What is Windows 10 Pro for workstations means?

Microsoft today announced a new version of Windows 10 that’s specifically geared toward professional users that use high-end hardware to support mission-critical workloads. As rumored, Windows 10 Pro for Workstations will feature Microsoft’s server-grade file system (the Resilient File System), support for persistent memory (NVDIMM-N), faster file sharing with SMB Direct and support for high-end hardware with up to 4 CPUs and 6TB of memory.

As the name implies, the focus here is indeed on high-end hardware and for this edition of Windows, which also means support for Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron processors. Standard versions of Windows 10 only support up to 2 CPUs and 2TB of memory, so this new version gives users on these top-of-the-line workstations (and the OEMs who want to build the hardware for them) access to a lot more power — especially when combined with persistent memory.

What is Windows 10 Pro for workstations means?

The Resilient File System (ReFS), as the name implies, is meant to provide an extra level of data availability, resilience and fault-tolerance. It can handle very large volumes and automatically repair errors when data on one of the backup drives becomes corrupted. In comparison to Microsoft’s standard NTFS scheme, which can handle volumes of up to 256TB, ReSF can theoretically be used for volumes of up to 4.7 zettabytes (that’s about a billion terabytes and 8 million years of 8K video — so not something anybody would really need anytime soon).

Users can then also take their data and use SMB Direct to make it available to other users on their network. Using the Remote Direct Memory Access capability of this new version of Windows 10, SMB Direct enables fast file access with low latency that barely uses the local CPU. This feature has been available in Microsoft’s server operating systems since the launch of Windows Server 2012, though it’s worth noting that it takes the right kind of network adapter to work.

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations will launch later this fall as part of the Fall Creators Update.

Windows 10 version 1903 is now in use on over 45 percent of all Windows 10 PCs out in the world, according to the latest AdDuplex usage. However, did you know there’s another flavor of Windows 10 ?

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is an edition of windows released by Microsoft for high throughput calculations and high-performance CPU , Disk, Network, and Memory Hardware. Here are some list of features this version has compared to Windows 10 :

ReFS (Resilient file system)

By default Windows 10 PC’s run on NTFS File System. Microsoft created a new File System format ( ReFS ) to expand on the limitations that NTFS ( a 17 year old file system has )

  • Redundancy

  • Automatic Repair

  • Deduplication

  • Increase Capacity ( 16 Exabytes )

Persistent Memory

Allowing you to use (NVDIMM-N) hardware which gives you a much faster read and write rate for your computers Memory. It also protects your memory incase your computer switches off.

Samba Direct

If your network card hardware supports, Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) which gives you very low latency but very high throughput speeds , is now supported in this version of Windows 10. It also removes the load off your Computers CPU while transferring large datasets enabling this to be reserved for your application processing.

High-Performance hardware support

Running this operating system will allow you to be supported bu Microsoft to run 4 x Intel Xeon or 4 xAMD Opteron processors with 6TB of Memory

As above, the features give a Windows 10 desktop, server like capabilities and features some uses of this would be :

  • High Definition Rendering of Large 3D Video Files

  • High Spec Computer-Aided Design (CAD)Modification

  • Medical or Scientific Modeling Work

Microsoft is always on the lookout for ways to make Windows 10 a better operating system. As such, they don’t shy away from rolling out editions and releasing updates, even when least expected. Currently, Windows 10 has twelve editions, all with different feature sets, use cases or intended devices.

With every new edition comes new features and improved performance. With that in mind, you’d expect the latest edition, Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, to be more powerful and robust. Sure, Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is powerful and one of a kind.

What’s more interesting is that this edition was not rolled out on a “business as usual” basis. It was created in response to feedback from the Windows Insider Program. So what is Windows 10 Pro for Workstations all about? Read on to discover.

windows-10-pro-for-professionals-1

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is the newest member of the Windows 10 family and comes with powerful features, most of which are lacking in the previous editions. This high-performance edition of Windows 10 Pro is designed for power users who aim to use Windows 10 on high-performance, server grade software.

As such, it comes equipped with full support for server grade PC hardware, which makes it the best-suited edition to handle intensive workloads and most demanding tasks. Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is, therefore, ideal for advanced users looking to deploy workstation computers in highly demanding and critical work.

What Makes Windows 10 Pro for Workstations So Powerful?

The value proposition of this edition is to boost performance and enhance the reliability of high-performance PCs. To meet this demand, Microsoft has equipped Windows 10 Pro for Workstations with unique specs that put it in a league of its own. Here are the salient features that make it unique and powerful.

Expanded Hardware Support

Microsoft has extended the hardware support for this edition of Windows in a bid to fix the common problems users frequently encounter when trying to utilize their machine’s raw power. This new functionality will enable users to run Windows 10 on devices with server-grade AMD Opteron and Intel Xeon Processors. Such devices would normally require a Windows server.

Currently, Windows 10 Pro only supports a maximum of 2 CPUs and up to 2 TB of RAM per system. The Windows 10 Pro for Workstations has bumped things up with support for up to 4 CPUs and an insane 6 TB of RAM. This feature will come in handy for those looking to build expensive, high-end PCs.

Faster File Sharing

This new edition of Windows 10 supports SMB Direct – a feature borrowed from Windows Server. SMB Direct utilizes network adapters that support Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA). Microsoft claims network adapters that are RDMA capable can function at extremely high speeds with low latency and minimal CPU usage.

Think about apps that access and share huge amounts of data on your network. Such apps will benefit from low latency when accessing the data, faster data transfer speeds, and low CPU usage. But to enjoy this feature you’ll need a powerful PC that supports such high-end hardware (RDMA enabled) than an ordinary consumer PC might not work here.

Persistent Memory

Another exclusive feature you’ll find in Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is support for NVDIMM-N hardware. The NVDIMM-N is a non-volatile memory, which means the data stored in it won’t disappear once the computer is switched off.

With the NVDIMM-N memory users can read/write files with the fastest speeds possible using the computer’s main memory. While the NVDIMM-N seems promising, it’s not common because it’s much more expensive than normal RAM.

Resilient File System (ReFS)

The Resilient File System is designed to be more resilient to data corruption and is capable of handling huge volumes of data. This system will provide users with cloud-grade resiliency for their data while protecting it on mirrored Storage Spaces.

When used with Storage Spaces, ReFS can detect corrupt data and repair it or replace it with a clean copy from another drive.

How to Get Windows 10 Pro for Workstations

While the specs might make you think that the Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is out of reach for mere mortals, it’s not that hard to get it. You can get this edition via many channels. One of the easiest options is to get it through Microsoft hardware partners such as Lenovo, HP, or Dell.

If you already have a Windows 10 PC, you can also upgrade via the new Microsoft Store App. Just launch the Store, type “pro” in the search box, and Windows 10 Pro for Workstations will display on top of the search results. Click on it and follow the instructions.

Keep in mind that to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for Workstations you’ll need to first install or have Windows 10 Home or Pro Fall Creators Update as your current edition. An upgrade from Pro or Home will cost you $125 while a full license goes for about $205. For more information, check out our article about what you need to know about the Windows 10 activation procedure.

Wrapping Up

The Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is a robust and performance-oriented edition. But is it worth upgrading? If you are an advanced user who wants to get the most out of your PC’s raw power, then this edition is for you. For an average consumer with less demanding daily tasks, upgrading might not make much difference.

What’s your take on Microsoft’s Windows 10 Pro for Workstations? Share with us in the comments section below.

Kenneth Kimari

Kenneth Kimari

Kenn is a tech enthusiast by passion, Windows blogger by choice, and a massive coffee imbiber. He likes watching sci-fi movies in his free time and tearing gadgets apart so he can fix them.

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What is difference between Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Pro for Workstations?

Windows 10 Pro currently only supports up to two physical CPUs and 2 TB of RAM per system, but Windows 10 Pro for Workstations will support up to four CPUs and 6 TB of RAM. Once again, this feature will only aid people building expensive, high-end professional PCs.

Is Windows 10 Pro for Workstations free?

Users can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for Workstations from the new Microsoft Store app. Open the Store, search for Pro, then click the result Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. The cost to upgrade will vary. A full license will cost about $205, while an upgrade from Home or Pro will cost about $125.

Is Windows 10 Pro for Workstations the same as enterprise?

Windows 10 Enterprise provides all the features of Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, with additional features to assist with IT-based organizations.

What's the difference between Window 10 and Windows 10 pro?

The main difference between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro is the security of the operating system. Windows 10 Pro is a safer choice when it comes to protecting your PC and securing your information. In addition, you can choose to connect the Windows 10 Pro to a domain.