Windows 10 Home
This is the consumerist version of the operating system, giving users access to things like:
- Cortana
- Microsoft Edge
- Continuum
- Windows Hello
- Apps like Photos, Maps, Mail, Calendar, Music and Video
- Xbox integration
Windows 10 Mobile
The consumer-based mobile version of Windows 10 will be available for small screens such as smartphones and tablets (under a certain size). Additionally, it will include:
- Touch-optimized Office
- Continuum for phone (only for new hardware that supports it)
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro is a more robust version of Windows 10 Home in that it provides deeper security for business use, and will allow companies to take advantage of the new Windows Update for Business when it’s available. Microsoft considers Windows 10 Pro a solution for small businesses.
Windows 10 Enterprise
This edition is Microsoft’s offering for medium to massive sized companies and provides the best security, and advanced capabilities. And, as we’ve come to expect with this edition, the Enterprise version will only be available to Volume Licensing customers.
Windows 10 Education
This version is built specifically for the academic sector. It utilizes some facets of Windows 10 for Enterprise, but delivers them in a way to better benefit school staff, administrators, teachers, and students. Available with a valid academic Volume Licensing account, schools and students will be able to upgrade Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro devices to this edition.
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise
To better secure mobile devices running Windows 10 in the Enterprise, Microsoft is making a second mobilized edition available. Like Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise will only be available to Volume Licensing customers. But, more than just a mobile edition with enterprise features, this edition will be available to take full advantage of Microsoft’s mobile management offerings such as EMM, using built-in mechanisms.
Hinted at today, but not completely announced are the expected versions of Windows 10 embedded for IoT devices like ATMS, and POS systems. However, Microsoft has still not gone on record to discuss the edition specific to the Surface Hub.
One thing noticeably absent from the list is an edition for Windows RT. Windows RT was once communicated as the future of Windows by Microsoft. Now its just left completely off the list without even a short obituary. Windows RT’s death has been known for a while already.
