Windows 10 Pro Vs Pro N: Which One to Choose?
Windows 10 is a popular operating system used by millions of people around the world. It comes in different versions, each with its specific features and limitations. Two of the most common versions of Windows 10 are Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Pro N. They share some similarities but also significant differences. In this article, we will compare the two versions and help you choose the best one for your needs.
Windows 10 Pro Features
Windows 10 Pro is designed for professionals and small businesses. It has all the features of Windows 10 Home, plus some additional ones, such as:
1. Domain Join
Windows 10 Pro allows you to join a domain or Azure Active Directory, giving you access to network files, printers, and other resources shared by your organization.
2. Group Policy Management
Windows 10 Pro has Group Policy Management, offering more control over your devices, apps, and network settings. This feature is essential in business environments where compliance and security are critical.
3. Remote Desktop
Windows 10 Pro provides Remote Desktop, allowing you to connect to another Windows device or server remotely. You can access all your files and apps, even when you are away from the office.
4. BitLocker
Windows 10 Pro includes BitLocker, a security feature that encrypts your hard drive, protecting your confidential data against theft or unauthorized access.
5. Hyper-V
Windows 10 Pro comes with Hyper-V, a virtualization technology that allows you to create and run multiple virtual machines on a single computer. This feature is useful for testing software, isolating apps, and running legacy programs.
Windows 10 Pro N
Windows 10 Pro N is a version of Windows 10 Pro designed for the European Market. The ‘N’ stands for ‘Not with Media Player’ referring to the fact that the media player component has been removed from the operating system. The reason for this removal is to comply with European competition laws, one of which prohibits bundling different products with the operating system.
The following are the features you would still enjoy with Windows 10 Pro N:
1. Domain Join & Group Policy Management
Like Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Pro N also supports domain join and Group Policy management functionality, which makes it an ideal choice for small businesses.
2. Hyper-V
Hyper-V is also available on Windows 10 Pro N, giving users the ability to create and run virtual machines on their device.
Difference between Windows 10 Pro and Pro N
The major difference between Windows 10 Pro and Pro N is that the Media Player feature has been removed from Pro N. This removal means that the default media player on the Windows 10 Pro version, Windows Media Player, is not included in Windows 10 Pro N.
This removal is specific to the European market that requires the elimination of built-in media players to avoid antitrust violations. As a result, Microsoft has introduced Windows 10 Pro N for those who require the operating system without the built-in multimedia feature.
FAQs
1. Is Windows 10 Pro N compatible with all PCs?
Yes, Windows 10 Pro N is compatible with all PCs running Windows 10. However, if you are unsure if your device can run Windows 10, you can use the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant to check compatibility.
2. What media player can I use with Windows 10 Pro N?
Windows 10 Pro N does not come with a default media player. However, you can still play multimedia files using other media players, such as VLC media player, PotPlayer, or Winamp.
3. Can I upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro N?
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro N. However, you will need to purchase a Windows 10 Pro N product key before upgrading.
Conclusion
Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Pro N are both excellent choices for professionals or small business owners. The decision as to which one to choose depends on your specific needs, considering the fact that the only difference between them is that the Media Player feature has been removed from Windows 10 Pro N.
When deciding which one to go with, the question to answer is whether you want the default media player, Windows Media Player or if you ready to opt for a different media player such as Winamp, VLC media player or PotPlayer. If you are in Europe, you are better off with the Pro N version as it has been enabled specifically to avoid antitrust violations in the European market.