Product Comparison

Microsoft Windows 10 Professional vs Windows 11 Professional

Microsoft Windows 10 Professional
Microsoft Windows 10 Professional
VS
Windows 11 Professional
Windows 11 Professional

Feature Comparison

Feature
Microsoft Windows 10 Professional
Windows 11 Professional
Brand
Microsoft
Microsoft
Price
19,99 €
129,99 €
License Type
N/A
N/A
OS Compatibility
N/A
N/A
Min RAM
N/A
N/A
Min Storage
N/A
N/A
Version
N/A
N/A
Max Activations
N/A
N/A

Key Differences

Windows 11 Pro represents a significant visual and functional evolution from Windows 10 Pro. The most obvious change is the redesigned interface: centered taskbar, rounded window corners, a new Start menu without Live Tiles, and the Snap Layouts feature for advanced window management. Under the hood, Windows 11 introduces Android app support via the Amazon Appstore, DirectStorage for faster game loading from NVMe drives, Auto HDR for improved gaming visuals, and a redesigned Settings app that finally consolidates most Control Panel functions. Windows 11 also includes tighter security by requiring TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which means better hardware-level protection against rootkits and boot-level malware. Both editions share Pro features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V, and Group Policy. Windows 11 adds new features like Voice Access, Live Captions, and improved accessibility tools.

Who Should Choose Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 Pro remains a valid choice in specific situations. If your hardware does not meet Windows 11 requirements (particularly the TPM 2.0 and CPU generation requirements), Windows 10 is your only option. Older Intel 7th-generation and AMD Zen 1 processors are not officially supported by Windows 11. Windows 10 also makes sense if you rely on legacy software or drivers that have not been updated for Windows 11 compatibility. Some specialized industrial, medical, or accounting software still runs best on Windows 10. If you prefer the traditional taskbar behavior (left-aligned with full customization, taskbar on any screen edge), Windows 10 offers more flexibility. Note that Windows 10 mainstream support ends in October 2025, with extended security updates available for a fee through 2028.

Who Should Choose Windows 11 Pro

For any new PC purchase or hardware that meets the requirements, Windows 11 Pro is the clear choice. It receives active feature development, has a longer support lifecycle, and offers better security defaults. Gamers benefit from DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and the optimized Game Bar. Developers get WSL 2 improvements, better Windows Terminal integration, and updated Hyper-V capabilities. The Snap Layouts feature genuinely improves multi-window productivity, especially on large or ultrawide monitors. Touch and pen users on 2-in-1 devices will find Windows 11 tablet mode far superior to Windows 10. For businesses, Windows 11 Pro adds Smart App Control, enhanced phishing protection in Defender, and Config Lock for maintaining security configurations.

Price Comparison

At Distivo, Windows 10 Pro is available from €9.99 and Windows 11 Pro from €19.99. Both are genuine perpetual licenses with instant email delivery. If your hardware supports Windows 11, the €10 premium is well worth the longer support lifecycle and modern features. If you purchase Windows 10 Pro and your hardware qualifies, Microsoft still offers free upgrades to Windows 11 — but this free upgrade path may not continue indefinitely. For certainty and simplicity, purchasing Windows 11 Pro directly ensures you start with the latest version and avoid potential upgrade complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 for free?+
Yes, Microsoft still offers the free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for compatible hardware. Go to Settings, Update and Security, Windows Update, and check for updates. If your PC meets the hardware requirements, the Windows 11 upgrade will appear. This free offer does not have a confirmed end date but Microsoft may discontinue it.
Is Windows 11 faster than Windows 10?+
On modern hardware, Windows 11 performs comparably to Windows 10 in most benchmarks. Windows 11 has advantages in game loading times (DirectStorage), wake from sleep speed, and Windows Hello authentication. Some users report slightly higher memory usage on Windows 11. On older or lower-spec hardware, Windows 10 may feel snappier.
Does Windows 11 break compatibility with older software?+
Most Windows 10 applications run on Windows 11 without issues. Microsoft invested heavily in backward compatibility. However, some very old 32-bit applications, certain antivirus software, and specialized drivers may have problems. Check with your software vendor before upgrading if you rely on niche applications.
Why does Windows 11 require TPM 2.0?+
TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) provides hardware-based security for encryption keys, secure boot verification, and credential protection. It enables BitLocker, Windows Hello, and protects against firmware-level attacks. This requirement reflects the increasing importance of hardware security in modern computing.
Can I move my taskbar to the left in Windows 11?+
You can left-align the taskbar icons in Settings under Personalization, Taskbar, Taskbar behaviors. However, you cannot move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen as you could in Windows 10. This remains a limitation that some users find frustrating.
When does Windows 10 support end?+
Windows 10 mainstream support ended October 14, 2025. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for businesses through 2028 at an annual fee. After support ends, the OS continues to work but receives no security patches, leaving it vulnerable to new threats.
View Microsoft Windows 10 ProfessionalView Windows 11 Professional

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