Windows 11’s gaming performance came into question as soon as Microsoft released it. Now that it’s been out for a while, it’s time to compare the editions/versions of Windows 11 Home and Professional to see which one is best for PC gaming.

Why you should upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

The main reason why gamers prefer Windows OS over macOS is that Microsoft has always developed its products with gaming in mind. It’s no different with Windows 11, but is Windows 11 that different from Windows 10?

The answer is yes, but check out our article on Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 for a full picture. Windows 11 will improve your gaming experience. Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 supports the latest gaming technologies, some of which were previously only available to Xbox users.

The game mode that allowed Windows 10 to run newer games on older setups is also available on Windows 11, but has been improved. Apart from freeing up the CPU, Windows 11 limits background activity and allocates more resources so that you can play your game undisturbed.

Windows 11 also brings new gaming features such as Auto-HDR, DirectStorage, and a built-in Xbox app. Let’s take a look at what these new features are all about and how they can improve your gaming experience.

Auto HDR

In 2017, game developers announced the HDR feature for the latest generation of consoles. That meant only a handful of games would support HDR. Microsoft has developed Auto-HDR, which can turn any game into an HDR experience, as long as the screen supports this feature.

That means if you have an HDR monitor, Windows 11 will detect it and automatically enable auto-HDR so you can experience your games at a whole new level. The colors will be vivid and realistic, boosting your visual gaming experience.

Instant storage

An Application Programming Interface (API) is an intermediary between two applications and makes them work better. Direct Storage is one such API and its job is to mediate between the GPU and SSD. That means the GPU can process and decompress the game data without the intervention of the CPU. This makes the loading times of games much shorter.

Before DirectStorage, the API would send the game data from the RAM to the CPU for decompression and processing, and only then would it send it back to the RAM and finally to the GPU to render and project the data. But DirectStorage skips this whole step and sends the compressed data directly to the GPU, so it’s up to the GPU to quickly decompress, process, and project it.

When DIrectStorage is combined with an NVMe SSD, the whole process is lightning fast and the GPU feels no extra stress. In addition, the CPU will be free to perform other tasks. DirectStorage is exclusive to Windows 11 and will not be part of future Windows 10 updates.

Built-in Xbox app

Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 has the Xbox app and Xbox Game Pass as built-in features. It connects the entire Windows ecosystem in one machine. Previously, you had to download the Xbox Companion app separately from PlayStore to connect your PC to the Xbox system. The Game Pass gives subscribers direct access to Xbox cloud gaming.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is still in beta development, but you can already log in and play some of the most sought-after game titles. You need a good internet connection and a desktop or laptop.

Optimized Start Menu

This feature is not related to games and may not be of interest to people who use their PC solely for gaming. But it’s a nice feature, especially if you use your PC for professional or other entertainment purposes besides gaming.

The Windows 11 start menu is optimized and versatile. It’s easy to access different programs and navigate between apps. The start menu can also be customized to suit your needs. This is more important for tablet users who don’t like the oversized Start menu that takes up much of the bottom screen, but it can also be useful for gamers and gameplay streamers.

Windows 11 Home vs Windows 11 Pro

Now that it is clear that Windows 11 is a better option for gamers, the question is which version/edition to choose? Let’s take a look at the main differences between the two editions of this operating system and how they affect the gaming experience.

Processor

The real difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro is in the CPU. While the Home edition only supports one CPU with 64 cores, the Pro edition supports two, with up to 128 cores.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Pro edition is better for gaming. Resource management is typically streamlined while gaming, so the two CPUs are not required. Thanks to the new DirectStorage, one CPU is more than capable of running your game smoothly.

RAM

Windows 11 can support much larger RAM sizes. The Home edition supports up to 128 GB of RAM, while the Pro up to 2 TB.

Note that 128 GB is already way over the top for gaming. The Home edition should suffice if you don’t use your PC for any purpose other than entertainment.

Security Features

Windows 11 Pro wins the race when it comes to security. It comes with a BitLocker, a feature that you can enable and encrypt your hard drive. That way, your data is protected and no prying eyes can see or steal its contents.

Once BitLocker encrypts your hard drive, no one can access it unless they have a password or recovery key. That means that even if your PC is stolen, you don’t have to worry about the content on it.

Unfortunately, this feature is not available on Windows 11 Home. But as a gamer, do you need this extra layer of protection? It can be useful for professionals trying to secure their work. But for everyone, a good antivirus and a VPN will suffice.

Updates

If you rely on regular updates for optimal gaming performance, you should know how Windows updates work. Whatever version of Windows you have, they all receive updates as needed. Both Home and Pro receive regular updates.

Costs

If you upgrade from Windows 10, Windows 11 Home is free. The Pro edition always costs $200 whether to update or buy a new license.

If you use your computer for professional purposes in addition to gaming, you may want to make the investment. All the extra features are worth the price. But if you only use your PC for gaming, browsing and everyday work, you don’t have to pay for a new operating system.

Windows 11 Home comes with all the new game features for free. That would mean Home is the best edition for gamers when choosing between the two.

What about Windows 11 Enterprise?

Microsoft has developed Windows 11 Enterprise exclusively for businesses. It requires a volume license agreement and you cannot purchase an OEM key for it. Windows Enterprise is not designed for consumers, but for businesses.

Windows 11 Enterprise has the same features as the Home and Pro editions and some additional apps designed specifically for businesses. This means that if you have the Enterprise edition, you can play games just as well as on any other edition.

Keep in mind that Enterprise is the most expensive option, but if you need it for the PC you use for both entertainment and work, you can’t go wrong. However, you will have to give this new operating system some extra permissions to run games.

Which edition is best for gaming?

When it comes to gaming, the OS capabilities are the same whether you opt for the Home, Pro or Enterprise edition. There are no additional features that might give them a different gaming experience. Windows 11 Home is everything you need as a gamer.

Windows 11 Home is an excellent choice for everyone. It brings all the new game features in the other two editions and costs nothing if you update from Windows 10. It is designed for consumer use and is the best option for most people.

That doesn’t mean the Pro and Enterprise editions are any worse. They just come with extra features that are not that useful for average gamers and cost more. If you are a professional and use your PC for work and entertainment, you can opt for Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.