Choosing an operating system is one of the most important decisions when building or modernizing an enterprise IT infrastructure. Microsoft operating systems, particularly Windows, are among the most popular and widely used in the enterprise. In this article, I'll look at the major versions of Windows for business, their features, costs, and optimal usage scenarios.

The main versions of Windows for business:

- Windows 11 Home / Windows 10 Home: Although not recommended for business use, some small businesses still use this version because of its low cost.
- Windows 11 Pro / Windows 10 Pro: Designed for small and medium businesses. Includes advanced security and management features.
- Windows 11 Enterprise / Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021: Ideal for large organizations with high security and management requirements.
- Windows Server: This is an operating system for servers and is offered in several flavors, including Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials.

Features:

Windows 11 Home / Windows 10 Home

- Features that are essential for home users
- Does not have enterprise-level management and security features

Windows 11 Pro / Windows 10 Pro

- BitLocker for data encryption
- Domain logon support
- Hyper-V support for virtualization
- Advanced Management and Security Features

Windows 11 Enterprise / Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021

- All features of the Pro version
- Advanced security features (Credential Guard, Device Guard)
- Full support for enterprise level management
- LTSB/LTSC option (long-term versions)

Windows Server

- Specialized network and data management features
- Options with advanced virtualization and storage support

Cost:

- Windows 11 Home: 9.65 €

- Windows 11 Pro: 9.7 €

- Windows 11 Enterprise: 10.7 €

- Windows 10 Home: 8.2 €

- Windows 10 Pro: 8.25 €

- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021: 13.25 €

- Windows Server: Cost varies by version, see our catalog for details.

Recommendations:

- Small Business: For small businesses with limited budgets, Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro is a good fit, depending on your hardware. (Check to see if your PC supports Windows 11, and see our previous post for instructions on how to check.)

- Medium and large businesses: For organizations where security and management are important, Windows 11 Enterprise or Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is recommended.

- Organizations with server-based solutions: For network management and storage, one of the latest versions of Windows Server, such as Windows Server 2022, is optimal.

Still have questions about which version of Windows is right for your business? Contact our 24/7 technical support team!