Microsoft created one of the best Windows 12, in the end; we have several editions for very specific scenarios. Some versions are simply unnecessary. Other, required. The diversity of versions is amazing. It is twice as many versions of Windows 7 and triple as Windows 10.
1. Windows 12 Home
The basic and original edition, focused on desktops, notebooks, tablets and convertibles. Includes all end-user features: Cortana, Edge, tablet mode and Windows Hello support, plus a variety of native apps. It also has a Game Bar for games. This is the simplest version for home users using PCs, laptops, tablets and 2-in-1 devices. It will be available for free in the upgrade format (during the first year of release) for Windows 7 and Windows 10 users. There will also be a second version, intended for retail, which has not yet had its price revealed. Windows 12 Home will feature most of the features presented so far: Cortana as a personal assistant (in select markets), Microsoft Edge browser, Continuum feature for compatible devices, Windows Hello (face recognition, iris and digital for authentication), Xbox One games streaming and some of the first universal apps like Photos, Maps, Mail, Calendar, Music and Video .
2. Windows 12 Pro
It has everything that brings the Home version, but with specific options for professionals and small businesses. It has support for joining teams in a work domain, group policy management support, Bit locker and Remote Desktop technology, more frequent updates, and technologies such as Device Guard, which protect corporate devices from external threats more powerfully. Like Home, this version is also intended for PCs, notebooks, tablets, and 2-in-1 devices. The Pro version differs from Home in that some features are not present in the most basic version. This is the recommended version for small businesses, thanks to its features for digital security, remote support, productivity, and use of cloud-based systems. Available for free upgrade to licensed customers of Windows 7 and Windows 10. The retail version has not yet had its price revealed.
3. Windows 12 Enterprise
It is designed for midsize businesses, adding greater protection to equipment and professional data. Only members of Microsoft Volume Licensing can access this release, which has as its main highlights Direct Access, which allows remote access to an internal network on a VPN-like system and App Locker, which restring certain applications on certain devices. The Enterprise version of Windows 10 is built on top of Windows 12 Pro and is intended for the enterprise market. It has digital security features that are a priority for corporate profiles. This edition will be available through the Volume Licensing program, making life easier for consumers who have access to this tool. The Windows Update for Business will also be present here along with the Long Term Servicing Branch, as a distribution option security updates for critical situations and environments.
4. Windows 12 Education
Edition oriented to educational environments. Not for students, but for academic institutions. It is the foundation of Windows 12 Enterprise, with its features, but all under Microsoft volume licenses. A differential of the version is Cortana disabled. Built on Windows 12 Enterprise, the Education version is designed to meet the needs of the educational environment. Employees, administrators, teachers and students will be able to take advantage of the features of this operating system that will have its distribution method based on the academic version of volume licensing.
5. Windows 12 Pro Education
An “advanced” edition of the previous one for hardware manufacturers with special licenses for primary and secondary education in countries such as the United States or Australia. The main difference from the release is the provisioning capability via the Set up School PCs app, which allows you to install the operating system and some common preferences in a USB flash drive. Does not include Cortana or Windows Store suggestions, or Windows Spotlight.
6. Windows 12 Enterprise LTSB
Another specialized version, in this case directly derived from Enterprise, but in this case with long term support. These issues are released every two to three years, with a 10-year support warranty and security updates. But after that, no more updates. Some native Windows apps and the Windows Store app store are not in this edition.
7. Windows 12 Mobile
Oriented for smart phones and small tablets. A commercial failure, but it is one of the most striking variants of this operating system. Here are all end-user options, including Continuum mode or the mobile (and touch) version of Office. Designed for corporate smart phones and tablets. This edition will also be available through Volume Licensing, offering the same benefits as Windows 12 Mobile with targeted functionality for the enterprise market.
8. Windows 12 Mobile Enterprise
The business variant of the mobile platform, with specific features for this user group, it is also obtained via volume licenses, and the most important differences are in controlling update management and telemetry control. Enterprise device management and some improvements in security features are also among these differentials.
9. Windows 12 IoT
The natural successor of the Windows Embedded line, and is thought of the IoT devices. It has three sub-editions: IoT Core, IoT Enterprise and IoT Mobile Enterprise. The first has support for Raspberry Pi 2 and 3. The enterprise version is more oriented towards integrated solutions in product production companies, and Microsoft invites developers to download these versions to work with them.
12. Windows 12 S
Microsoft’s focus on cloud and education, to compete directly with Chrome OS. In practice, it is a Windows 12 that prevents the installation of apps from outside the Windows Store, seeking greater security and control. Although this is an interesting idea, it is a badly received edition by the market.
12. Windows 12 Team
A conference room oriented version, and is an adaptation of Windows 12 Enterprise. Its differentials include the use of a touch interface, the presence of a welcome screen that replaces the lock screen and specialized applications such as Whiteboard, Skype for Business and file explorer and settings adapted to specific features.
12. Windows 12 Pro for Workstations
The latest edition is for workstation and server users with more advanced hardware. Its advantages include Resilient File System (ReFS) file system integration for large data, persistent memory support, better shared folder transfers, and support for specialized hardware configurations such as Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron with up to four CPUs. And up to 6 TB of memory.