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Windows 10 & 11 Features and Editions

Jun 11, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the key features, versions, and differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 for the CompTIA Core 2 exam, emphasizing their similarities, upgrade paths, and edition-specific functionalities.

Windows 10 Overview

  • Windows 10 was designed as a unified platform for multiple device types.
  • Over 15 versions of Windows 10 were released, with the last in November 2021 (version 21H2).
  • Official support for Windows 10 Home and Pro ends on October 14, 2025, but it may still be used after this date.

Windows 10 Editions and Features

  • Windows 10 Home is for home users, integrates with Microsoft accounts, OneDrive backup, Windows Defender, and Microsoft Cortana.
  • Windows 10 Pro targets businesses with features like Remote Desktop host, BitLocker full disk encryption, and domain joining.
  • Windows 10 Pro for Workstations supports up to 4 CPUs, 6 TB RAM, and uses Resilient File System (ReFS).
  • Windows 10 Enterprise includes volume licensing, App Locker, Branch Cache, and granular user experience control.

Windows 10 Edition Comparison

  • Home: No domain access, BitLocker, or Group Policy; Remote Desktop client only; max 128 GB RAM (4 GB for 32-bit).
  • Pro, Pro for Workstations, Enterprise: Domain access, BitLocker, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy; Pro max 2 TB RAM, others 6 TB.

Windows 11 Overview

  • Released October 2021; does not support 32-bit CPUs.
  • Features include a redesigned UI, new Start menu, integrated Teams, Snap layouts, enhanced touch support, and Windows Copilot AI.

Windows 11 Editions and Features

  • Home: Consumer-focused, Microsoft/local account, device encryption, no domain access, or Group Policy, max 128 GB RAM.
  • Pro: Business use, integrates with Active Directory, BitLocker, Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop host.
  • Enterprise: Volume licensing, MDM/MAM for management, ReFS support, up to 6 TB RAM.

Windows 11 Edition Comparison

  • Home: No domain access, BitLocker, or Group Policy; Remote Desktop client only.
  • Pro/Enterprise: Domain access, BitLocker, Group Policy, Remote Desktop host; Pro max 2 TB RAM, Enterprise 6 TB.

Windows N Edition

  • Windows N editions lack built-in multimedia features, including Windows Media Player.
  • Multimedia functions can be added via the Media Feature Pack in optional features.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • BitLocker — Full disk encryption feature available in Pro and higher editions.
  • Group Policy — Administrative tool for managing system settings across computers in a domain.
  • Resilient File System (ReFS) — Advanced file system designed for reliability, used in high-end and enterprise editions.
  • Remote Desktop — Allows remote control of a computer; only Pro and higher editions can act as hosts.
  • Device Encryption — Simplified encryption in Windows Home editions, recovery info stored in Microsoft account.
  • MDM/MAM — Mobile Device/Application Management for centralized enterprise control.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review CompTIA objectives for Windows 10 and 11 features and edition-specific functionalities.
  • Compare edition features for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • Practice identifying which Windows edition is suitable for different business or consumer scenarios.

Full transcript