Windows Versions and Editions Compared
Windows 7 through Windows 11, plus the Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, Enterprise and Education editions, at a glance.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
Windows versions compared
Not every old Windows version still gets security updates, an important difference.
| Windows 7 | Windows 8.1 | Windows 10 | Windows 11 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | 2009 | 2013 | 2015 | 2021 |
| Support status | Ended in 2020 | Ended in 2023 | Ended in October 2025 | Currently supported |
| Security today | No more updates, not safe to use anymore | No more updates, not safe to use anymore | No more updates, upgrading is strongly recommended | Still receives security updates |
| Biggest change | Significantly reworked interface compared to Vista | Return of the Start menu in a modified form | Windows moves to an ongoing service model instead of fixed versions | New design, tighter integration with Microsoft accounts and AI features |
If you're still running Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, upgrading to Windows 11 makes sense. Without security updates, known vulnerabilities never get patched, and the risk keeps growing with every month without updates.
Windows 11 editions compared
All editions are based on the same Windows 11, but differ in target audience and included features.
| Home | Pro | Pro for Workstations | Enterprise | Education | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meant for | Home users | Freelancers, small businesses | Users with very powerful hardware | Large organizations | Schools and universities |
| How to get it | Retail, preinstalled | Retail, preinstalled | Retail, preinstalled | Volume licensing only | Licensed through educational institutions |
| BitLocker drive encryption | No, only limited device encryption | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Desktop as a server | No, client only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Domain join and group policy | No | Yes | Yes | Yes, extended | Yes, extended |
| Hyper-V virtualization | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distinguishing feature | Pure end user version | Solid choice for office use | Supports more RAM and processors, ReFS file system | Extra security and management features for IT departments | Like Enterprise, but licensed more affordably for education |
For most home users, Windows 11 Home is completely sufficient. Pro only pays off once you actually need features like BitLocker, Hyper-V, or Remote Desktop as a server, for example for your own small server projects or virtualization.