Which Version of Windows 10 Will I Get?

Infopackets Reader Larry O. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

In regard to the free upgrade to Windows 10, I am confused as to which version of Windows 10 I will receive. I currently have Windows 8.1 Pro on my PC; will I get Windows 10 Pro? What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 10 Pro? "

My response:

This is a frequently asked question, so I will provide the answer for all PC users with Windows XP to 8.

Windows 10 Home vs Pro

First and foremost, there are two major consumer versions of Windows 10: Home and Pro.

Windows 10 Home is targeted toward casual or "everyday" users, and runs on desktops, laptops, desktops, and tablets. It features the Microsoft Edge browser, an updated version and replacement for Internet Explorer. Windows 10 Home is the base for which users will use to surf the Internet and will also support Xbox One integration. Windows 10 will also support touch devices and allows for a simplified interface between desktop and mobile platforms. Windows 10 also supports Photos, Maps, Mail, Calendar, Music, and Video, but does not support a Media Center.

PC enthusiasts and small business users will most likely want to use Windows 10 Pro. It is similar to Windows 10 Home and runs on similar hardware, but comes with additional features that are aimed at small businesses. It features more control over Windows Update and various security features, including Secure Boot and Device Guard. Windows 10 Pro also integrates cloud technology for organizations which employ 'bring your own device' for work.

Which Version of Windows 10 Will I Get?

With respect to the free Windows 10 upgrade, here's how things stack up:

Windows XP and Vista users: do not qualify for the free Windows 10 upgrade, but can purchase Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro separately for $119 and $199 respectively.

Windows 7 users: must have Service Pack 1 installed to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update. If you do not have Service Pack 1 installed, you can download the Windows 10 .ISO when it becomes available. Once you have the .ISO file you can make your own bootable DVD or USB drive to install Windows 10. Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, and Windows 7 Home Premium users will receive Windows 10 Home. Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate users will receive Windows 10 Pro.

Windows 8 users: must have Windows 8.1 update installed to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update. If you do not have Windows 8.1 update installed, you can download the Windows 10 .ISO when it becomes available. Once you have the .ISO file you can make your own bootable DVD or USB drive to install Windows 10. Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 with Bing users will receive Windows 10 Home. Windows 8.1 Pro users will receive Windows 10 Pro. Windows RT users cannot upgrade to Windows 10, though there will be some compatibility updates with Windows 10.

Other Questions Related to Windows 10 Upgrade

We've recently answered more questions related to Windows 10, including in-place upgrades and clean installs. Feel free to read more:

• Can I Cancel my Windows 10 Reservation and Reserve Later?
• How to Clean Install Windows 10 using Windows 7, 8 License
• No Service Packs For Windows 10; Support ends 2025
• Will Windows 10 Install Automatically?
• Windows 10 Upgrade: Do I have to Reinstall Programs?
• Windows 10 Upgrade: Can I choose 32-bit or 64-bit?
• Which Version of Windows 10 Will I Get (Home or Pro)?
• How to Reserve Windows 10 Upgrade (Free)
• How to Fix: CPU Not Compatible with Windows 10 Error
• Windows 10 Upgrade: Can I keep my Old Windows Install?
• How to Cancel Windows 10 Reservation (Properly)
• Download Windows 10 .ISO (DVD) for Clean Install?
• Microsoft: Windows 10 Will Be The Last Version
• Windows 10 to Natively Support iOS, Android Apps
• Does Windows 10 require the CPU to support PAE?
• Windows 10: Can I Upgrade or do I need a Clean Install?

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About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.