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What do You Get With Windows 8 Pro over Windows 8
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Many users that are currently usingWindows 8or an even older version ofWindows 8are still puzzled by this question – what will I get if I switch to the ultimate,Windows 8Pro version? This is a good question indeed, and we’ll have rundown of thefeaturesthat are present only onWindows 8Pro, so you could know if it’s worth the money or not.Windows 8is just about right for the vast majority of people and the Pro version is only aimed at, well, professionals, right?
After all, paying $200 forWindows 8Pro is no easy money, right? The price is much cheaper if you upgrade fromWindows 8, of course. However, many are still angry over the fact that Media Center wasn’t included by default inWindows 8and users have to addfeaturestoWindows 8in order to obtain it. Let’s have a detailed look what you’ll be getting in theWindows 8Pro version and isn’t featured inWindows 8. In the picture we’ve also includedfeaturesofWindows 8Entreprise, for those running abusiness.
Windows 8 Pro features: what’s different from Windows 8?
Unlike previous versions, withWindows 8, Microsoft has decided to limit the number ofoperating systems, releasing Windows RT,Windows 8andWindows 8Pro.Windows 8Pro is somewhat similar to what Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate used to be. The Media Center option, albeit free, is also not included by default inWindows 8Pro, therefore you will have to add it on your own, by typing “addfeatures” in the Search Charm bar. And if you are running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, the great news is that you’ll have to pay only $40 to upgrade toWindows 8Pro. This will definitely help increase the popularity ofWindows 8and the Pro edition, as well.
To keep it nice and simple and not puzzle the reader anymore with complex details, these are the things you’ll be getting withWindows 8Pro, but if you’re a professional reading this, chances are you were already expecting this:
Domain-joining & Group Policy: Organizations using Windows Server domains and Group Policy will need the Professional edition ofWindows 8.
Remote Desktop Server: You can connect to remotedesktopservers from aWindows 8PC, but you’ll need the Professional edition ofWindows 8to host a Remote Desktop server. However, you can use third-party remote desktop services like TeamViewer or VNC on the standard edition ofWindows 8.
BitLocker and Encrypting File System: Windows’ encryption features are only offered onWindows 8Professional. If you don’t swear by thesefeatures, you can install TrueCrypt for free on all editions ofWindows 8.
Hyper-V: The Hyper-V technology found in Windows Server can be used byWindows 8Pro users to run virtual machines. Everyone else can just download VirtualBox or VMware Player for free.
Virtual Hard Disk Booting:Windows 8Pro can boot from a VHD file. If this means nothing to you, you don’t need thisfeature.
As you can see, these are really features that only IT or business users will need and that’s whyWindows 8Pro is precisely for them. Many people thinkWindows 8Pro has some goodies even for the average users, but they are being confused.Windows 8is just as good for you as it is!
Keep in mind that the most important features that you might need, are present in Windows 8 Home edition. Whenever you would like to do and fix, can be executed on this version. If you have the possibility to pay less on Home Edition – take it. It worth the money. So, if you are not one of the geeks that want to develop programs on your PC, do not bother about Windows 8 Pro.
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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Radu Tyrsina
