Windows Licensing for Business: What You Need to Know

Windows Licensing Doesn't Have to Be Confusing

Windows licensing is one of the most common questions we get from business owners. Which version do I need? Can I use Windows Home in my practice? What's the difference between retail and volume licensing? Let's break it down.

Windows Home vs Windows Pro: Why It Matters

Windows 11 Home

• Designed for personal/home use
• No domain join or Azure AD join
• No BitLocker drive encryption
• No Group Policy management
• No Remote Desktop host capability
• No Intune device management

Windows 11 Pro

• BitLocker encryption — Encrypts the entire drive, protecting data if a laptop is lost or stolen
• Domain/Azure AD join — Centrally manage user accounts and policies
• Group Policy — Enforce security settings, password requirements, and restrictions across all PCs
• Remote Desktop — Allow secure remote access to workstations
• Intune management — Deploy apps, push updates, enforce compliance, and remote wipe
• Hyper-V — Run virtual machines for testing and legacy applications

For any business handling sensitive data — patient records, legal documents, financial information — Windows Pro is non-negotiable.

Licensing Options for Business

OEM Licence (Pre-installed)

• Comes with new PCs from manufacturers (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft)
• Tied to that specific hardware — cannot be transferred to a new PC
• Cheapest option per device
• Best for: Businesses buying new hardware

Retail Licence

• Purchased separately from Microsoft or retailers
• Can be transferred to a new PC (one device at a time)
• More expensive than OEM
• Best for: Upgrading existing hardware

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

• Includes Windows 11 Business (equivalent to Pro) upgrade rights
• Also includes Office apps, Exchange, Teams, Intune, and Defender
• Monthly per-user subscription
• Best for: Businesses wanting a complete productivity and security package

Volume Licensing (CSP)

• For businesses with 5+ devices
• Managed through a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (like SkyComm)
• Flexible — add or remove licences as needed
• Central licence management and compliance tracking
• Best for: Growing businesses with multiple devices

Common Licensing Mistakes

• Using Home edition in a business — Violates Microsoft licensing terms and lacks essential security features
• Not tracking licence keys — When you need to reinstall, you need that key
• Mixing licence types — Creates a compliance nightmare. Standardise across your organisation
• Forgetting CALs for servers — If you run Windows Server, every device connecting needs a Client Access Licence

How SkyComm Helps

SkyComm manages Windows licensing for businesses across Perth as a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider. We handle licence procurement, compliance tracking, deployment, and upgrades — ensuring you're properly licensed without overpaying.

Need help with Windows licensing? Contact SkyComm on 1800 957 977.