Windows 10: A guide to the updates Here’s what you need to know about each update to the current version of Windows 10 as it’s released from Microsoft. Now updated for KB5004760, released on June 29, 2021.
So, for most home users Windows 10 Home will likely be the one to go for, while for others, Pro or even Enterprise might be best, especially as they offer the more advanced update roll-out features that will certainly benefit anyone that reinstalls Windows periodically. Let me know what you think in the comments below or on Twitter @antonyleather.
This begs the query “How do I choose the right version of Windows 10?”
Before choosing an edition of Windows that suits your needs, you must determine what bit version is right for your PC’s hardware. The primary determinant there is the processor. Microsoft offers the option of 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10 — 32-bit is for older processors, while 64-bit is for newer ones.
A common inquiry we ran across in our research was “Which Windows 10 version should you choose for your business?”.
However, if you have a small business or you want a secure Windows version for work, then Windows 10 Pro should definitely be your choice. Apart from Windows 10 Home and Pro, there are also several other varieties including Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education, and Windows 10 Core.
Windows 10 32 or 64 bit – Which is the Right Architecture for You? Windows 10 64-bit has better performance and more features. But if you run older hardware and software, Windows 10 32-bit might be a better choice. Windows 10 comes in two architectures: 32-bit and 64-bit.
And if you’re upgrading through the toolbar button that Microsoft has displayed on Windows 7 and 8 desktop toolbars, the decision will be made for you. If you’re running Windows 7 or 8 Home Edition, you’ll get Windows 10 Home Edition.
Another frequent inquiry is “What is the cheapest version of Windows 10 to buy?”.
Windows 10 Home USB – you get a USB memory stick with the Windows 10 setup, for 119 USD, on Amazon. Windows 10 Home 64 bit – OEM – DVD – the OEM version tends to be the cheapest. You can find it for only 99 USD.
What version of Windows 10 do I need for gaming?
Windows 10 Home is the version that most people will need. It’s for home use and includes game streaming from Xbox One and other consumer features like Cortana, as well as Windows Hello for logging into your PC via a fingerprint scanner or your face.
Should I buy Windows 10 Pro or home?
Buy Windows 10 Pro if you need the extra security and management improvements over the Home version above.
Speaking of devices, Windows 10 Pro is ideal for businesses that use Choose Your Own Device (CYOD), a program that allows employees to choose from a list of varying devices — smartphones, tablets, and PCs — that have been pre-approved by the company. Windows 10 Pro is a one-time purchase currently for about $200.
Compared with previous versions of Windows, there are fewer reasons consumers would want to run the Pro edition of Windows 10. The benefits are almost completely of interest to larger business users. In Windows 8, you needed Pro to get Windows Media Center, but that’s no longer available in either version.
What are the best free programs to install on Windows 10?
There are a few free programs that I install on most PCs because they’re generally useful. Net, PIXresizer, Free, file Sync, and the K-Lite codec pack. Windows 10’s much improved Task Manager (Win. Key-X, T) means there’s less need for Process Explorer.