Windows 10 Education vs Education Pro

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We are planning to purchase some new Windows 10 PCs for our K-12 school. I’ve read on AskWoody that getting the Education version is the way to go because you don’t have to get the updated OS every six months since Education is built on the Enterprise version. I got a quote from Dell and they are suggesting “Education Pro” which is built on the Pro version. My question is, will “Education Pro” behave like Enterprise in the sense that I have more control over when to allow the twice-a-year OS updates from Microsoft? Or can I manage the updates strictly by using something like WSUS, making the Education vs Education Pro question a moot point?

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answered in this Edugeek forum thread about Education & Pro Education:
http://www.edugeek.net/forums/windows-10/196060-1803-education-vs-pro-education-one-use.html

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Thanks, EP. I had seen that post but it doesn’t specifically answer my question about the twice-a-year OS updates from MS. I don’t want to just assume that Education Pro is the same as Pro in that regard.

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This might be what your looking for: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/release-information/
As regards differences theres almost none between Edu and Edu Pro, both availble in a Standard .wim or .esd file with some DISM work i.e. /get-targeteditions and /setedition: on a mounted .wimfile. But not visible in the displayed indices.
You probaly already know that its real difference is that some of the Privacy Group Policies work the same as Enterprise that wont work or be ineffectual in the Pro versions of Windows. I gather the Edu Pro designation, from you link above, is more of some marketing “blurb” I have ran both editions over a year or so back in VHD’s and theres no discernable difference, or no hidden trove of hitherto unkown features. Yes they still come with some “cruddy” Apps alas but dont ever recall Candy Crush being one of them, may help little bored minds focus a little more on the task at hand. So if the Edu version is cheaper you may as well get that or the cheapest option. I have scant little experience with Dell Machines in general and their packages/deals on offer alas. and Hope that works for you.
PS if your using WSUS shouldnt be a problem I would have thought, theyre both VL’s activations if I recall correctly. Any how have been gone from Education many, many Moons ago hence I couldnt get a key.

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Thanks BobbyB. Your link led me to this link

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

which is very helpful except it doesn’t include “Pro Education”. It’s like MS doesn’t want people to know it exists.

I want to be able to keep my version for 30 months instead of 18 but according to that chart that is only possible for Education and Enterprise, except Pro Education is unknown.

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I think Windows 10 Pro Education is just Windows 10 Pro at an academic price with Cortana and suggestions disabled:

Windows 10 editions for education customers

Microsoft to add new Windows 10 Pro Education edition to its line-up

Cortana expelled from Windows 10’s new school editions

Manage Windows 10 and Microsoft Store tips, “fun facts”, and suggestions

So I think the version support for feature updates must be as for Pro, not Education/Enterprise.

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Thank you, b. Those links have convinced me that Education Pro behaves more like Pro and not so much like Education (Enterprise).

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