1.1: Microsoft Windows Basic Features

Windows 10

• Released on July 29th, 2015

• Skipped Windows 9

• Single Platform

• Ongoing Updates

Windows 10 Home

• Default Edition for home users

• Integrates with your Microsoft account

• Includes Windows Defender and Cortana

• Client-only Remote Desktop

• 4GB Max x86 RAM, 128GB Max x64 RAM

Windows 10 Pro

• Business Edition including additional management features

• Has Domain Access and BitLocker

• Client and Host Remote Desktop

• Group Policy Management

• 4GB Max x86 RAM, 2TB Max x64 RAM

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations

• Edition for high-end desktops with enhanced performance and storage options

• Can have up to 4 physical CPUs

• Resilient File System (ReFS) Support

• Domain Access and BitLocker

• Client and Host Remote Desktop

• Group Policy Management

• 4GB Max x86 RAM, 6TB Max x64 RAM

Windows 10 Enterprise

• Edition for large implementations requiring volume licensing

• BranchCache, AppLocker, and Granular User Experience Control

• Domain Access and BitLocker

• Client and Host Remote Desktop

• Group Policy Management

• 4GB Max x86 RAM, 6TB Max x64 RAM

Windows Features for Work

• Large-scale support

• Security concerns with mobile devices/local file shares

• Support for spreadsheets, work docs, media viewing, and other functions

• Geographical Sprawl

Granular UX Control

Defines user environment. Useful for kiosks or locked workstations

Active Directory Domain Services

Centralized database of users, servers, printers, etc. Provides authentication and centralized management

Windows Workgroup

Logical group of network devices, each a standalone and a peer.

Windows Domain

Centralized authentication and access across many networks.

Work Desktop

Desktop with standardized UI and limited customization. Designed so that anyone can work on it easily

Home Desktop

Desktop with full customization (background, sizing, colors, etc.)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

View and control a remote desktop.

Client: connects to service; available for most OS’s

Service: provides access for client; Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise

BitLocker

Full Disk Encryption; everything on disk is encrypted, including the OS

Encrypting File System

Encrypts individual files/folders; built into NTFS

Group Policy Editor

Used to centrally manage users and systems

Local Group Policy

Manages the local drive; accessed by gpedit.msc

Group Policy Management Console

Powerful centralized system management that’s integrated with Active Directory; accessed by gpmc.msc

Windows Upgrades

Keeps files and settings; better than installing (start over completely fresh). Avoids reinstalling apps and saves time

In-Place Upgrade

Keep apps, docs, and settings; runs the setup within the OS.

x86 to x64 upgrade not allowed, must perform migration.

Clean Install

Wipes the system, requires file backup; start from boot media

Windows Installation Media

Microsoft download with media creation tool

Upgrade Paths

Available for Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 10 and for Windows 10 to Windows 11

Post OS Installation

Should confirm system works, test hardware, and revert if needed (Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Go back)

Windows 10 32-bit requirements

• 1GHz processor

• 1GB RAM

• 16GB hard drive space

Windows 10 64-bit requirements

• 1GHz processor

• 2GB RAM

• 20GB hard drive space

Windows 11 requirements

• only supports 64-bit

• dual-core 1GHz processor

• 4GB RAM

• 64GB hard drive space