Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is a comparison of features between Windows XP Professional and Home Edition?

A: The following table provides a comparison of features between Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional and Home Edition.

Category Professional Home Edition
Advanced Features
Multilanguage User Interface Yes No
Remote Desktop Yes No
Remote Desktop Client Yes Yes
Multiple Monitors Yes Yes
FAX Yes Yes
Logon using Dial-Up Networking Yes No
Multi-processor support Yes No
Personal Web Server Yes No
Security Features
Encrypting File System Yes No
Computer Domain Account (Join Domain) Yes No
Administrative Shares (IPC$, C$, and so forth) disabled * No
Security-Related Group Policy Yes No
Local Administrator Logon Only in Safe Mode * Yes
Management Features
Group Policy Yes No
Roaming User Profiles Yes No
Offline Files Yes No
Software Installation and Maintenance Yes No
File System Features
Dynamic Disks Yes No
Backup Yes No
ASR (Automated System Recovery) Yes No
Networking
Simple Sharing Interface * Yes
IPSecurity Yes No
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Yes No
CSNW (Client Service for NetWare) Yes No
SAP (Service Advertising Protocol) Yes No
Shell Differences
Locked Taskbar Off On
Quick Launch Bar On Off
Welcome Screen * On
Fast User Switching * On

* This feature is enabled in Windows XP Professional unless it is a member of a domain.