Windows 10: which version is right for you?

Whether you want the standard operating system, advanced options or a special version for smart devices, our expert guidance will help you choose the best Windows 10 edition for your needs.

Of course, the latest version of Windows is 11. So if you can upgrade to that, then do, as you'll get support for longer. Check to see if your PC can upgrade - see Windows 11 requirements.

Tech Support

If you're a Tech Support member, use our one-to-one support service

Submit a request

Windows 10 editions

There are currently six versions (known as editions) of Windows 10, each with a different set of features. These are Windows 10 Home, 10 S, 10 Pro, 10 Enterprise, 10 Education and 10 IoT.

As of 2023, Microsoft no longer sells licenses for Windows 10, as it's been superseded by Windows 11 (released in 2021). Windows 10 support is still available until 14 October 2025.

If you're set on upgrading to Windows 10, see our guide on upgrading to Windows 10 for free.

Windows 10 Home

Chances are that this will the be the edition best suited to you. Despite its name, it’s actually the standard version of Windows 10, and it's the one that came pre-installed on most PCs sold to UK consumers.

If you upgraded from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10 when Microsoft was offering Windows 10 as a free upgrade, it's likely that you’re now on Windows 10 Home, too. The way the upgrade worked meant that users of Windows 7 or 8 Home editions were upgraded to the same edition of Windows 10.

News, deals and stuff the manuals don't tell you. Sign up for our Tech newsletter, it's free monthly

How much does the licence for Windows 10 cost?

Windows 10 licenses were previously sold by Microsoft for £119.

There are still ways to buy it through reputable retailers. Find out where you can still buy Windows 10 or upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Windows 10 Home is designed with ease of use in mind, but that doesn't mean it's lacking in features. You get built-in security with Windows Defender, the ability to use your face or fingerprint to sign in to your computer with Windows Hello, plus bundled software such as Microsoft Photos to manage your photo library.

Our lab tests reveal whether you still need antivirus if you're using Windows Defender - see should I use Windows' built-in security?

Why you need to stop using Windows 7 and 8 now

Windows 10 S

This isn't so much a separate version of Windows 10 as a special mode, which you can turn off if you find its restrictions too onerous.

In S Mode, you can only install software from the Microsoft Store, and you can't install programs from the web. You also can't run commands from the command line, and the only browser you can use is Microsoft's own Edge browser.

These restrictions aim to keep your computer more secure, and will also help to keep it running smoothly: if you haven't got lots of third-party software clogging up your system, it shouldn't slow down as much, and there's much less risk of inadvertently installing malware.

Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 Pro offers all of the same features as the Home edition, but also adds tools used by business.

However, it's also suitable for more advanced home users, as it adds tools such as:

• BitLocker, which adds enhanced encryption options 
• Remote Desktop, which lets you log in to your PC when you're away from your desk, and provides the ability to create and run virtual machines.

Virtual machines run as sandboxes, and are in effect separate installations of Windows where you can install software without risking your primary installation of Windows.

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro?

Yes - if you can find a copy to buy online from a reputable retailer. 

Although, if you're upgrading anyway, you'd probably be better off installing the latest Windows 11. Use our Windows 11 requirements checker to see if your device is compatible. If it's not, then consider buying a new PC.

In the market for a new computer? See our pick of the best laptops and best desktop PCs 

Windows 10 Enterprise 

You’re unlikely to encounter Enterprise unless you use a PC from work. You can’t just buy a copy off the shelf. 

Instead, a company buys a volume licence, which allows it to install the operating system (OS) on a certain number of PCs. Enterprise includes most of Pro’s features along with some of its own, most of which focus on allowing IT administrators to manage aspects of employees’ PCs remotely.

Windows 10 Education

Again, you can't buy this edition yourself, and unless you're a student or you work at a school or university, you'll probably never come across it.

It's a low-cost way for schools and universities to provide staff and students with Windows 10. It has similar features to Windows Pro, but some elements of the OS – such as the Microsoft Store – can be turned off by default.

See our pick of the best laptops for students

Windows 10 IoT

This is a special version of Windows that's designed to run on low-powered smart devices such as touchscreen displays. Instead of booting to the Windows desktop, it's designed to boot to a default app instead. 

You can download it from Microsoft's developer site, and if you're feeling adventurous you can install it on a Raspberry Pi.

Our experts have trawled the current sales to find you the best laptop deals 

Join Which? Tech Support

Which? Tech Support can help you to keep on top of your tech. Our experts explain things clearly so you can resolve issues and feel more confident using your devices.

Get unlimited 1-2-1 expert support:

• by phone – clear guidance on choosing, setting up, using and resolving issues with your home tech devices
• by email – outline the issue and we’ll email you our answer
• by remote fix – we connect securely from our office to your home computer and resolve issues while you watch
• in print – Which? Tech magazine, six issues a year delivered to your door.

You can join Which? Tech Support for £4.99 a month or £49 a year.