Home is the standard variant of Windows 11. Windows 11 Pro has all the features of the Home variant, plus some additional features that are specially designed for small businesses. Windows 11 Pro N is the same as Windows 11 Pro, except that it excludes media-related technologies (Windows Media Player) and some pre-installed media apps such as Voice Recorder. If you’re looking for an upgrade to your Windows 10 PC or planning to buy a new Windows laptop, we can help you decide which Windows 11 edition you should go for. This article draws an in-depth comparison between Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, and Windows 11 Pro N.
Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Pro N vs Windows 11 Home
Here’s a glimpse of the feature comparison between Windows 11 Pro, Window 11 Pro N, and Windows 11 Home:
From the above comparison table, we may conclude the following: Let’s take a detailed look at the similarities and differences between Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, and Windows 11 Pro N.
Windows 11 Home vs Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Pro N: The Similarities
All the standard features of Windows 11 are available in the Home, Pro and Pro N editions, such as: Apart from the above common features, you also get support for Windows Security, Internet Protection and Parental Control.
Windows 11 Home vs Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Pro N: Similarities with Limitations
Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro has a list of common features that aren’t excluded from the Windows 11 Pro N edition, but are affected by the media technology exclusions. Windows 11 Pro N users can bring back these features by installing the Media Feature Pack. However, some of the features may not work properly, even after installing the Media Feature Pack. Apart from the above listed features, alarm and timer sounds, application sync, voice navigation, and webcam may not work properly in Windows 11 Pro N. Also, there’s no support for file browsing, image acquisition, or media synchronization in Windows Portable Devices.
Windows 11 Home vs Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Pro N: The Differences
Before we dive deep into the differences between Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, and Windows 11 Pro N, let’s have a quick look at the excluded features of the N version of Windows 11: Now let’s take a quick look at the main differences between these 3 editions: Apart from the above-listed prominent features, a few other features such as Windows Sandbox, Dynamic Provisioning, Kiosk Mode, and Remote Desktop Connection are only available in the Pro editions.
Windows 11 Home vs Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Pro N: Which one to choose?
From the above comparison, we may conclude that the Pro and Pro N editions of Windows 11 are more suitable for business users and advanced users. The Home edition pretty much works well for all other users. Between Pro and Pro N, it’s better to go for the former if it is available in your country.
Is Windows 11 Pro better than Windows 11 Home?
The Home edition comes with all new standard features of Windows 11, while the Pro edition comes with additional features such as BitLocker Device Encryption, Windows Information Protection, and Group Policy, which might interest advanced users and small enterprises. If you require these features, Pro is definitely a better version for you, but if you don’t, buying or upgrading to Windows 11 Home will be sufficient.
What is Windows N Version?
The ‘N’ versions of the Windows 11/ 10 OS offer the same functionality as other Windows 11/ 10 editions, except that they exclude the Windows Media Player and related technologies. Due to these exclusions, some standard Windows features, such as voice typing, voice narration, and audio and video conferencing, may not be available or work properly in the N versions. The Media Feature Pack is available for download and installation as an Optional Feature in the N versions. Read: How to install Media Feature Pack for Windows 11 N and KN
What is Windows 11 Pro KN version?
Windows 11 Pro KN is nothing but Windows 11 Pro N targeted for Korea. Read: What is Windows 11 SE?
Do I have Windows N?
To check which version or edition of Windows OS you have, follow the steps listed below: If you have the ‘N’ version, you will be required to install the Media Feature pack to run all apps smoothly.
How do I download and install Media Feature Pack for Windows N editions?
Here’s how Windows 11 Pro N Users can install the Media Feature Pack: Read Next: Windows 11 Tutorial for Beginners.