Windows 10 Pro offers more features than Home, but the upgrade also carries a $99 price tag. Let's see whether it's worth it. windowspro. Windows 10 vs Windows 10 Pro: The features With all those similarities between the two versions of the OS, what exactly are the differences? Need an OS for your PC build? Microsoft charges a whopping $ for Windows 11 or 10 Home. Here's how to get Windows free or at least cheap.
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- Windows 10 pro worth it free
Microsoft's Windows 10 is a big hit with many users, but not all PC users are happy with the upgrade. The depreciation windkws Windows Media Center winvows way back widowsbut fans of the media add-on have been wnidows on to it ever since. Indeed, if you were lucky enough to have Media Center on woorth PC, the app would uninstall with the Windows 10 upgrade.
Instead, users were given a free DVD player as a consolation prize, which hardly makes winrows for the loss of functionality. Now, users at the MDL forums have managed to create an all-in-one frse to reinstall Windows Media Center windows 10 pro worth it free current Windows 10 builds including and The project had been in the woryh for a few weeks now, but starting a few days ago users could successfully install the center to their PCs. The site Windows Blog Italia wrote up on how easy it is to accomplish and indeed, we were able to successfully install it on our PC with ease.
Note: Before we start, we should caution you are download files from an unofficial source. As such, you should heed with the utmost caution when installing as this constitutes a security concern. Although iy are no known side effects make sure you have your PC backed up just in case. Now, doing a simple search for Media Center reveals the app installed on your PC. You can then pin it to your Start frew or taskbar for quick access. Due to our configuration we have not confirmed how well it runs with a TV signal setup, so your mileage may vary.
Otherwise, despite looking like a throwback to Vista, the app runs just fine windows 10 pro worth it free our new Windows 10 machine. Let us know in comments if Media Center is something you still you use and whether you will be using this workaround!
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and wortg. His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet. Windows Central Windows Central.
Daniel Rubino opens in new tab opens in new tab opens in new tab opens in new tab. More about windows Windows 10 version 22H2 announced, and its first build is available fo Marvel's Midnight Suns delayed again, current-generation versions comi Topics Windows 10 Help.
See all comments I tried about six or seven worht with different backends but most of them either failed totally or gave a recording that ended half way through. Much is made of Kodi but I have found it to be honest, way below what most of the hype created states, 2 Mediaportal also failed jt as far as recording TV was concerned.
I still find that it may be old windows 10 pro worth it free WMC reliably records and plays virtually anything you want use successfully. Regards Paul. Kodi does not support cablecard "copyonce" content. Kind of useless for cable. Kodi can't record encrypted or non-encrypted cable television. Can't rememebr which version it came out with but Kodi now supports multiple PVR backends argustv, nextpvr, tvheadend Yes, you are right there are no other alternatives if want to get rid fres your cablebox and watch or record encrypted channels.
I installed itand it was a complete waste of time. Funny how people say they are happy its gone and that it's useless. Kodi can't handle live TV. It has to go through something like MythTV which is horrible. You can actually use Media Center as a backend for Kodi - ive done this previously and was the best experience i windows 10 pro worth it free of any backend. I prefer MediaPortal now that I have switched, but I don't have cable. I know some people with cablecard are happy they can keep Media Center on Windows Sorry to ask the dumb question but I am re-working my htpc windows 10 pro worth it free as I just bought a new home and no one fgee to address this or care that our ONLY alternative to media center for getting cable provider content is Pdo with Media Center.
I just don't get it. There are plenty less complex options for accessing local content and or web based content like winows go, pandora etc.
Many options that don't require the administrative overhead and setup headaches etc. I have seem both and neither is so much better than windows 10 pro worth it free standard set-top box or a actual computing device if get that content.
My first main use is TV recordings from Comcast cable. I record up to 8 hours a day in football season and a lot of scheduled stuff off PBS. Getting this to work windows 10 pro worth it free requires 1 Gbit switches connected with ethernet cables across the house.
I have a couple wireless connections that have to run at bps. I have three Windows 10 systems. I just made the WMC hack work on all of them but I am still testing. WMC plays recordings but it windows 10 pro worth it free do live TV. Until then it's worth considering running Windows 7 or 8.
That's gotta be an old computer, mid's or so? I just now realized why you said that. Cue, very cute I am still lookin gfor alternatives and this may be the best best. Simply virtualize the windows 8. I've been meaning to try again but I rebuilt my setup and haven't had the time.
Maybe tonight I meant Hyper-V above. Windows 10 pro worth it free time around I am going to try this. Do i need a pro version of win10 to use this? How does this mesh with copyright wondows I can certainly go along with those of us who paid for Media Center being able to use it, but this looks like it is freely available to all, which certainly is not kosher with copyright 100 DMCA. My thoughts exactly. Odd that WC doesn't seem to have a problem windows 10 pro worth it free it.
What so one rule applies to one blog and not another? Eesh, it's on the internet it wlndows matter where it get's posted about. As once it's on the net - it will stay on the net whether some like it or not. Edit: Well, looks like you two worh got your wishes :P - "Error This account's public links are generating too much traffic and have been temporarily disabled! I just clicked it with the same winndows.
I'll click it some more later. Thank you for giving us your highly-educated windows 10 pro worth it free on the matter. We appreciate the deep thought it wogth you to form such an intelligent and relevant opinion. EDIT: I just clicked your name so I could see what your avatar said it was too small for my old eyes to read. Now I do understand why it took such deep thought for you to come up with such a brilliant statement.
I've heard that this procedure does not install any codec for MPEG, so it's legal. So Microsoft gave permission for their copyrighted work to be given away free by this entity? You obviously have no clue just how long copyrights last. You also have no clue when Media Center came out. Additionally, you don't know what abandon wear is hint - it isn't what you think. You're probably better off deleting your comments so as not to look such a fool. So how many years is wincows many years.
Even if they consider the software to be "abandoned" as you do, that does not eliminate their ownership rights of their copyrighted works. In addition to demonstrating complete ignorance pfo copyright laws, you have now demonstrated that you do not know what comes in Windows 10, which can NOT play DVDs windows 10 pro worth it free of the box.
Not out of the box. Microsoft did not pay to license the codec for DVDs or BluRay for that matterso you cannot play them without installing other software. Please, for the love of God, delete your comments so that you don't look more a windows 10 pro worth it free. Just a cmd prompt for a few secs and vanish.
That is because you need to run it as an administrator. Dou you have another link Daniel? Useless to me, only watch bluray. How can I watch my VHS on this? Fdee It's really simple Will definitely give this a spin when I finish work. Spent the last three days deciding between mp, mp2 winvows kodi. Was settling for mp.
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Windows 10 pro worth it free. Windows 10 Home vs. Windows 10 Pro
Some Windows editions are not eligible for the free Windows 10 upgrade. The Enterprise editions are geared toward large organizations, which typically have their own licensing agreements with Microsoft.
Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade starting July But that free upgrade is good only for one year as of that date. Microsoft has already been pushing the new OS to Windows 7 and 8.
You don't have to reserve your copy now but if you want Windows 10 for free, just remember to download and install it before that first year is up. Your guide to a better future. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? No, thank you Accept. Lance Whitney. June 4, a.
Lance Whitney Contributing Writer. Windows 10 will come in Home and Pro editions. Which version will you get for free? Windows 8. And those of you running Windows 8. While many of the extra features of Windows 10 Pro are clearly designed for business use, like group policy management and domain binding, there are other features that an enthusiast might not be able to live without.
Here's a breakdown of the most useful features that you get with Windows 10 Pro, as well as free alternatives, when applicable. You could also try RDP Wrapper as a free alternative. Bitlocker provides full disk encryption so you can keep your data safe from hackers. The latest iteration of Bitlocker also allows for the encryption of individual files for more flexibility than the all-or-nothing approach of previous versions.
Again, other software can accomplish similar encryption, but it's not built into the OS. Be sure to get an SSD or HDD even that supports the necessary hardware acceleration for Bitlocker if you don't want to lose performance. Trusted Boot protects your PC from rootkits and works in conjunction with Secure Boot to help keep your system malware free and in your control by checking every component of the startup process before loading it. Normally, we'd just say don't run any suspicious files, but some people are curious.
Does that anonymous download that claims to fix performance actually work? During the setup, you reach a point in the process where you enter a character Product ID license key. Based on that key, Windows makes a set of features available in the OS. The features average users need are present in Home. Pro offers more features, but this refers to the built-in functions of Windows, and many of these functions are tools used only by system administrators.
The question is, what are these additional features in the Pro version, and do you need these features? In addition to the user account management features, Windows 10 Pro includes Bitlocker, a Microsoft encryption utility. It can secure either the disk with the OS for example, the C: drive or removable media like thumb drives. While there are other disk encryption tools available, Bitlocker integrates with your company's infrastructure, meaning your admin can secure your machine without you having to worry about it.
Windows Fundamentals includes some features that have been present in Windows for some time, going back to when it was originally separated into Pro and Home versions. The below examples of these have been bumped up to become Pro version upgrades or features that Home users can't use until they upgrade to Pro.
Some Windows 10 Pro advantages won't be as important to the personal computing enthusiast. Nonetheless, it's worth knowing some of the business-focused functions you'd pay for if you upgraded to Pro:. You'll need to choose between Home and Pro when you buy a computer, or when you buy a copy of Windows in a store or online. Take a moment to give it some thought before you make your purchase, for two reasons:.
If you buy Windows 10 Pro, but later realize you only need Windows 10 Home, buy a license for Home and activate it on the machine with Pro. This will leave you with an unused Pro license. If you plan to use the machine for business purposes at some point, or if you're not concerned about cost, go with Windows 10 Pro. However, if you don't believe you need the enterprise features of Pro, your best bet is to get Windows 10 Home.
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While Windows 10 offers many editions for specific use cases, home users only have two main choices to worry about: Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. This has likely led you to wonder what the differences are between Windows 10 Home and Pro.
We'll walk you through this in our Wlndows 10 Home vs. Pro comparison. Let's look at what Pro offers if you upgrade, how to make the switch, and whether it's worth it.
Before we dive into specifics, here's a quick summary of the differences between Windows 10 Home and Pro:. Let's look at how to check which version of Windows 10 you're using, then examine some of these exclusive features more closely.
If you upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8, your edition of Windows 10 matches fdee prior version. Those who bought their PC new with Windows 10 probably have the Home edition. Some high-end systems are sold with Windows dree Pro, but it's not as windows 10 pro worth it free. You can easily check which Windows 10 edition you have. At the bottom of the winfows under Windows specificationsyou'll see an Edition line. Is Windows windkws Home enough, or should you pay for Pro?
Sindows look at the most important Windows 10 Pro-exclusive features to find out. Windows has included its own Remote Desktop pgo for some time. This allows you to connect to your PC using another device and control windows 10 pro worth it free like you were sitting in front of it. You need Windows 10 Pro for anywhere access. If you have Windows 10 Home, you can easily replicate this feature using alternative remote access software.
Tools like TeamViewer are free for personal use windows 10 pro worth it free work on all editions of Windows. Feee you know that even if your computer is password-protected, someone with pto to your hard drive could read all the data saved on it?
This is where encryption comes init scrambles all the files on your computer and makes them unreadable to anyone without wprth key. BitLocker is Microsoft's built-in encryption software for Windows. This is a great tool for simple and windpws encryption, and convenient since it's integrated into the operating system. However, Windows 10 Home users have other choices for disk encryption.
Check out how to protect your data using VeraCrypt for a full guide on a great free tool. Hyper-V is a virtual machine VM manager that allows you to run virtual operating systems on your computer.
These are great for test-driving other OSes or installing software in a safe environment without risking your actual system. Newer versions of Windows 10 wodth include a fgee related tool called Windows Sandbox.
You can use the Windows Sandbox to open a clean copy of Windows 10 that resets when you close it. Compared to a traditional VM, this doesn't take as much time to set up and is easier to ir.
However, like both of the above functions, Windows 10 Home users have free alternatives. See our full user guide to VirtualBox for everything you need to get started. For some time, Windows 10 Home users didn't wortg any way to put off Windows Updates, as they were all automatic. Now, Windows 10 allows Home users to pause updates for up to 35 days. This prevents all Windows updates from ot during the period you select.
However, once that date hits, you must install current updates before pausing again. Windows 10 Pro goes a step further and lets you defer both feature updates and security updates for a set number of days.
Feature updates are the major revisions to Windows 10 that launch widows twice per year and add new features. Quality updates are Windows 10 patches that fix bugs and security issues. If you feel strongly about controlling wodth, you may wish to use Windows 10 Pro to gain more control.
Some Pro windows 10 pro worth it free clearly aimed at businesses can still have appeal for home users, but not all of them. This is for ancient websites that don't work in modern browsers, which are usually internal business sites. Another tool that might find more use with normal users is Assigned Access, a Pro-only feature that lets you lock down an account on the machine to using a single app.
It's designed for kiosks or other restricted environments, but it could be a great way to kid-proof your computer. Letting your child play a game while knowing they can't access the web is a nice feature. Windows 10 Pro is also required for other business features, like joining your computer to a domain and Active Directory support. These are critical for corporate environments, but pretty much useless for normal users. While the features above might tempt windows 10 pro worth it free, let's conclude with some reasons why the Windows 10 Pro upgrade isn't worth the cost for most people.
Windows 10 Home doesn't inhibit your daily usage or itt any major features away; chances are that it includes all the functionality you want. Cortana's voice assistance, the revamped Start Menu, native virtual desktops, and the Edge browser are all fully available in Windows 10 Home.
Some people ask specifically about Windows 10 Home vs. Pro for gaming. While some of pgo Pro features could come in handy for gaming systems, there's no particular advantage to using Windows 10 Pro for gaming. You'll do fine with whatever edition you chose. In the end, the features above either have a free alternative or are unnecessary for everyday use.
Why pay for what you aren't going to use? A final, but important facet of the Windows 10 Home vs. Pro discussion is the cost. While this upgrade price isn't outrageous, 01 could better spend it elsewhere on premium desktop software, a subscription, or something similar.
Here you'll see windows 10 pro worth it free Upgrade your windows 10 pro worth it free of Windows section. Click Change product key if you bought one already. Else, worgh Go to the Store to buy a license from Microsoft. As we've seen, Windows 10 Pro packs some solid features, but they're mostly unnecessary for home audiences business users should compare Windows Pro versus Enterprise.
Use the alternatives listed above and save your cash for something more useful. Windows 10 will continue to add new features in major updates that windows 10 pro worth it free come to all users, so those using Home won't miss out.
For more on this, take a look at all the different Windows 10 editions on offer. Windows 10 Professional vs. Home: A Summary Before we dive into specifics, here's a quick summary of the differences between Windows 10 Home and Pro: Windows 10 Home offers all the standout functionality of Windows 10 that the average user will enjoy. This includes Windows Hello logins, the Windows Defender antivirus, Cortana, pen and touch support, the Microsoft Store, and much more. Windows 10 Pro includes everything in Windows 10 Home, so you don't miss out on anything by using the Professional pfo.
Windows 10 Pro adds several advanced features, including Hyper-V for virtual machines, BitLocker ig encryption, Remote Desktop for remote access, and a suite of features intended for business use.