Windows 11 Enterprise
This guide provides an objective overview of Windows 11 Enterprise, detailing its features, capabilities, licensing options, and benefits for businesses.
This guide provides an objective overview of Windows 11 Enterprise, detailing its features, capabilities, licensing options, and benefits for businesses.
Amol Dalvi | May 5, 2025
Windows 11 Enterprise is a version of the Windows operating system designed specifically for businesses. It includes advanced security features, productivity tools, and options for IT management. The platform is built to support organizations of all sizes, offering scalability and the ability to operate efficiently in diverse environments. With tools for threat protection, virtualization, and device management, it provides solutions for both IT professionals and business decision-makers seeking practical and secure workplace technology.
Windows 11 Enterprise is designed to meet the needs of your modern business, offering advanced tools for security, productivity, and IT management. Below, we’ll explore its standout features, focusing on how they can support your organization’s goals.
Enhanced security with features like Credential Guard and BitLocker for data protection.
Advanced management tools like Windows Autopilot and Group Policy for streamlined device management.
Virtualization support with tools like Windows Sandbox for secure testing environments.
Windows 11 Enterprise offers more advanced features compared to Windows 11 Pro, particularly for large organizations and businesses. While Pro provides essential tools like BitLocker and Remote Desktop Host, Enterprise includes additional capabilities such as Credential Guard, Application Guard, and advanced management options like Windows Autopilot. The choice depends on your organization's needs—Enterprise is better suited for businesses requiring enhanced security and scalability.
Here’s a comparison chart highlighting the differences:
Feature | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Enterprise |
---|---|---|
Target audience | Small to medium-sized businesses | Large enterprises and organizations |
Security features | BitLocker, Windows Information Protection | Credential Guard, Application Guard, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) |
Device management | Group Policy, Mobile Device Management | Advanced tools like Windows Autopilot, Azure Active Directory integration |
Virtualization | Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox | Full virtualization support for enterprise environments |
Remote desktop | Host and client | Host and client |
Licensing | One-time purchase or volume licensing | Subscription-based via Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans |
Deployment options | Basic deployment tools | Advanced deployment tools like Windows Autopilot |
Cloud integration | Azure Active Directory support | Full Azure integration and cloud management |
Support for hybrid work | Moderate | Extensive, with features tailored for remote and hybrid work environments |
Windows 11 Enterprise provides a suite of tools and features designed to make IT management more efficient and secure. Whether you’re deploying devices, managing users, or maintaining system security, these capabilities can streamline your processes and enhance overall control.
Windows 11 Enterprise equips you with robust tools to simplify IT workflows and enhance system control:
Managing devices across an organization is more straightforward with these features:
It supports flexible deployment methods, allowing you to choose what works best for your organization:
Windows 11 Enterprise is designed with features that address the challenges of remote and hybrid work environments. It helps you maintain secure connections, collaborate seamlessly, and manage devices effectively, whether your team is working from home, in the office, or on the go.
It includes built-in security tools that help protect your remote workforce:
Collaboration is critical for hybrid teams, and Windows 11 Enterprise simplifies this with:
It provides tools and capabilities to manage and optimize hybrid work scenarios:
Windows 11 Enterprise offers flexible licensing and subscription options to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Whether you're upgrading from Windows Pro or starting fresh, these options provide scalability and advanced features tailored for enterprise environments.
It is available through subscription-based licensing, which provides access to advanced features and regular updates:
Per-user licensing is ideal for organizations with employees using multiple devices.
Per-device licensing is suitable for shared devices in environments like kiosks or labs.
Volume licensing is available for larger organizations through Microsoft Enterprise Agreements.
It is not sold as a standalone product; instead, it is available through subscription-based licensing as part of Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans. Pricing for these plans, such as Enterprise E3 and E5, is not publicly listed and typically requires contacting Microsoft or a reseller for a quote. Costs may vary based on the number of users, licensing agreements, and additional services included
It is offered in two main subscription tiers, E3 and E5, each catering to different organizational needs:
Feature | E3 | E5 |
---|---|---|
Security | Advanced threat protection | Includes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 |
Management | Comprehensive device and app management | Enhanced with advanced analytics and threat detection |
Licensing | Per-user subscription | Per-user subscription |
Use Case | General enterprise needs | Organizations requiring advanced security solutions |
Yes, the LTSC version is specially designed for devices that require stability and predictability, without frequent feature updates. Unlike the standard Enterprise edition, LTSC editions only receive security and quality updates every 5 years, making them ideal for environments where changes could disrupt critical operations. This version ensures long-term reliability for devices like ATMs, medical imaging systems, kiosks, and industrial control systems.
Transitioning to Windows 11 Enterprise is straightforward, with multiple upgrade paths available:
Upgrade from Windows Pro by using subscription activation to seamlessly step up to Enterprise.
Deploy via Microsoft Endpoint Manager to simplify deployment across your organization.
Hybrid environments involve combining on-premises and cloud-based solutions for flexible transitions.
Nerdio provides tools and solutions that simplify and optimize the deployment and management of Windows 11 Enterprise. By leveraging Nerdio’s platform, you can reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and maximize the value of your IT investments.
Nerdio enhances your experience with features designed to streamline IT operations:
Nerdio’s platform is built to help you optimize resources and reduce operational expenses:
Nerdio’s expertise and tailored solutions make it a strong partner:
It will be supported indefinitely under Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy, which requires organizations to stay current with the latest feature updates. Each update, such as version 22H2, has a support lifecycle of 24 months from its release date. However, there is no publicly available information on how long Microsoft will continue offering updates for it as a product overall.
Yes, it supports many legacy applications with features like Compatibility Mode, which emulates earlier versions of Windows to ensure functionality. Additionally, Microsoft provides Desktop App Assure to address and resolve any compatibility issues, ensuring seamless operation of older applications. Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is straightforward, as Windows 10 applications are fully compatible. If challenges arise, Desktop App Assure is ready to assist with remediation.
Enterprise users have access to Microsoft’s enterprise-grade support, including technical assistance, security updates, and deployment guidance. Support is available through Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans, which include resources like Endpoint Manager, Autopilot, and access to Microsoft’s support channels for troubleshooting and issue resolution.
Nerdio Manager for Enterprise
Software product executive and Head of Product at Nerdio, with 15+ years leading engineering teams and 9+ years growing a successful software startup to 20+ employees. A 3x startup founder and angel investor, with deep expertise in Microsoft full stack development, cloud, and SaaS. Patent holder, Certified Scrum Master, and agile product leader.