Windows 10 Enterprise & Education: 10 Exclusive Features
Accessing Advanced Windows 10 Features
Upgrading to the Professional edition of Windows 10 unlocks sophisticated functionalities, such as BitLocker encryption. However, a significant number of advanced features remain inaccessible to standard Windows users.
Certain capabilities are exclusively found within the Enterprise and Education editions of Windows. These editions typically necessitate a volume licensing agreement or a recurring monthly subscription.
Feature Availability Across Editions
Previously, in Windows 7 and Vista, these Enterprise-level features were also offered in the more expensive Ultimate editions.
Notably, Windows 10 does not include an Ultimate edition. Nevertheless, a 90-day evaluation copy of Windows 10 Enterprise can be downloaded.
Alternatively, any personal computer can be upgraded to Windows 10 Enterprise specifically for evaluation purposes.
Understanding Licensing Options
- Volume Licensing: Often used by organizations and institutions.
- Monthly Subscription: Provides access to Enterprise features on a recurring basis.
- Evaluation Copy: A temporary, fully-featured version for testing.
It's important to understand that access to these advanced features is tied to specific licensing models. The Professional edition offers some enhancements, but the full suite is reserved for Enterprise and Education users.
Long Term Servicing Branch
Windows 10 incorporates several distinct branches designed for varying user needs. The least stable option consists of the Windows Insider preview builds, representing pre-release versions currently under active development. The majority of Windows 10 installations operate on the "Current Branch," which is recognized as the stable release.
PCs utilizing Windows 10 Professional have the alternative of employing the "Current Branch for Business" through the activation of the "Defer Upgrades" setting. This functionality enables organizations to postpone upgrades for an extended duration.
For instance, the rollout of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update has not yet commenced for PCs on the Current Branch for Business. This branch serves as a testing ground, allowing for further refinement based on feedback from consumer PCs running the standard "Current Branch" before wider deployment to business environments.
Users of the Enterprise or Education editions of Windows 10 are eligible to select the "Long-Term Servicing Branch," often abbreviated as LTSB. This version is specifically engineered for essential systems, such as bank ATMs, retail point-of-sale terminals, and industrial control computers.
Key Characteristics of LTSB
- The LTSB version of Windows 10 receives no new feature additions.
- It benefits from prolonged support through consistent updates.
- It is distributed as a distinct image, excluding components like Microsoft Edge, Cortana, and the Windows Store.
If a highly stable and unchanging Windows 10 experience is desired—one devoid of frequent feature updates and lacking Cortana or the Windows Store—the LTSB is the appropriate choice. However, access is restricted to enterprise users and is not available to typical consumers.
Windows To Go
Initially launched with Windows 8, Windows To Go was initially restricted to the Windows 8 Enterprise edition. This limitation persists in Windows 10. The functionality enables the installation of a complete Windows operating system onto a portable USB flash drive or an external hard drive.
This allows booting the installed Windows environment on any compatible computer. The system then operates as a live Windows instance, with all files and personalized settings stored directly on the USB drive.
Essentially, Windows To Go provides a portable operating system experience, mirroring the functionality of a Linux live USB drive but specifically for Windows. Users can carry their Windows environment with them and access it from various machines.
While the Windows To Go creation tool can be initiated on any Windows edition, the process requires a Windows Enterprise image for installation onto the USB drive.
This capability presents a valuable solution for both tech enthusiasts and general users familiar with Linux live USB environments. However, Microsoft primarily intends this feature for use by IT professionals.
The company is framing Windows To Go as a method for IT departments to deploy and maintain a managed Windows 10 system across a diverse range of computers. It offers a centralized approach to operating system management.
AppLocker
Related: Ensuring Malware Prevention on Windows PCs Through Application Whitelisting
AppLocker represents a significant security capability with practical implications. It enables administrators to define specific rules governing application execution based on user accounts. Essentially, a whitelist is established, restricting user accounts to a pre-approved set of secure applications.
Despite being accessible for rule creation within the Local Security Policy editor on Windows 10 Professional, these rules remain inactive unless the operating system is an Enterprise or Education edition. Consequently, configurations made on a Windows 10 Professional system will have no effect without an upgrade. This functionality was also present in Windows 7 and 8.
Previously, Windows 7 offered AppLocker as a component of its Ultimate edition.
This feature provides an effective method for securing Windows computers utilized by family members or individuals requiring limited access. It allows granting access to necessary applications while blocking all others. Alternative application whitelisting has been achieved using the Family Safety feature on other Windows versions, though its interface can be cumbersome.
The Family Safety feature operates under the "child" and "parent" account paradigm. This structure may present a social awkwardness if an adult user is attempting to secure a computer belonging to an older relative.
Key Benefits of AppLocker
- Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of malware execution.
- Granular Control: Allows precise control over application access.
- User-Specific Policies: Rules can be tailored to individual user accounts.
Implementing AppLocker effectively strengthens system security by proactively preventing unauthorized software from running.
Group Policy Settings: A Comparative Overview
A comprehensive listing of differences necessitates an examination of the alterations made to the Group Policy Editor. The Group Policy editor tool is included with Windows 10 Professional. Historically, Windows users have been capable of configuring the majority of group policy settings within the Professional edition, mirroring the functionality available in Enterprise editions.
However, with the release of Windows 10's Anniversary Update, Microsoft initiated restrictions on specific group policy settings, limiting their availability to Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions. Consequently, the corresponding registry settings are also rendered ineffective.
Restricted Group Policy Settings
The following group policy settings are now exclusive to Windows 10 Enterprise and Education versions:
- Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences: This setting prevents the automatic download of third-party applications during initial account setup. It addresses the installation of applications like "Candy Crush Saga" upon creating a new user account or PC. Post-installation removal of these applications remains possible.
- Do not show Windows Tips: This policy disables the system-wide display of "Windows tips." Users retain the ability to disable these tips through the Settings app, specifically under System > Notifications & actions > Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.
- Do not display the Lock Screen: This policy deactivates the lock screen functionality. While a workaround exists to bypass the lock screen, it is considered a temporary solution and may be blocked by Microsoft in future updates.
- Disable all apps from Windows Store: This policy completely disables access to the Windows Store and prevents Store applications from executing. Windows 10 Professional users are no longer able to disable the Store through policy.
This modification incentivizes organizations to adopt Windows 10 Enterprise for centralized policy management across their networks.
The shift in policy aims to encourage businesses to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise if they require granular control over these specific settings.
App-V and UE-V
Formerly, Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) and User Environment Virtualization (UE-V) required a separate download for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions. However, the Anniversary Update integrated these technologies directly into these Windows 10 versions, eliminating the need for additional downloads.
App-V enables system administrators to encapsulate applications within isolated containers. Through the App-V client, Windows 10 can then execute these applications within a virtualized, self-contained environment, bypassing traditional installation procedures.
Furthermore, applications can be "streamed" from a server to a Windows client PC utilizing this technology. This provides enhanced security and facilitates improved application access control for organizations.
The benefits of App-V are most pronounced within larger organizational structures.
UE-V, on the other hand, empowers users to preserve their application and Windows operating system settings within a virtual environment.
These settings then accompany the user as they transition between various PCs. Similar to App-V, UE-V is primarily advantageous for organizations seeking centralized infrastructure management.
Essentially, UE-V ensures that a user’s system state remains consistent as they move between different PCs managed by their organization.
Key Features
- App-V: Application isolation and streaming.
- UE-V: User environment and settings synchronization.
- Both technologies are designed for centralized management.
These virtualization solutions offer significant advantages in terms of security and manageability, particularly for large-scale deployments.
They streamline application delivery and ensure a consistent user experience across multiple devices.
Device Guard and Credential Guard
Device Guard and Credential Guard represent distinct, yet interconnected, security features. Both were introduced with Windows 10.
The primary function of Device Guard is to bolster the security of organizational computers. According to Microsoft’s official documentation, Device Guard shifts the security paradigm in Windows 10 Enterprise. It moves from a system that trusts applications unless actively blocked, to one that only executes code explicitly authorized by the enterprise.
This authorization is achieved through the creation of code integrity policies. Device Guard leverages hardware-level virtualization extensions, specifically Intel VT-x and AMD-V, to fortify systems against malicious attacks.
However, it's crucial to understand that administrators must meticulously define which code is permitted to run.
Credential Guard, conversely, employs virtualization-based security to isolate sensitive information. This includes crucial "secrets" like user account details and network login credentials.
By isolating these credentials, Credential Guard restricts access to authorized system software only. Microsoft emphasizes that combining Credential Guard with other security measures, such as Device Guard, is essential for comprehensive data protection.
Key Differences Summarized
- Device Guard: Controls which applications are allowed to run.
- Credential Guard: Protects sensitive login credentials.
- Shared Foundation: Both utilize virtualization-based security.
Effectively, Device Guard establishes a whitelist of approved applications, while Credential Guard safeguards the very keys to accessing the system. These features work in tandem to create a more robust security posture.
DirectAccess
DirectAccess functions similarly to a Virtual Private Network (VPN). However, it differs significantly in its operational methodology.
Unlike conventional VPN connections that require explicit, manual initiation by the user, DirectAccess is engineered for automatic connectivity.
Automatic Connection Establishment
The core principle behind DirectAccess is to establish a connection automatically whenever a user gains access to the Internet.
This automated approach allows organizations to guarantee that company-issued laptops consistently attempt a direct connection to the corporate network.
Secure Tunneling of Internet Activity
When a connection is established, all Internet activity originating from the laptop is routed through a securely encrypted connection.
This ensures that sensitive data remains protected during transmission, even when utilizing public or untrusted networks.
Key Benefits for Corporations
- Enhanced security for remote employees.
- Simplified user experience – no manual VPN connection required.
- Consistent enforcement of security policies.
By leveraging DirectAccess, corporations can maintain a robust security posture while providing seamless network access for their mobile workforce.
Essentially, it provides always-on VPN-like protection without the need for user intervention.
Related: Understanding the purpose and benefits of a VPN is crucial for appreciating the advantages offered by DirectAccess.
BranchCache
BranchCache is a functionality tailored for organizations with geographically dispersed branch locations. Consider a scenario where a central office hosts a server containing data frequently required by a remote branch. Instead of repeatedly accessing this data across the WAN connection, BranchCache establishes and maintains a localized data cache.
This process significantly enhances access speeds and minimizes bandwidth consumption. BranchCache functions in two primary modes: "Distributed Cache," utilizing storage across client computers within the branch, and "Hosted Cache," leveraging a dedicated server for cache management.
Operational Modes
In Distributed Cache mode, each computer contributes to the overall cache capacity. This decentralized approach offers resilience and scalability. Conversely, Hosted Cache mode centralizes the cache on a server, simplifying administration and potentially offering higher performance.
The selection between these modes depends on the specific network infrastructure and organizational requirements.
Windows 10 Professional Enhancements
Certain features previously exclusive to Windows 8 Enterprise have been integrated into Windows 10 Professional. This expansion of capabilities provides enhanced functionality for a wider range of users.
For instance, Services for Network File System (NFS) now enables Windows 10 Pro users to establish connections with UNIX NFS network file shares. This facilitates interoperability with diverse operating systems.
Advanced Features
Furthermore, RemoteFX virtualization features, including the utilization of a virtual GPU within a Hyper-V virtual machine, are now accessible in the Professional edition. This empowers users with enhanced virtualized environments.
- NFS Support: Enables connectivity to UNIX file shares.
- RemoteFX: Provides virtual GPU capabilities.
The legacy Subsystem for Unix-based Applications has been superseded by the modern "Bash on Ubuntu on Windows" shell, which is universally available across all Windows 10 editions, including Home.
