clean Windows installation the manager will display the standard Microsoft video driver, which will be included in the first update. After the reboot, in the manager, you can see the name of the built-in video and, accordingly, the latest, most recent driver.

Long Term Servicing Branch

The LTSB branch differs from the previous one in a longer maintenance period. Based on this, its integration into future batch Windows builds will take place.

What is the difference between the presence (LTSB) in Win 10 PRO and its absence in the Home version? Within this software environment for receiving and installing updates, the PC owner will be able to independently determine the priority and order of installing updates from Windows Update, as well as set the preferred time frame for the calendar day, week, month. Moreover, the new (LTSB) will allow you to opt out of received updates, as in certain period, and at all. You can refuse, both at the stage of discovering the latter, and after they have been downloaded.

Domain Login: Home and PRO Batch Builds

The need to log into a domain may arise, for example, at work. This feature is implemented only in the PRO assembly. Why this is so remains a mystery. The ability to enter the domain does not entail any "weighting" of the assembly itself, both in size and "appetites" in relation to the installed components.

As the practice of using Windows 10 PRO shows, logging into a domain, even if it is possible, is accompanied by certain problems. One of these is the “falling off” of the Start command, both by pressing it and by the button itself. After leaving the domain, everything returns to its place.

Solution! By performing the following steps on Windows 10 PRO, just before logging into the domain, you can avoid the "rollback" of the above command:

• Activate the Windows Firewall service.
• Disable GPO action.
• Placing a PC in a container where all group policies will be disabled.

The problem with logging into the domain may occur after upgrading to Windows 10, for example, from Windows 7. Under the condition of a clean installation, the problem is practically not traceable.

What else do you need to pay attention to?

Among the not so critical shortcomings that the PRO batch assembly does not have, we can note the absence of:

• BitLocker encryption.
• Remote Desktop.
• Group Policy Management.
• Enterprise Data Protection.

Data encryption technology bitlocker against specific threats, despite its stability and reliability, is regarded as a more effective protection tool for all editions of Windows Server. Windows users 10 Home won't notice much of a difference.

To understand which builds of Windows 10 are better, it is important to trace the history of the project. For the first time, the developer company offered to deliver the operating system as a service, and not as a final product, as it was before.

Initially, Windows 10 is good, it is based on the NT kernel and is a further generation of Windows 8 (a significantly upgraded version of Win 7). However, very little remains of the original foundation, since the "top ten" has undergone significant transformations over the past 2 years (since July 2015). So far, there are 4 main system builds:

• 1507 (no longer up-to-date, no support);
• 1511;
• 1607;

System requirements and reality

Declarative minimum random access memory(RAM) for Windows 10 is 1 GB, and the processor clock speed is only 1 GHz. However, put such an operating system on such a configuration - and it will be a mistake. In the best case, it will work at the most basic level (run the player and calculator), and even then with a big slowdown.

Practice has shown that on old laptops with single-core Celeron processors that supported Vista, it is better to install Windows 7, but not the "top ten".

On such devices, even with a sufficient amount of 2-4 GB of RAM, comfortable work will simply be impossible.

If you look at the differences between individual versions, you will notice that each new build of Windows 10 is more stable, providing convenience to the user. So, since 1607 standard applications and EDGE browser extensions from the store can be installed and updated on a local account. In addition, a version of the Skype video conferencing program is available, embedded directly into the OS, without the need to install the standard "desktop" version. The developers even managed to reduce the amount of advertising to zero and modernize the external interface.

User likes

For most users, 1607 is the best build of Windows 10, it has a lot of useful features, including professional developers, including even the presence of a built-in console like on Linux systems.

From under Windows it is possible to work in Linux.

If we talk about Windows 10 x64 bit, in terms of the “gaming” system, then on Steam it gained more than 50%, and growth continues. In absolute terms, the "ten" is in second place and is installed on 35% of all computers in the world (50% for Windows 7). And here it is easy to assume that success was also achieved thanks to the first ever Microsoft program of external testers (in exchange for providing a license, they test the operating system and office suites).

However, they are often unstable, although in some cases they can work even better than any “release”, stable build of the latest “OS”. In any case, the testing branch is only for those who use the computer for games and web surfing and do not use it in professional activity. For the latter, a corporate or even home "release" version of Windows 10 is better and more reliable.

Why users disable updates

In the vast majority of cases, Windows 10 users noticed an unpleasant feature of the new system - a large number of background processes (there are much more of them than the "seven" once had). Naturally, this factor affects the performance of the system.

For this reason, older hardware is slower on this OS, as opposed to 8.1 or 7 versions of "windows".

But the biggest “eater” of resources is the system for automatically downloading and installing system and application updates from the Store. As a result, even the most stable, best builds of Windows 10 hang a mid-range PC during the automatic “upgrade” process. However, it should be understood that in any case it is better to use "official builds", as they are optimized and allow you to work at a more or less acceptable level. Whereas pirated versions modified by unknown persons can pose a potential danger to owners computer technology on which the software will be installed. For this reason, it is not recommended to use an assembly of unknown origin, even for informational purposes.

Is it possible to improve the work of the new OS on older devices

To improve performance and overall comfort in using a PC, there are several ways to make your computer easier to work with:

• hardware optimization;
• software optimization.

The first allows you to change the device configuration components (add RAM, install best processor, replace the drive). The process is expensive, but yields significant results. Software optimization is any lightweight version of a standard OS (that is, disabling some processes and services that do not affect correct work systems). Most often, users refuse telemetry and metro applications (universal applications of the Win 10 platform). You will have to edit group policies, change registry settings, disable some components, but such optimization can reduce the load on computing power weak computer.

In this case, the build number of Windows 10 does not matter, any system can be configured.

That's just not always more "old" methods are effective in new products. Therefore, enthusiasts are constantly testing builds and checking for the use of certain methods.

Which build is better

Some believe that any latest build of the "tens", especially in the test phase, simply has to be better than its predecessors. But practice shows that this is far from the case. The first "removal" versions worked especially poorly, and only from 1511 stability and high-quality operation of the OS began. On the "fast update ring", the testers noticed that each newest build has its own problems. But all of them are slowly starting to work better than 2 years ago. Their shortcomings do not cause critical bugs and by and large bring only new, more advanced features.

To say that the "test" version of the "dozens" is lighter than Windows 7 is stupid. It wins in speed and takes up less space on the drive (especially critical for SSD drives). In addition, gamers have already found out that a dozen is not only working, but also gaming system. In the latest version 1703, the system can switch to a special "game mode", which will direct all system resources to game process. Thus, on new computers in games, you can get the maximum performance that is not available on other operating systems.

Choice torment

When the question is decided which Windows the user will have on the PC, there is no particular choice. The absolute hit of WinXP is no longer relevant, Vista compromised itself during the presentation and the first years of operation, Windows 7 has only 3 years of extended support left. Windows 8 OS is generally devoid of "updates", only the Win 8.1 update receives them. Yes, plus there are 4 dozen more assemblies, of which the very first one is also no longer supported. As a result, what to put is not clear, but it is clear that something new is better.

Win 10 is usually chosen for its novelty, relevance and security (much higher than older versions). But with the freezes of a weak PC, they fight very simply: they turn off part of the metro applications and spy modules. And you can do it yourself with good detailed instructions.

For the lazy, used to doing everything with a few clicks, there is a DWS application.

It can be used to disable automatic update and remove all metro apps. In this way we optimize latest system for work on old technology. Less stress on the system, more headroom for what you need, plus less heat build-up on components, which increases their lifespan.

New versions are better

Even despite some problems for users with the Windows 10 Creators Update, this version has become truly revolutionary. In it, the developers were able to reduce the amount of telemetry and service packs. As a result, now the official "updates" from Microsoft do not take up packages of 500-700 MB, but have become 3 times smaller. In addition, the system received an even more powerful full-time antivirus capable of treating and eliminating any threats. Everyone who installed this version was satisfied. The system works smoothly, quickly, has useful built-in services and excellent appearance, highly customizable from the menu (it has become more solid, in the same style, unlike earlier builds).

In addition, the already installed Win 10 has a feature: it can delay updates and allows you to choose a source (for everyone or a verified, corporate one). This is more convenient and promises even greater system stability. And all Latest updates will allow the system to be maximally protected from any threats from cyber-intruders.

Experts admit that with a regular antivirus, the system is more protected than any outdated version of windows armed with a paid "top" antivirus.

For comfortable PC operation in modern realities, you need to use at least 4 GB of RAM (preferably 16 or 32), and also have a processor with at least 4 cores. Any budget, stripped-down configuration with a slow hard drive and 2 GB of RAM is doomed to slow work. Especially if the processor of the lower price segment.

During the crisis of 2015 with a sharp collapse of the ruble, users bought weak new devices and got a lot of headaches. A striking example is the Lenovo G50–30 and similar models. It is simply impossible to work on them, and even drivers exist only for 64-bit OS (Win 7, 8.1). As a result, users can only dream of quickly surfing the Internet. Many hoped for Win 10 (there is support for a laptop on a 32-bit version), but the hopes did not materialize. Even the "light" x86 version is stupid. For these users best solution will use build 1703 (Creators Update).

There you can remove all standard applications and slow down the receipt of updates.

Plus, you don’t need a third-party antivirus, which laptop squeezes all the juice. On the EDGE browser (included), the load on the device is even lower when surfing, so you can comfortably use it.

When the choice is small

If there is a weak set-top box for a TV or a netbook that is 8 years old, it is better to choose an easier system, at least Win 10 32-bit. But it should be remembered that the system will work on such devices somehow only on solid-state drives (like eMMC). The latest version of the OS has many utilities to reduce disk space (so you don't have to worry about filling it up quickly).

It is important to remember that any optimization options have finite possibilities. It is impossible to endlessly disable services and functions of the operating system, no matter how "unnecessary" they may seem, their exclusion from the process makes the computer vulnerable, weak, unstable.

Therefore, before delving into the settings, it is worth studying in detail the issue of optimizing Win 10.

Sometimes it's easier to put on the device the system that the Win XP or Vista manufacturers have chosen, if necessary, than to “force” the device with something that it was not designed for. Such actions can lead to a breakdown of the device (the south or north bridge will “float” due to overheating). motherboard).

Each version of Windows exists in several editions (releases). The older versions produced in the 90s had significantly fewer of them. The evolution of the operating system, the adaptation of Microsoft to the modern market, as well as other circumstances led to the emergence of new varieties of Windows. latest version 10 is the leader in their number. There are a huge number of its distributions - both functional editions and assemblies that fix one or another state of the system. Below we will try to understand them.

Before proceeding to a review of distributions specifically "Dozens", I propose to first look at the original structure of Windows varieties. So let's understand the grandeur of the scope of the main Microsoft product.

Windows families

The dominant criterion for dividing Windows is families. The main families are:

• Windows NT is a line of desktop (for PCs, laptops and tablets) and a line of server systems, starting with Windows NT 3.1 and ending with Windows 10 (and, accordingly, its server counterpart Windows Server 2016). Desktop NTs are the ones that are used everywhere;
• Windows Embedded - a type of system for terminals, ATMs, other machines and various equipment;
• Windows 10 IoT is the operating system that replaced Embedded for production devices, but with a large list of their support. These devices include automation systems Smart House»;
• Windows Mobile, also known as an earlier release of Windows Phone, is a platform for mobile devices.

Each family can have its own lines (as in the case of NT), its own versions, its own editions, its own sub-editions, etc. The “Ten” has even more divisions. If we download its installation ISO image not using official utility from , but, for example, through the program, in the selection list we will see a lot of possible distributions.

In the case of the Ten, we have not only a stable branch of the operating system, but also a branch within the project - a program for testing operating system innovations. Plus, since Microsoft announced that at least in the near future there will be no new versions of the system, and the company is going to work on improving the "Ten" in parallel with its use by the masses, as a result of this work, today we have a lot of assemblies and versions of version 10 itself We will return to all these varieties, but for now we will consider what editions of the system exist.

Editions of Windows 10

Editions are the fourth division of Windows NT. There are two lines in the family, the lines have their own versions, and each of the versions has its own editions. Editions are provided primarily for the convenience of Microsoft itself, as it is more profitable for it to trade licensed copies of the operating system. The basis of trading is the Pro edition, it is already dancing in one direction or another. By cutting some functionality, the company reduces the license fee for using the operating system, thus making it affordable for a larger number of people. And by offering additional features in editions for certain market segments, the company manages to trade the same thing, but according to the principle "For the poor, the price is a ruble, for the rich - two."

In terms of cutting opportunities, by the way, the company should be given credit. Unlike processor manufacturers who push models for "bottom" laptops to the market, knowing that such processors are unsuitable for use in modern conditions, Microsoft knows the measure and does not go too far. Basic edition Home any of Windows versions capable of fully meeting the needs of the consumer.

So, what are the editions of Windows 10?

Home (Home) - a basic set of "Dozens" features with stripped-down features of the Pro edition, such as: group policy, BitLocker, Hyper-V, tools remote connection, connect to Azure AD, etc. Home is also limited in its ability to defer system updates for a certain amount of time, as can be done in the editions above. This is a budget option for legitimate use of the system, but not the cheapest.

Home Single Language

Home-derived sub-edition of Home Single Language (Home for one language) is limited using Windows only within one system language. She has the cheapest license key.

Pro (Professional) - edition with an optimal selection of functionality for advanced users.

Pro for Workstations(Professional for workstations) - advanced sub-edition for powerful computers, in particular, for server hardware. Appeared quite recently, along with the autumn major update. Her key feature is the improved reliability of data storage, in particular, work with file system.

Enterprise

Enterprise (Corporate) - edition for organizations, providing on top of the capabilities of Pro enhanced security technologies and functionality designed for professional systems engineers. The "Corporate" has a cut down functionality and a long-term delay in the delivery of updates for enterprises and services that need a stable environment for the operation of technology. Microsoft is not selling Enterprise ordinary users, only legal entities by subscription. The company says it's not possible for individuals to buy this edition, but you can buy a license for Enterprise online all the time. And, of course, not all points of sale of digital keys will require us to confirm our involvement in the business sector.

Education

Education (Educational) is, in fact, the same edition of Enterprise, only with the missing Cortana and the impossibility of switching to LTSB. The main difference between Education is its focus on the market of educational institutions and, in this regard, distribution at a price several times lower than Enterprise. Universities, vocational schools, libraries, museums, charitable organizations, teaching staff of educational institutions and students themselves can purchase the editorial office, if they are not part-time students. A condition of purchasing an edition is Microsoft's right to require documentary evidence of the respective status of the purchaser.

Windows N is not a separate edition, not even a sub-edition, it's a variation of Home and Pro without Windows Media Player and some other components. A stripped-down assembly of Microsoft was forced to create in 2004 in accordance with the requirement of the European Commission, which became the protection of the interests of third-party European developers that released their multimedia products.

Windows KN has also appeared forcibly. A couple of years after the European precedent, the South Korean Trade Commission issued a decision against Microsoft, satisfying the claim of the developer Daum Communications and obliging the software giant to release an assembly of the operating system to the South Korean market without a regular player and Instant Messenger (messenger on board Windows XP).

In Windows 10, N and KN builds do not come preinstalled with Windows applications media player, Groove Music, Movies & TV, Voice Recording, and Skype. Also, the system synchronization functions, webcam, Cortana, opening PDF files in Microsoft Edge and other things. Windows 10 N and KN are intended for Europe and South Korea, respectively, the territorial jurisdictions of the bodies that ruled against Microsoft. And since the existence of these assemblies is mandatory, naturally, the company does not disseminate information about them unnecessarily.

Windows 10 builds and versions

If we open the properties of "Tens", in the characteristics column we will see a mark about its version and build.

The build number reflects information about a particular set of Windows 10 features and changes frequently as updates are deployed to the stable branch after they have been "run in" within Windows programs insider. Version numbers of "Tens" change less frequently, their change is timed to coincide with a series of updates. Ordinal numbers versions are not sequential, they contain information about the date and month of release. In addition to numbers, versions have names - technical (for Microsoft developers and insiders) and marketing (simple concepts for ordinary users). There are several versions of Windows 10:

• 1507, Threshold 1, abbreviated as TH1 - the first cumulative update of the Ten, released in July 2015;
• 1511, Threshold 2, abbreviated as TH2, simply November Update - the second cumulative update, released in November 2015;
• 1607, Redstone 1, abbreviated to RS1, in a simple way Anniversary Update is the third cumulative update, released in July 2016.
• 1703, Redstone 2, abbreviated as RS2, in a simple way Creators Update - the fourth cumulative update, released in March 2017;
• 1709, Redstone 3, abbreviated to RS3, in a simple way Fall Creators Update - the fifth cumulative update, released in October 2017;
• 1803, Redstone 4, abbreviated RS4 - scheduled, as we see by the number, for March next year, a cumulative update, which in this moment is under development. Some of the upcoming functional improvements to the system can already be tested as part of the Windows Insider program.

That's how many tentacles a giant octopus called Windows 10 has.

The Windows operating system is the most popular in the world. It works on 90% of devices that are owned by housewives, office workers, large companies, schools, IT professionals and developers. Each category of users uses the computer in its own way. Some people need a web browser and an Office suite, others need more fine tuning systems, and some simply need powerful defense mechanisms. In this regard, several editions of Windows have arisen, differing in different functionality, license price and purpose. In this article, we will analyze how they differ, and also explain what certain terms that you may encounter on the Internet mean.

What are the editions of Windows 10

There are only 6 main editions of desktop Windows 10:

• Home Single Language (Home SL)- Home for one language.
• Home- Homemade.
• Pro- Professional.
• Enterprise- Corporate.
• Education- For educational institutions.
• S- publication for students and educational institutions.
• Lean- not yet officially released, but only a development edition for tablets with 16 GB internal memory. Information on it will appear later.

Of course, there are other highly specialized editions. For example, the working conditions for IT companies in China are slightly different than in another world, so Microsoft created special version Windows 10 - Windows 10 China. However, an ordinary user from a CIS country is unlikely to encounter this, so we will not analyze such systems.

Note that Windows 10 Mobile is often included in the lists of editions of Windows 10, which is available in two versions:

• Windows 10 Mobile.
• Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise.

In fact, Windows 10 for smartphones is a separate operating system so we won't talk about it here either.

What is the difference between different editions of Windows 10

There are quite a few differences between the editions, but not everyone can understand them. We will look at the available editions according to a couple of criteria that can influence your choice of a particular Windows 10.

Where to buy a license for Windows 10, and how much does it cost

In this section, we will consider the possibility of purchasing a license for a particular edition of the system from the point of view of an ordinary user.

• Home SL: this edition is the cheapest, but a regular user cannot buy a license for it. Microsoft licenses Windows 10 Home SL only to manufacturing companies that can preinstall it on tablets or laptops.
• Home: The world's most widely used version of Windows 10. It can be licensed by anyone in the Microsoft Store or Microsoft partner stores. The price in the USA is $120, but in other regions it may differ due to the difference in exchange rates. The Russian Microsoft Store offers to buy Windows 10 Home for 8699 rubles.
• Pro: A more expensive edition designed for IT professionals, developers and small organizations. Also available to every user. The original price is $200, but the Russian Microsoft Store sells Windows 10 Pro for 15299 rubles. We also note that a paid upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro is possible - just type a request for this Windows 10 Pro in the Windows Store.
• Enterprise: edition created especially for corporate clients. The license for it can be acquired only by legal entities.
• Education: edition for educational institutions. The subtleties of its licensing are quite complicated, but the main thing is that it is also not available to the average user.
• S: This edition is also aimed at educational institutions and is not available to general users. However, it can be pre-installed on laptops and tablets (in particular, Surface Laptop). In this case, the user will be able to upgrade to the Pro edition for $49.99.

Which editions can disable Windows 10 updates

Windows 10 users often complain about automatic system updates. Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs security updates, bug fixes, and new driver versions. Many want because possible problems in the latest builds of the system and drivers. Let's figure out how you can influence this process in various editions of Windows 10.

• Home SL: no way. You won't be able to do anything with updates. The system will automatically download updates and install them within 7 days.
• Home: similar to Home SL, there are no ways to manage the update center.
• Pro: in this edition you will be able to disable driver updates, defer any updates for 35 days, limit automatic download updates, as well as switch to the corporate update branch - Current Branch For Business (instead of the standard Current Branch). New builds of Windows 10 get into the business branch only after thorough testing by Microsoft and ordinary users, so the likelihood of errors in them is minimal.
• Enterprise: In addition to the features of the Pro edition, you get the option to switch to the LTSB (Long Term Servicing Branch). Here updates come from long delays, and large updates - with huge ones. All for the sake of stability.
• Education: here everything is similar to the Pro edition.
• S: The update settings in Windows 10 S are also completely similar to the Pro edition.

What features differ in Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and other editions

Let's take a look at other functional differences between Windows 10 editions.

• Home SL: This edition is the most limited. You get only the basic features of Windows 10. A rather unpleasant aspect is the lack of an official ability to change the system language. However, it's still possible.
• Home: the functionality of this edition is absolutely similar to Home SL, except for changing the main language of the system: in Home it is possible without problems.
• Pro: Compared to Windows 10 Home, you get quite a lot additional features. Note editor availability group policies, which allows for flexible system configuration, built-in mechanism bitlocker encryption, the possibility of activation and . There are also some corporate features available that the average user will not need.
• Enterprise: the most functional edition. In addition to Windows features 10 Pro has powerful security mechanisms (although you need to learn how to use them), Direct Access functions, Windows-To-Go (the ability to create a Windows 10 flash drive that can be used on different computers), BranchCache and more.
• Education: Same functionality as the Enterprise edition.
• S: main feature This edition is to block the installation of classic programs. You will only be able to download apps from the Windows Store. In addition, the ability to change the standard browser (Microsoft Edge) and search engine(Yandex in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey, Bing in the USA and Europe). All other functionality is similar to the Pro edition, with the exception of a few branded chips created specifically for educational institutions.

How to download ISO images of Windows 10 Home SL, Home, Pro and Enterprise

We have already told how from the official Microsoft website. Let's figure out which sites indicated in the corresponding article can be used to download specific editions.

Official site

On this site, any user can easily download ISO Windows 10 Home SL, Home and Pro. To download the desired edition, select the following image:

• Home SL: Windows 10 single language.
• Home / Pro: Windows 10. You can choose a specific edition when installing the system from this image.

Website TechBench by WZT

On a resource created by amateurs, you can freely download images of Windows 10 Home SL, Home / Pro, as well as Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education. Instructions for this are not needed: everything is pretty obvious.

Third Party Resources

If you are using other image sources, look at the ISO name or description. Usually, its author specifies built-in editions.

What do the letters N, KN and LTSB stand for in the name of the image

Even on the official Microsoft website, you can see images of Windows 10 N or Windows 10 KN. Also on various resources there are Windows 10 LTSB. Let's explain what these letters mean.

What is Windows 10N

Postfix N denotes a different set of programs built into the system, in particular, the absence Windows components media player. This subspecies of editions was created after Microsoft's litigation in the European Union.

Microsoft provides regular users with images of Windows 10 Home N and Pro N. People from most of the CIS countries need only know that Windows 10 N is not available in Russian or Ukrainian, so its use in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine or Kazakhstan does not make sense. If you still saw the N-image in Russian on some third-party resources, then know that this language is integrated into the image by its author, which may cause problems later.

What is Windows 10 KN

KN editions are similar to N with the only difference: if N images are created for EU countries, then KN images are available only for Korea and only in Korean.

What is Windows 10 LTSB

We already mentioned the term LTSB above as one of the update center options in Windows 10 Enterprise. Windows images 10 LTSB are for corporate users only. Their main features are as follows:

• The absence of any built-in metro programs, including the Windows Store and Microsoft Edge.
• Updater is set to the LTSB branch by default.

If you don't want to deal with the lack of metro programs, then you definitely shouldn't use these images. If you want the cleanest possible Windows 10, then you won't find a better option. Just keep in mind that licenses for this version of Windows are sold only to legal entities, and you will have to do something with activation.

What does OEM, Box, Retail, FPP and VL mean?

While downloading images online or simply discussing them with someone, you may come across terms like OEM, Box or Retail. They are usually used in the context of editions of Windows 10, and many consider them to be some kind of separate editions. In fact, all these names are not related to the editions of Windows 10 and, accordingly, to the functionality of the system, but denote Windows license distribution channel. Let's analyze this moment in more detail.

What is an OEM license

OEM license- a license for Windows, which is tied to the motherboard of the device. An ordinary user cannot purchase such a license; it is available only to PC manufacturers at fairly low prices (usually $10-20, depending on the edition of Windows).

The catch with the OEM license is that, according to the license agreement, it cannot be transferred to other devices.

What is a Retail-, Box- or FPP-license

Retail license- a license for Windows, which is not attached to anything and is subject to transfer to other devices. Regular users who purchase Windows 10 Home or Pro receive this type of license.

Since such licenses are most often sold in boxes (with a disk or flash drive), the name is also common. Box (box license) or FPP (Full Packaged Product). Note that in the context of licensing Windows 10, the concepts Retail, box and FPP mean the same thing.

What is a VL license

If we consider licenses for Windows 10, then VL denotes a volume license that is not available to general users: it is intended only for large corporate customers. Its feature is the ability to activate several hundred systems at once with the same license key.

What is a Not For Resale license

If you have come across a similar term somewhere (although it is quite difficult to meet it by chance), then know that Not For Sale means literally Not for resale.

Is the functionality of Windows 10 OEM and Retail different?

No, it's not different. Functionality and Windows setup 10 OEM or Windows 10 Retail does not depend in any way on the distribution channel for its license.

What is RTM, Final, RC and Insider

In addition to the abbreviations for Windows 10 license distribution channels, you may come across the terms RTM, Final, RC, and others. As in the case of OEM/Retail, they are not related to editions of Windows 10 in any way, but indicate system version. Let's give a decoding of the main notation.

What is RTM, Final or Gold

RTM (Release To Manufacturing, release) - the final version of the system, which is released as official. The words Final or Gold in this context mean the same thing.

What is RC or Insider

RC(Release Candidate) - a beta version of the system, which may contain flaws and bugs. This abbreviation was used for Windows 7 and Windows 8. Starting with Windows 10, the designation is used insider or insider preview. Insider builds are quite often unstable, so don't install them unless absolutely necessary.

What is TH1, TH2, RS1, RS2 or RS3

Terms like this represent the codename of a version of Windows 10. We will provide information about all versions of Windows 10 known to date, including codenames, version numbers, and build numbers.

• TH1 (Threshold 1)- version 1507 - assembly 10240 . Released in July 2015 as the original version of Windows 10 ( IR). Status - RTM.
• TH2 (Threshold 2)- version 1511 - assembly 10586 . Released in November 2015 as November Update N.U.). Status - RTM.
• RS1 (Redstone 1)- version 1607 - assembly 14393 . Released in July 2016 as Anniversary Update AU). Status - RTM.
• RS2 (Redstone 2)- version 1703 - assembly 15063 . Released in March 2017 under the name Creators Update (updates for designers CU). Status - RTM.
• RS3 (Redstone 3)- version 1709 - assembly 16299 . Released in October 2017 as the Fall Creators Update FCU). Status - RTM.
• RS4 (Redstone 4)- version 1803 - assembly 17134 . Released in May 2018 as April 2018 Update. Status - RTM.
• RS5 (Redstone 5)- version 1809 - assemblies 17xxx. Currently under active development, the update is expected to be released in September-October 2018. Status - insider.

Now you know exactly how Windows 10 Home and Pro differ, and you also know how to distinguish the Windows 10 edition from the license distribution channel or system version.