Windows 8.1 Editions (SKUs) and features
http://www.microsoft.com/global/en-us/news/PublishingImages/presskits/windows/logo_windows.jpgThis Wiki article show differences in Windows 8.1 features
Windows 8.1 is often the best choice. On the other hand, Windows 8.1 Pro edition is the best choice for enthusiasts, technology professionals, and businesses.
It includes everything in Windows 8.1 plus a broader set of technologies, such as encryption, virtualization, management, and domain connectivity.
Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition is available to Software Assurance customers.
It includes all of the features in Windows 8.1 Pro plus management, deployment, security, virtualization, and mobility features that IT organizations need to enable new computing scenarios. Windows To Go, DirectAccess, BranchCache, AppLocker, VDI enhancements, and Windows 8.1 App deployment are features unique to Windows 8 Enterprise. (Windows 8.1 Enterprise is already preconfigured to support app sideloading, as long as the PC is joined to the domain.)
Windows RT edition (previously known as Windows on ARM or WOA) is a new addition to the Windows family.
Windows RT is only available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors. Windows RT helps enable thin and lightweight devices with remarkable battery life. The main focus for Windows RT is running cloud-enabled, touch-enabled, web-connected apps based on the new Windows runtime (WinRT). It also includes touch-optimized desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.
This Table lists the key features available in each edition of Windows 8.1 Editions (SKUs) and features
| Features | Windows RT 8.1 |
Windows 8.1 |
Windows 8.1 Pro |
Secure boot |
x |
x |
x |
Picture password |
x |
x |
x |
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles |
x |
x |
x |
Touch and Thumb keyboard |
x |
x |
x |
Language packs |
x |
x |
x |
Updated File Explorer |
x |
x |
x |
Standard apps |
x |
x |
x |
File History |
x |
x |
x |
Refresh and reset of OS |
x |
x |
x |
Play To |
x |
x |
x |
Connected standby |
x |
x |
x |
Windows Update |
x |
x |
x |
Windows Defender |
x |
x |
x |
Better multi-monitor support |
x |
x |
x |
New Windows Task Manager |
x |
x |
x |
ISO image and VHD mounting |
x |
x |
x |
Mobile broadband features |
x |
x |
x |
Microsoft account integration |
x |
x |
x |
Internet Explorer 11 |
x |
x |
x |
SmartScreen |
x |
x |
x |
Windows Store |
x |
x |
x |
Xbox Live |
x |
x |
x |
Exchange ActiveSync |
x |
x |
x |
Snap |
x |
x |
x |
Can connect to a VPN |
x |
x |
x |
Desktop |
Partial |
x |
x |
Supported third-party apps |
Windows Store apps only |
Windows Store and desktop |
Windows Store and desktop |
Remote Desktop |
Client only |
Client only |
Client and host |
Storage Spaces |
|
x |
x |
Windows Media Player |
|
x |
x |
Encryption features |
Device encryption |
Unavailable |
BitLocker and EFS |
Sideload Windows Store apps |
Partial |
|
Partial |
Boot from VHD |
|
|
x |
Can join a Windows domain |
|
|
x |
Group Policy |
|
|
x |
Hyper-V |
|
|
64-bit only |
AppLocker |
|
|
|
Windows To Go |
|
|
|
DirectAccess |
|
|
|
BranchCache |
|
|
|
Can be virtualized by RemoteFX |
|
|
|
Services for Network File System |
|
|
|
Subsystem for Unix-based Applications |
|
|
|
Windows Media Center |
|
|
Via an add-in |
Microsoft Office apps bundled with OS (including Outlook) |
x |
|
For more information refer to TechNet