Use cases

Windows 11 Pro for developers

WSL2, Docker Desktop, Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox all need Pro or Enterprise. Home edition blocks Sandbox, group policy and BitLocker.

Who it's for

Backend engineers, mobile devs, DevOps, AI/ML practitioners.

Why this works

  • Hyper-V for local Linux VMs
  • Windows Sandbox to test risky binaries
  • BitLocker for encrypted laptop disks
  • Domain-join to enterprise networks

Recommended licenses

Alternatives

  • Windows 11 HomeSkip if you only ship to WSL — Home supports WSL2 now too.

Things to know first

  • Pro upgrade from Home is one-way and re-keys activation — buy the right edition the first time.