Windows 10 Education

Windows 10 Education is the ideal edition of Microsoft's globally important operating system for schools and other educational institutions. Built on the business edition, Windows 10 Pro, it adds useful features for the classroom and lesson planning. The result is a familiar, easy-to-use learning environment with the tools and security you need to prepare for all kinds of teaching activities.

Use the new features in Windows 10 Education

Like all editions of Windows 10, this version includes a wide range of new features. These focus on making the system easier to use and control on PCs and laptops, as well as portable touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets. The intelligent Start menu lets you organise and display apps however you prefer.

Virtual desktops let you work across several desktop workspaces in Windows 10. In the classroom, this helps you keep reference materials and your own content separate and access them easily with a few gestures. As in other editions of Windows 10, you can also use Cortana voice commands to access features and information.

The software can be licensed for entire schools or individual teachers. Individual teachers can use the operating system on their own devices for lesson planning. Full Remote Desktop support gives you extensive access regardless of the device you use.

For security, this version of Windows 10 includes Device Guard, which provides comprehensive data protection. BranchCache optimises network traffic, making it particularly useful in larger schools with many devices used in lessons. Windows To Go support lets you carry the operating system on a USB stick or other storage medium.

Differences from other editions of Windows 10

Like Enterprise, the Education edition is broadly comparable to Windows 10 Pro. Windows 10 Pro is designed for small businesses that need a functional network with fast, secure data exchange. Schools, universities and other educational institutions share these requirements.

Apart from specialist education apps, Education and Enterprise have identical system features. Their main differences from the Pro edition are:

- BranchCache
- Start Screen Control for groups
- AppLocker to prevent unwanted background programs
- DirectAccess

DirectAccess gives field staff secure, practical access to their company's network from smartphones and other devices. This is also useful for schools and universities when teachers need to access school network content from home. For additional security, Windows 10 Education includes BitLocker drive encryption, as does the Pro edition.

Support from Microsoft

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 Education on 14 October 2025. Windows 10 continues to run but no longer receives regular security updates.

Improve the teaching experience with specialist apps

As well as using Microsoft's built-in features, you can customise Windows 10 Education with apps. Alongside the usual app stores, Microsoft offers specialist applications for educational institutions. One notable example is a special version of Minecraft that helps pupils in all year groups develop creativity, organisation and communication skills.

Another option is Microsoft MakeCode, which offers an accessible way to introduce practical programming even in younger year groups. Alongside writing source code line by line, it focuses on projects in areas such as mechanics, technology and mechanical engineering. The Education edition is designed specifically for this, and many suitable apps are non-commercial.