Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate are two editions of the six original Windows 7 versions realized by the Microsoft Windows Operating System. Unlike other versions, the benefits of these two are most feasible for IT techs and not for every home user.
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However, there are several differences between the two butone of the main differences is that the Professional uses file-based encryption whereas Ultimate edition uses both file-based encryption and BitLocker encryption level.
Windows 7 Professional vs Ultimate
The difference between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate is that the Ultimate edition can boot files from the Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) but the Professional edition cannot.
The difference between Professional and Ultimate edition also lies in the fact that Ultimate is designed to be more advanced with 35 MUI language packs and Applocker benefits than Professional.
Both Professional and Ultimate are equipped with additional controls such as access to joining windows domains and Group Policy, serving host from a remote desktop, and advanced backup options which make them stand out from the Windows Starter, Home Premium, and Home Basic.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Windows 7 Professional Edition | Windows 7 Ultimate Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft support extended upto | January,2020 | January, 2015 |
| Encryption type | File based encryption | Bitlocker encryption level and File Based encryption |
| Applocker | Not Present | Can block software from running, Applocker technology included |
| Branchcache | Not Present | Optimization technology available |
| Virtual Desktop Infrastructure | Not present | Enhanced VDI facilities made available |
| VHD | Cannot boot files from VHD | Can boot files from VHD |
What is Windows 7 Professional?
Windows Professional is one of the six windows 7 editions that were launched by the Microsoft Windows Operating System in 2009. Professional, as the name suggests, is especially beneficial for the IT maestros who can avail the additional assistance once upgraded.
Windows 7 Professional is not available in the retail stores but one can upgrade from even the basic through the Windows Upgrade Anytime portal. Professional can support a memory of 192 GB and has the capacity to support 2 CPUs.
Professional is also equipped with the Presentation Mode feature to enable uninterrupted usage and Location-aware Printing for accessing printers that are located within the appropriate vicinity.
It also allows the user to join windows domains and have more control over the system through advanced features of Group Policy which is particularly beneficial for network administrators. Another alluring aspect of Windows Professional is that it allows the user to run Windows XP SP3 within Windows 7.
However, the support for Professional ended in January 2020, it continues to provide advanced services such as Advanced Backup and Restore options making it easier to retrieve lost files. Windows defender in Professional edition helps provide more security from viruses and malicious software.
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What is Windows 7 Ultimate?
Windows 7 Ultimate was also launched along with 5 other editions of Windows 7 in 2009 by Microsoft Windows Operating System. Unlike Windows Home Premium and Starter, Ultimate edition is most popular amongst the tech guys for its numerous additional benefits.
The Ultimate edition covers all that is included in Windows Professional and much more. For starters, Ultimate has both File-Based Encryption and Bitlocker Encryption which adds more to the security.
The Ultimate edition too supports a maximum of 192 GB memory and functioning capacity of 2 CPUs. It is enabled with Presentation mode, Location-Aware Printing, and Advanced Backup and Restore options just like professional.
However, this versatile edition of Windows 7 Ultimate also includes the benefits of easy switching between 35 MUI language packs and advanced features to block malicious software run through Applocker property.
The Ultimate edition also has Branch cache optimization technology for easier file access over the wide-area network and also allows direct access to Virtual Hard Disk or the disk image without the interference of the host.
Additionally, it helps keep the user connected while travel through phone enabled by Direct Access feature and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure especially designed for network administrators.
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Main Differences Between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate
- The Ultimate Edition can boot files directly from VHD without host interference while this is not possible in Professional.
- Windows 7 Professional only have File-Based Encryption while Ultimate has both File Based and Bitlocker Encryption enabled.
- The Ultimate edition is equipped with Applocker features while this is missing in Professional.
- The Direct Access feature is only present in Windows 7 Ultimate and is not included in the Professional edition.
- The Ultimate Edition also includes a Wide Area Network Optimization facility with Branch Cache which is not present in Windows 7 Professional.
- The Ultimate edition allows access to 35 MUI language packs that are also missing in the Professional edition.
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Last update on 2022-12-08 / Amazon Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
