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Windows Explained
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This page is dedicated to explaining both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
I will cover the following:
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I will toss in some extra information for each section along with direct downloads for software and their links if you wish to download from the websites.
The Differences Between The Operating Systems
Windows 10
Compatibility:
Improved from previous Windows
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System Requirements:
64-bit Processor with 1 GHz clock speed
2GB ram
20GB Storage
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Security:
Windows Hello
TPM 2.0
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Multitasking:
Basic capabilities
User Interface:
Classic Start menu
Classic Taskbar
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Start Menu:
Classic Start menu
Limited features
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File Explorer:
Traditional file explorer
limited features
Sync phone and PC
Android only Support
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Virtual Desktops:
Limited functionality
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Touch Controls:
Basic controls
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Gaming Performance:
HDR
Xbox Gamebar
DirectStorage
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Microsoft Store:
Traditional Store
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Task Manager:
Limited details
Limited options
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Assistant:
Cortana
Integrated into the Taskbar
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Updates:
Fewer interruptions than previous Windows
Improved control
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Widgets:
NONE
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Wake on approach/Lock on leave
Non-compatible
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Smart App Control:
None
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Live Captions:
None
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Live Captions:
None
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Seamless Re-docking:
None
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Windows 11
Compatibility:
Improved upon from Windows 10
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System Requirements:
64-bit Processor with at least 2 cores
4GB Ram
64GB of storage
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Security:
Windows Hello
TPM 2.0
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Multitasking:
Snap windows together to form groups
User Interface:
A new start menu
New taskbar
More settings to customize both
Dark mode is available for most apps
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Start Menu:
New design with recommendations
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File Explorer:
Re-designed with new features
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Sync Phone and PC
Android and iPhone Support
Virtual Desktops:
Improved with snap layouts and animations
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Touch Controls:
Improved controls for touch-enabled devices
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Gaming Performance:
Improved HDR
Improved Xbox gamebar
Improved DirectStorage
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Microsoft Store:
Redesigned
Now supports Android Apps
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Task Manager:
Added more details about services
Increased options
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Assistant:
Introducing Co-Pilot
Separated from search
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Updates:
Fewer interruptions
Improved control
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Widgets:
Integrated widgets for more efficient access and fluent workflow
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Wake on approach/Lock on leave
Windows will wake up when you approach
Windows will lock when you leave
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Smart App Control:
Only allows apps with good reputations to be installed
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Live Captions:
Speech from video can be transcribed into captions for easier communication
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Seamless Re-docking:
Windows 11 will remember where you had windows when you connect another display
The Editions Explained
I will cover what each edition of Windows 10 and 11 has to offer, the cost, and the type of user that would benefit from each.
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The pricing is what Microsoft has listed, locate my pricing guide at the bottom of the page for Microsoft and 3rd party sellers that I trust
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Windows 10
Home:
Cost: $139
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intended for home use. It contains all the basic functions an average user needs
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Pro:
Cost: $199
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For users who want more security options and better system management, similar to the Home edition but with more security
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Enterprise:
Cost: $300 or $7 - $11/month
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For Businesses large and small
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Education:
Cost: Free through schooling
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The edition is only necessary for schooling-type environments, it has less features than the others since this is for education and not everyday users
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Mobile:
Cost: Discontinued
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This is for mobile devices to run Windows, basically has the same features but optimized for mobile devices​
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Mobile Enterprise:
Cost: Discontinued
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This is the mobile version of Windows 10 Enterprise, bringing the features to mobile and on-the-go devices. This has the same features as enterprise, just optimized for mobile devices
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Internet of Things:
Cost: Free edition, contact Microsoft sales for pricing
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This is a special edition of Windows 10, optimized for use on embedded systems and IoT devices
Windows 11
I will not be including what is in the Windows 10 counterpart in this column as Windows 11 includes than as well. I will just be listing what Windows 11 has added on top of Windows 10 Features
Home:
Cost: $140
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For anyone who uses Windows 10 Home
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Pro:
Cost: $199
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intended for professionals and businesses. It includes additional features for business use, such as advanced security features and comprehensive management tools.
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Enterprise:
Cost: Contact Microsoft Sales
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intended for large organizations and offers the most comprehensive set of features, including advanced security and management tools
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Education:
Cost:
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specially designed for education and includes features useful for schools and universities.
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Pro Education:
Cost:
Offers students and teachers a full range of Windows features including the ability to install apps. This edition has fewer features than Home and Pro
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This adds features to the Education edition
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Pro for Workstation:
Cost: Chat with Microsoft sales or partner
Offers the benefits of Windows 11 Pro with the addition of performance enhancements, faster data storage, accelerated file sharing, and availability
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This one has all of the Pro features, optimized for workspaces
Mixed Reality:
Cost: Discontinued
This edition is discontinued but was used to provide augmented and virtual reality to compatible head-mounted wearable displays such as the Microsoft Hololens
How to upgrade
Looking to upgrade to Windows 11? Unlike previous editions of Microsoft Windows, 11 can be a hassle depending on your system specs. I actually had to upgrade my PC at the time just to meet the requirements, luckily, I have included the PC Health Check App in this section to show you whether your system is capable of using Windows 11.
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The tool is created by Microsoft and when downloaded, will scan your system and give you an informative list on what is needed as well as what your system has or requires
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I'll save you some time and list the requirements:
What your system will need:
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Windows 10 Valid License
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Windows 10 version 2004 or higher
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Secure Boot Support
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TPM 2.0 Enabled
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A processor that supports Windows 11
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as least 4 GB of ram (I recommend at least 16GB)
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at least 64 GB of total storage on the C drive (I recommend a minimum of 1 TB)
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At least 9 GB free storage to install Windows 11
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The processor having 2 or more cores
Although there are ways to upgrade on a PC that is not ready, I recommend avoiding them because it can cause major issues on the system
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If your system is ready for the upgrade:
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I will walk you through how to upgrade to Windows 11
(The easiest is waiting for Windows Update to tell you)
I recommend backing up all important data before proceeding
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Here is the manual way
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Step 1.) You will need to download the Windows 11 Install Assistant, you can get it here:
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Step 2.) Once downloaded, launch it as administrator, it will do a scan to see if the system is ready
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Step 3.) If the system is ready, select Accept an Install on the "Install Windows 11" Page
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Step 4.) The download will initiate, you can minimize the window, just don't cancel it (unless you change your mind)
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Step 5.) Once the download is complete, you be given two options to restart, now or later. Choose now if you are ready, choose later if you still need to use the computer. The PC will restart automatically in 30 minutes after the download is complete
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Windows 11 will now be installed and configured, your computer will restart multiple times during this process, don't worry, this is normal.
How to go back to Windows 10
Sometimes an upgrade isn't what you want after getting it, maybe you just like Windows 10 more and want to revert back.
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Some things to know when reverting back:
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You will lose everything that is not backed up because Windows was not designed to migrate any personal files for a downgrade
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Any settings that changed with Windows 11 will stay changed
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You can always upgrade again, but you may need a new Windows 11 license.
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There are two ways to revert back to Windows 10 from Windows 11
The 10-day upgrade period:
This allows you to go back to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading to Windows 11. This one just requires you to go into Windows settings and select the go-back option
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The Windows 10 ISO method:
This one will take a few steps but will get you back to Windows 10
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Step 1.) You will need to download the Windows 10 media creation tool, either go to the website and download the tool, or select the 'Win 10 creation tool button to download the tool directly
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Step 2.) Once downloaded, open the tool, accept the setup, and select "Upgrade this PC now"
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Step 3.) The tool will now do the following:
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Download Windows 10
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Create the media
Once it has finished, accept the terms and select "Nothing" on the Choose What to Keep page. You cannot select the other two options since Windows will not migrate any files on a downgrade. Make sure you back up what you want to keep before proceeding
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Step 4.) Confirm that this is what you want to do, the tool will now gather any updates that will be important for the process
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Step 5.) You will now be met with the installing screen, this will take some time due to this being a downgrade and not an upgrade. Let the system run the installation
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Step 6.) After the installation has completed, all that's left to do is set up the Windows 10 Operating System to you're preference
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That's all there is to it for downgrading, its takes about the same amount of time as an upgrade
Where to purchase a key?
Looking to upgrade to Windows 11? Perhaps you're not sure where to get a key or you've seen the price and are holding back for an affordable deal.
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Luckily for you, I know where you can get affordable Windows keys for a fraction of what Microsoft is offering.
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I will list the edition to the right along with the website for purchase both from Microsoft and a trusted 3rd party (where I have purchased my keys)
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I use www.productkeys.com for my cheap keys, they have amazing customer service and fast email delivery
Edition Where to purchase
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Home:
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Pro:
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Contact sales for: or use productkeys.com to buy
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Enterprise
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Education (not available on product keys)
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Pro for Workstation
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