Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows 10 Pro - what do I need?

A lot has happened in the past few years since Microsoft revolutionised the computer market in 1985 with the Windows 1.0 operating system. Numerous versions followed, some of which were very successful, while others were rather displeasing to users. After Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows XP and Windows 8.1, the Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro operating system is now the measure of all things . However, it is available in different versions. We explain here which one you really need.

Should you upgrade to Windows 10 Pro now?

If not now, when? could be the counter question. For really old Windows operating systems, there have been no new programmes for what feels like an eternity, and certainly no support or updates. For Windows 7 (since 2009), which is still installed on around 23% of all computers, support will end in January 2020 Support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 (since 2012/2013) is also coming to an end. Here, even the already extended support will expire in January 2023 A Windows 8 Update can make sense, however, if the operating system has sufficient capacity (64 bit, at least 4 gigabytes of RAM). The same applies to a Windows 7 update. Even if there was a recent – unannounced – update, it makes sense to switch to one new Windows 7 Update the switch to one of the current operating systems such as Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro makes sense in any case. And do it now!

Which operating system is installed on the PC?

To find out which version of the Windows operating system is currently installed on your computer, 3 simple steps are allyou need:

  1. After clicking on the Windows symbol (Start), enter „Control Panel“ and press Enter
  2. Navigate to „System„, here you will find out the speed of the operating system (32 or 64 bit)
  3. Under „Windows Edition“ you will find the exact version of the installed Windows operating system.

Who needs Windows 10 Pro and for whom is Home sufficient?

Not every PC user needs to install the nearly 230 euro Windows 10 Pro or the other versions of this operating system on his computer. It depends on how the computer is used. Windows 10 Home is best suited for purely private applications.With the new voice assistant Cortana, Windows Hello for logging in via camera and an individual adaptation of the start menu to one’s own needs, it contains all the essential functions. If you also install the free Classic Shell tool, you can even optically return to the Windows 7 user interface. Windows Defender protects against hacker attacks and malware. Windows 10 Pro uses all the functions of Windows 10 Home. On the other hand, features are built in that also satisfy small businesses and advanced users. With Remote Desktop, for example, it is possible to access one’s own computer from another PC The BitLocker programmeencrypts the contents of the hard disk and thus protects it from unauthorised access. The group policy editor is interesting for several users. It enables settings that precisely adapt Windows 10 Pro to personal needs. Windows 10 Education is a special solution for pupils, students and teachers. Only this user group and non-profit associations are to be entitled to purchase it Cortana is not installed in this version, but Windows to go is, for example, with which the operating system and personal data can be started on another computer via a USB stick. The security of the system is increased with the AppLocker function, which also allows individual applications to be blocked Windows 10 Enterprise was developed especially for companies with several employees. In addition to the usual functions plus Windows to go and AppLocker, it can be used to manage multiple computers and new updates can be checked before installation. The operating system is sold with multiple licences directly to companies.

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