(MediaCreationTool1809.exe), which you can use to create bootable Windows 10 installation media. The main advantage this method is the ability to use the installation media when there is no Internet connection.
Alternatively, you can use the installation media on a computer with an unstable Internet connection or if you have problems updating via Windows Update.
Download Windows 10 with Media Creation Tool
First, download the Media Creation Tool (currently available for Windows 10 October 2018 Update, version 1809):
Please note that you can use the tool to update the system on your current computer:
If you want to create installation media, select the second option on the initial screen Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) that appears after launching the program on your system.
After clicking the Next button, a page for configuring language, architecture and release opens. If you uncheck the "Use recommended settings for this computer" checkbox, the user can set their preferred language, select the version of Windows 10, and determine the system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
By clicking the "Next" button, the user is taken to the media type selection screen. There are two options available here: put Windows 10 on a USB flash drive, or create an ISO file that can be burned to a DVD or copied to a USB device.
If you select “USB Flash Drive”, the program will ask you to select a suitable USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage. data will be written directly to it. If you choose to create an ISO image, you will need to specify a location on your computer to save it.
The progress status is then displayed, which displays the current state of the boot process. The download may take a long time because Windows distribution 10 is several gigabytes in size.
After the download is complete, the status of the process of “creating Windows media 10". At this time, depending on your choice, either the data is copied to the USB drive, or an ISO image is created.
The ISO created with the Media Creation Tool includes Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Home Single Language, Windows 10 Education, Windows 10 Pro - edition selection occurs during installation.
Note
- You will need a USB stick with sufficient space or a DVD burner drive and a blank DVD;
- There must be sufficient free space on the computer;
- Users who are installing the OS for the first time will need a Windows product key. During installation, you can select "I do not have a product key" and specify the license after the system installation process.
Found a typo? Highlight and press Ctrl + Enter
Have you decided to install the major version, which is Windows 10 Home or the more complex Windows 10 Pro version? Both versions are undoubtedly the most common and popular operating systems used by many users due to their ease of use and security features. Both Windows 10 Home and Pro versions provide exactly the same functionality, except for some additional features that are limited exclusively to the Pro version. Both share many features in common, making it difficult to choose between the two. Most will be happy with Windows 10 Home, but the additional features in the Pro version will make the upgrade worthwhile, especially for PC enthusiasts who will benefit from the higher end. Windows versions.
Windows 10 Home at a glance
Home is the standard version of Windows 10 that works seamlessly across all devices - be it home computer or laptop. It is the most basic version of Windows and is specially tailored for the individual user, mostly using Windows at home.
This version has more of a home version of Windows that provides all the basic but essential features to work with, such as Microsoft Edge, Cortana, Virtual Desktop, Battery Saver, Device Encryption, Windows Update, and more.
Break from the usual Internet Explorer is a significant update, and the new Task View option is a major plus that makes it very easy for users to create different workspaces on their computers. Another major update that can be found in both versions of Windows is Universal Apps.
Windows 10 Pro at a glance
Pro is the more advanced and professional version of Windows 10, as the name suggests. This is a more sophisticated version of Windows, aimed at PC enthusiasts and small businesses, as well as contractors who will make the most of the Pro version.
In fact, Pro just adds a few features that are limited in the Home version. Additional features certainly come at an additional cost. It has all the basic features offered by the home version, as well as some additional features related to security and management services.
It uses an advanced level of encryption called BitLocker Drive Encryption, which protects sensitive data by preventing unwanted access.
Difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro
Both versions of Windows 10 share common features such as Cortana (Microsoft voice assistant), Microsoft Edge, Snap Assist, Start Menu, Virtual Desktop, Device Encryption, and more. However, they have their fair share of significant differences in terms of safety and ease of use.
BitLocker tool
It is an advanced disk encryption technology that integrates with operating system to help protect your sensitive data and information by preventing unknown users from accessing drives without authorization. It simply makes your data unreadable to anyone without proper permission. The computer must be equipped with a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip. This feature is only available for Pro users.
Remote Desktop
Both home and pro users can establish a remote desktop connection on their computers, but only machines with installed Windows 10 Pro. The same as desktop control is available only on computers running the Pro or Enterprise editions. The remote desktop option is not included in the home version. Computers running the home editions will be able to initiate a remote connection, but can only connect to machines running the Pro version.
Assigned access
It restricts access to an account without administrator rights to only one application. It creates a blocking environment to restrict users from running a Universal Windows app. Assigned access can be configured to configure single function devices, allowing an application of your choice to run in full screen mode. It also turns off unnecessary notifications. This feature is only available in the Pro version.
Hyper-V
It replaced Microsoft Virtual PC for efficiently creating virtual machines in Windows 10. It is a native hypervisor that allows you to run multiple operating systems using virtual machines on Windows. Virtualization is an important upgrade for Pro users who may need to run multiple operating systems without allocating physical hardware to each of their machines. Technology Hyper-V virtualization limited to Pro users only. This is a big plus over the home version.
Windows Update for Business
This allows professional users such as IT professionals to access the cloud Windows service update to manage Windows updates. This is a free service limited to users running Windows 10 Pro that allows administrators to control when client machines receive updates by dividing them into “fast” or “slow” distribution rings. This option is not available on Windows 10 Home.
Overview of Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro
Both Windows 10 Home and Pro are the most common operating systems used and while it makes sense for professional users to install the Pro version, the additional features may not be worth the extra cost, especially for home users who just want to surf the internet, do some things. and store your media files. The home version should be sufficient for most people using Windows at home. The Pro version focuses entirely on security and compatibility, as well as ease of use. Finally, it all comes down to what you are going to do on your PC.
For desktops and laptops, the new Windows 10 operating system has been released in several versions. The Pro and Home versions immediately became available to users, the rest are intended for corporate use (Enterprise) and educational institutions (Education).
Concerning appearance, then it is the same for all editions: the Start menu returned, which combined elements of both 7 and 8 versions of the OS. The design has become more stylish compared to Windows 7. There is also a virtual assistant Cortana.
Windows 10 Home and Pro updates are available for regular users, and many have questions about this. Which system should you choose to install on your computer?
Windows 10 Home
Differences between different assemblies may not be noticed by every user. The Home version is standard and suitable for home use. It is planned to install it on the majority of commercially available devices.
Windows 10 Home innovations:
- Windows Hello is a new way to authenticate. Includes the ability to unlock the computer by fingerprint, iris, or face settings. As planned by the developers, it is planned that new function will reliably protect user data.
- Hiberboot and InstaGo. These features provide quick wake-up and boot-up times.
- Microsoft Edge - new browser, which replaced the famous Internet Explorer. After failures with old version reviewer, the company decided that it was no longer possible to fix it and completely replaced it with a completely new one.
- Virtual desktops. This function was not present in any of the previous versions Windows, a user can now use as many desktops as they want on one device.
But not all innovations are positively assessed. The downside of Windows 10 Home is that the user has a choice of how to update.
Windows 10 Pro
The innovations that appeared in Windows 10 Home are in the professional version. But Windows 10 Pro users have a lot more control over which updates to install and how they work across different networks. This option can be used as a home option, but the main focus is on small business owners: data protection has been increased, many functions for processing and working with documents, and so on.
Windows 10 Pro differs from Enterprise in some respects, but in general it is suitable for running not only small but also medium-sized businesses.
If we talk about updates, then the user will be able to receive not only standard updates, but new ones for programs and security systems that are focused on business. Also, in the Windows 10 Pro version, you can independently configure the type of updates to install, set a schedule for them, or refuse them altogether.
Since the professional version is still intended for doing business, it strengthens the security of data storage, including those that are in the cloud.
Comparing Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 Home, it has the following advantages:
- support different devices and advanced management;
- encryption methods for data transmission over enterprise networks;
- a wider list of networking standards;
- remote control, access to office printers and general documents;
- work with the cloud;
- if necessary, for a small fee, this version can be upgraded to Enterprise;
- group policy management.
All of the above functions are not very necessary for an ordinary user and basically simplify doing business, as they relate to working with documents. In principle, with the presence of specialized software and competent use, the Pro version can solve problems for large businesses, although there is a separate assembly for it - Enterprise.
In general, both in the Pro version and in Home, the basic components are the same, the only difference is in the tools for business.
If the average user does not need business components, then the home edition will perfectly cope with all the tasks. But the professional version is also suitable for home use.
As for the price, then for both versions it is not democratic at all, to put it mildly. There are two ways to purchase - either update the existing one, or download the system image from the official website. The version to which the system is updated depends on the preinstalled OS.
But soon the deadline for the free Windows updates will end and you will still have to acquire it. By the way, if the user has an old system of the Enterprise category, then it will not be possible to take advantage of the free upgrade option.
The Windows operating system is the most popular in the world. It works on 90% of devices owned by housewives, office workers, large companies, schools, IT professionals and developers. Each category of users uses the computer differently. Someone needs a web browser and Office suite, someone needs more fine tuning of the system, and some just need powerful protective mechanisms. In this regard, several editions of Windows appeared, differing in different functionality, license price and purpose. In this article, we will analyze how they differ, as well as explain what these or those terms mean that you may encounter on the Internet.
What are the editions of Windows 10
There are only 6 main editions of Windows 10 desktop:
- Home Single Language (Home SL)- Home for one language.
- Home- Home.
- Pro- Professional.
- Enterprise- Corporate.
- Education- For educational institutions.
- S- a publication for students and educational institutions.
- Lean- not yet officially released, but only a development version for tablets with 16 GB internal memory... Information on it will appear later.
Of course, there are other highly specialized editions. For example, the working environment for IT companies in China is slightly different than in the other world, so Microsoft has created a special version of Windows 10 - Windows 10 China. Nevertheless, an ordinary user from a CIS country is unlikely to encounter this, so we will not disassemble such systems.
Note that Windows 10 Mobile is often included in the list of editions of Windows 10, which is available in two versions:
- Windows 10 Mobile.
- Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise.
In fact, Windows 10 for smartphones is a separate operating system, so we won't talk about it here either.
How different editions of Windows 10 differ
There are quite a few differences between editions, but not everyone can understand them. We'll look at the editions available based on a couple of criteria that can influence your choice of a particular Windows 10.
Where to buy a license for Windows 10, and how much does it cost
In this section, we will consider the possibility of purchasing a license for a particular edition of the system from the point of view of an ordinary user.
- Home SL: this edition is the cheapest, but a regular user cannot buy a license for it. Microsoft licenses Windows 10 Home SL only to manufacturing companies that can preinstall it on tablets or laptops.
- Home: The most widely used version of Windows 10 in the world. The license for it can be purchased by anyone in the Microsoft Store or Microsoft partner stores. The price in the USA is $ 120, but in other regions it may differ due to the difference in exchange rates. The Russian Microsoft Store offers to buy Windows 10 Home for 8699 rubles.
- Pro: A more expensive edition designed for IT professionals, developers, and small organizations. Also available to every user. The original price is $ 200, but the Russian Microsoft Store sells Windows 10 Pro for 15,299 rubles. Note also that a paid upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro is possible - for this, just type the request Windows 10 Pro in the Windows Store.
- Enterprise: edition created specifically for corporate clients... The license for it can be purchased only by legal entities.
- Education: edition for educational institutions. The subtleties of its licensing are rather complicated, but the main thing is that it is also not available to the average user.
- S: this edition is also aimed at educational institutions and is not available ordinary users... However, it can be preinstalled on laptops and tablets (in particular, Surface Laptop). In this case, the user can upgrade to the Pro edition for $ 49.99.
In which editions can you disable Windows 10 updates
Windows 10 users quite often complain about automatic update systems. Windows 10 itself downloads and installs security updates, bug fixes, and new driver versions. Many want because of possible problems in the latest builds of the system and drivers. Let's figure out how you can influence this process in various editions of Windows 10.
- Home SL: no way. There is absolutely nothing you can do with updates. The system will automatically download updates and install them within 7 days.
- Home: Similarly with Home SL, there are no ways to manage the update center here.
- Pro: In this edition, you can disable driver updates, postpone any updates for 35 days, limit automatic downloads of updates, and switch to the corporate branch of updates - Current Branch For Business (instead of the standard Current Branch). New builds of Windows 10 get into the business branch only after thorough testing by Microsoft and ordinary users, so the probability of errors in them is minimal.
- Enterprise: In addition to the Pro edition features, you get the option to switch to the Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB). Updates come here with long delays, and large updates with huge ones. All for the sake of stability.
- Education: here everything is similar to the Pro edition.
- S: update settings in Windows 10 S are also completely similar to the Pro edition.
What are the features of Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and other editions
Let's take a look at other functional differences between Windows 10 editions.
- Home SL: This edition is the most limited edition. You only get the basic features of Windows 10. A rather unpleasant aspect is the lack of an official option to change the system language. However, you can still.
- Home: The functionality of this edition is absolutely similar to Home SL, except for changing the main system language: in Home it is possible without problems.
- Pro: Compared to Windows 10 Home, you get quite a few extra features. Note the availability of the editor group policies, which allows for flexible configuration of the system, built-in mechanism Bitlocker encryption, the possibility of activation and. There are also some corporate chips available that will not be useful to the average user.
- Enterprise: the most functional edition. In addition to Windows capabilities 10 Pro here has powerful protection mechanisms (although you need to learn how to use them), Direct Access functions, Windows-To-Go (the ability to create a USB flash drive with Windows 10 that can be used on different computers), BranchCache, and more.
- Education: Functionality is the same as Enterprise edition.
- S: The main feature of this edition is blocking the installation of classic programs. You will only be able to download apps from the Windows Store. In addition, the ability to change the standard browser (Microsoft Edge) and the search engine (Yandex in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey, Bing in the USA and European countries) is disabled by software. All other functionality is similar to the Pro edition, with the exception of a few branded chips created specifically for educational institutions.
How to download Windows 10 Home SL, Home, Pro and Enterprise ISOs
We have already described how from the official Microsoft website. Let's figure out which sites listed in the corresponding article can be used to download specific editions.
Official site
On this site, any user can download ISO Windows 10 Home SL, Home and Pro without any problems. To download the desired edition, select the following image:
- Home SL: Windows 10 for one language.
- Home / Pro: Windows 10. You can choose a specific edition when installing the system from this image.
TechBench website by WZT
On the resource created by amateurs, you can freely download images of Windows 10 Home SL, Home / Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education. You will not need instructions for this: everything is pretty obvious.
Third Party Resources
If you are using other image sources, look at the ISO name or description. Usually its author specifies embedded editions.
What do the letters N, KN and LTSB stand for in the name of the image?
Even on the official Microsoft website, you can see images of Windows 10 N or Windows 10 KN. Also on various resources there are Windows 10 LTSB. Let us explain what these letters stand for.
What is Windows 10 N
Postfix N denotes a different set of programs built into the system, in particular, the absence of Windows Media Player components. This subset of revisions was created following Microsoft's litigation in the European Union.
Microsoft provides ordinary users with images of Windows 10 Home N and Pro N. People from most of the CIS countries need only know that Windows 10 N is not available in Russian or Ukrainian, so its use in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine or Kazakhstan does not make sense. If on some third-party resources you still saw the N-image in Russian, then know that this language is integrated into the image by its author, which is why you may have problems later.
What is Windows 10 KN
KN editions are similar to N with the only difference: if N-images are for EU countries, then KN-images are available only for Korea and only in Korean.
What is Windows 10 LTSB
We already mentioned the term LTSB above as one of the Update Center options in Windows 10 Enterprise. Windows 10 LTSB images are designed for enterprise users only. Their main features are as follows:
- Lack of any built-in metro programs, including Windows Store and Microsoft Edge.
- Update Center is set to LTSB branch by default.
If you don't want to deal with the lack of metro programs, then you definitely shouldn't use these images. If you need as much as possible clean windows 10, then you will not find a better option. Just keep in mind that licenses for this version of Windows are sold only to legal entities, and you will have to do something with the activation.
What does OEM, Box, Retail, FPP and VL mean
While downloading images online or just discussing them with someone, you may stumble upon terms like OEM, Box, or Retail. They are usually used in the context of Windows 10 editions, and many consider them to be some kind of separate editions. In fact, all these names have nothing to do with the editions of Windows 10 and, accordingly, with the functionality of the system, but denote Windows license supply channel... Let's analyze this moment in more detail.
What is an OEM license
OEM license- Windows license that binds to motherboard devices. An ordinary user cannot purchase such a license, it is available only to PC manufacturers at fairly low prices (usually $ 10-20, depending on the Windows edition).
The catch with an OEM license is that, according to the license agreement, it cannot be transferred to other devices.
What is a Retail, Box or FPP license
Retail license- Windows license, which is not tied to anything and can be transferred to other devices. Regular users get this type of license when buying Windows 10 Home or Pro.
Since most often such licenses are sold in boxes (with a disc or flash drive), the name is also common Box (box license) or FPP (Full Packaged Product)... Note that in the context of Windows 10 licensing, the concepts Retail, Box and FPP mean the same thing.
What is a VL license
If we consider licenses for Windows 10, then VL denotes a volume license that is not available to regular users: it is intended only for large corporate customers. Its feature is the ability to activate several hundred systems at once with the same license key.
What is a Not For Resale license
If you stumbled upon a similar term somewhere (although it is quite difficult to come across it by chance), then know that Not For Resale means literally Not for resale.
Is the functionality of Windows 10 OEM and Retail different
No, it is not different. The functionality and customization of Windows 10 OEM or Windows 10 Retail does not depend in any way on the channel for supplying the license for it.
What is RTM, Final, RC and Insider
In addition to abbreviations denoting distribution channels for licenses for Windows 10, you can come across the terms RTM, Final, RC and others. As with OEM / Retail, they have nothing to do with Windows 10 editions, but indicate the system version... Here are the decoding of the main designations.
What is RTM, Final or Gold
RTM (Release To Manufacturing, release) - the final version of the system, which is released as the official one. The words Final or Gold in this context mean the same.
What is RC or Insider
RC(Release Candidate) - beta version of the system, which may contain flaws and bugs. This abbreviation was applied to Windows 7 and Windows 8. Starting with Windows 10, the notation is used Insider or Insider Preview... Insider builds are often unstable, so you shouldn't install them unless absolutely necessary.
What is TH1, TH2, RS1, RS2 or RS3
These terms refer to the codename for the version of Windows 10. We will provide information on all versions of Windows 10 known to date, including the codenames, version numbers, and assembly numbers.
- TH1 (Threshold 1)- version 1507 - assembly 10240 ... Released July 2015 as the original Windows 10 ( IR). Status - RTM.
- TH2 (Threshold 2)- version 1511 - assembly 10586 ... Released November 2015 under the November Update (November Update NU). Status - RTM.
- RS1 (Redstone 1)- version 1607 - assembly 14393 ... Released in July 2016 under the title Anniversary Update (Anniversary Update AU). Status - RTM.
- RS2 (Redstone 2)- version 1703 - assembly 15063 ... Released March 2017 as Creators Update (updates for designers CU). Status - RTM.
- RS3 (Redstone 3)- version 1709 - assembly 16299 ... Released in October 2017 as the Fall Creators Update (Fall Creators Update) FCU). Status - RTM.
- RS4 (Redstone 4)- version 1803 - assembly 17134 ... Released in May 2018 as April 2018 Update. Status - RTM.
- RS5 (Redstone 5)- version 1809 - assemblies 17xxx... At the moment it is in active development, the update is expected to be released in September-October 2018. Status - Insider.
Now you know exactly what is the difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro, and you can also distinguish the edition of Windows 10 from the channel for supplying the license or the version of the system.
1 Feature available only on smartphones that support Continuum. The external monitor must have an HDMI input. Application functions may vary. This feature may require Continuum compatible peripherals sold separately.
2 Cortana is only available in certain regions. The interface may differ for different regions and devices. Cortana does not work in educational editions.
3 Requires a tablet or computer with a touch screen.
4 Depends on the equipment used. The digital pen may be sold separately.
5 For using windows Hello requires specialized biometric equipment, including a fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor, or other biometric sensors. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or later is required for hardware protection of Windows Hello credentials and keys; if TPM is missing or not configured, credentials and keys will be protected programmatically.
6 Companion devices must be paired with a Windows 10 PC using Bluetooth. To use a Windows Hello companion device that allows you to carry your Accounts Windows Hello, the PC you're signed in to must be using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise.
7 Windows Information Protection for Management Windows settings 10 Pro requires control function mobile devices(MDM) or System Center Configuration Manager. Active Directory is easy to manage, but not required.
8 Windows Information Protection supports management function mobile apps(MAM) for use with the Home edition only.
9 Requires InstantGo technology or a device that has passed the HCK Device Encryption Test.
10 Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or higher is required for TPM key protection.
11 Some features require broadband internet connection (ISP may charge additional fees). Xbox Live features are only available on supported games in countries where the Xbox Live service is available; see website. In 2015, only a limited number of games are available in applications that support multiplayer mode (preparations are underway for the release of additional games). Streaming is only possible to one device at a time. Multiplayer streaming from Xbox One requires home network connection and Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately). Gold status is also required to play multiplayer on Xbox One and participate in team chats. DirectX 12 capabilities are only available for supported games and graphics chips. Game DVR is only available with supported hardware. Check the device manufacturer's website for compatibility and other important installation information. Devices, games, accessories, and multimedia content are sold separately.
12 Not all MDM features are supported for the home device. MDM requires an MDM product such as Microsoft Intune or third-party solutions (sold separately).
13 Requires separate Azure Active Directory Premium subscription.
14 Available in some regions. Features and applications vary by region and device.
15 Requires separate Azure Active Directory subscription.
* Windows Device Health Attestation can be used for conditional access, which can be implemented in mobile device management solutions (such as Microsoft Intune) and other management systems (such as SCCM).
