When Windows 11 arrives later this year, there’ll be plenty of different versions to choose from. In fact, we’re expecting as many as seven, all with a specific purpose.
This is according to a listing from the Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group), who are responsible for the implementation of Bluetooth standards globally. Microsoft is a member of this group, so this can be seen as confirmation of seven Windows 11 versions.
It’s unusual to see an operating system listed there at such an early stage, but it could be an indicator that recent rumours are true. They suggest a final version of Windows 11 will be available to members of the Windows Insider Program as soon as October 2021, with new hardware running the OS coming to the market soon after. We’ll have to wait and see whether that turns out to be true.
The seven flavours of Windows 11
According to the aforementioned Bluetooth SIG listing, the following major versions of Windows 11 are in the works:
- Windows 11 Home
- Windows 11 Pro
- Windows 11 Pro Education
- Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
- Windows 11 Enterprise
- Windows 11 Education
- Windows 11 Mixed Reality
However, that may just be the start. A separate listing on the same website mentions a total of 15 variants, although it’s not clear if all these will come to market. In reality, most people will be using Windows 11 Home or the regular version of Pro, but it’s good to see Microsoft catering to all its potential customers.
How will the versions of Windows 11 differ?
That’s something we’re not entirely sure about. So far, Microsoft has only officially commented on Windows 11 Home and Pro variants. The main reason for this is popularity, with these two expected to be the versions used by most people upgrading.
There will likely be a few extra features in Windows 11 Pro, but we do already know that Windows 11 Home will require a Microsoft account during the setup process. Previously, this could be completed using a local account, which is still the case for Windows 11 Pro.
While the Bluetooth SIG is a very credible source, Microsoft itself hasn’t said anything about the total number of Windows 11 versions and when they’ll be available. However, we can safely assume it’ll be a similar situation to Windows 10 – expect only subtle differences between each, to suit their target market.
A version of this article was originally published in German on our sister site, PC-Welt.
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Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.