We explain the difference between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate with table. 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.
Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate are two editions of the original six versions of Windows 7 made by the Microsoft Windows operating system. Unlike other versions, the benefits of these two are more feasible for IT technicians and not for all home users.
However, there are several differences between the two, but one of the main differences is that Professional uses file-based encryption, while Ultimate edition uses file-based encryption and BitLocker encryption level.
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 join Windows domains and Group Policy, service server from a remote desktop, and advanced backup options that make them stand out from Windows Starter, Home Premium and Home Basic. .
Comparison table between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate (in tabular form)
Comparison parameter Windows 7 Professional Edition Windows 7 Ultimate Edition
| Microsoft support extended up to | January 2020 | January 2015 |
| Encryption type | File-based encryption | Bitlocker encryption level and file-based encryption |
| Applocker | Not present | Can block the execution of software, including Applocker technology |
| Branchcache | Not present | Optimization technology available |
| Virtual desktop infrastructure | Not present | Enhanced VDI facilities available |
| VHD | Cannot start files from VHD | Can boot files from VHD |
What is Windows 7 Professional?
Windows Professional is one of six editions of Windows 7 that were released by the Microsoft Windows operating system in 2009. Professional, as the name suggests, is especially beneficial for IT masters who can take advantage of additional support once updated.
Windows 7 Professional is not available in retail stores, but it can be upgraded even from the basic one through the Windows Upgrade Anytime portal. Professional can support 192GB memory and is capable of supporting 2 CPUs.
Professional is also equipped with Presentation Mode feature to enable uninterrupted use and location-aware printing to access printers in the appropriate vicinity.
It also allows the user to join Windows domains and have more control over the system through advanced Group Policy features, which is particularly beneficial for network administrators. Another attractive aspect of Windows Professional is that it allows the user to run Windows XP SP3 within Windows 7.
However, support for Professional ended in January 2020, it continues to provide advanced services like Advanced Backup and Restore options, making it easy to recover lost files. Windows Defender Professional Edition helps provide more security against viruses and malicious software.
What is Windows 7 Ultimate?
Windows 7 Ultimate was also released alongside 5 other editions of Windows 7 in 2009 by Microsoft Windows Operating System. Unlike Windows Home Premium and Starter, the Ultimate edition is the most popular among technicians for its many additional benefits.
The Ultimate edition covers everything that is included in Windows Professional and much more. For starters, Ultimate has file-based encryption and Bitlocker encryption, which adds more security.
The Ultimate edition also supports a maximum of 192 GB of memory and a running capacity of 2 CPUs. It’s enabled with presentation mode, location-aware printing, and advanced backup and restore options like a pro.
However, this versatile edition of Windows 7 Ultimate also includes the benefits of easily switching between 35 MUI language packs and advanced features to block malicious software running through the Applocker property.
The Ultimate edition also has branch cache optimization technology for easy access to files over wide area network and also allows direct access to virtual hard drive or disk image without host interference.
In addition, it helps to keep the user connected on the go through the shortcut-enabled phone and the virtual desktop infrastructure specially designed for network administrators.
Main differences between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate
- Ultimate Edition can launch files directly from VHD without host interference, whereas this is not possible in Professional.
- Windows 7 Professional only has file-based encryption, while Ultimate has file-based encryption and Bitlocker enabled.
- The Ultimate edition is equipped with Applocker features, while it is missing from Professional.
- The shortcut 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 feature with Branch Cache that is not present in Windows 7 Professional.
- The Ultimate edition allows access to 35 MUI language packs that are also missing from the Professional edition.
Final Thought
Although the added benefits of the Professional and Ultimate editions of Windows 7 have been considered practically useless by home users, both editions are highly applauded by IT professionals and network administrators.
Both Professional and Ultimate have been proclaimed to provide remote desktop access with specially curated features that make work easier for both host and client. In addition, the Domain Join and Group Policy functions help to improve the work of a technician.
However, the main difference between these two editions is that the Ultimate edition has direct access to the virtual hard disk files and the enhanced virtual desktop infrastructure that are missing from the Professional edition.
The difference between the two editions is also that the Ultimate edition provides even more security with Applocker, which blocks access to software installation, and Bitlocker encryption that is based on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
The Branch Cache and Direct Access features make the Ultimate edition smoother and more effective, which is also a noticeable difference between the two editions.
Although the Ultimate edition is somewhat different from the Professional with its advanced access features and a higher level of security, Professional is no less effective. Both editions are also made easy with Dynamic Disk support and Location-Aware printing along with everything mentioned above to make it even more high-tech.
