As a pre-sales technical specialist in the Productivity domain, a common question from partners is: “Which Windows OS should I recommend for my customers?”
With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, now’s the time to get clear on your options—especially through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the latest Windows 11 editions, their use cases, and what to keep in mind when advising your SMB customers.
Whether you’re supporting a mobile team, a compliance-heavy industry, or simply modernising IT for productivity, there’s a version that fits.
Let’s quickly clarify what perpetual licenses mean in this context. These licenses involve a one-time payment for permanent use.
They do not include Software Assurance (SA) and no SA benefits can be added. That said, the use rights remain consistent regardless of how the license is acquired.
You can find more details in Microsoft’s official Product Terms – be sure to check you are reading v23.40 for the most current information.
Friendly word to the wise that it helps to keep the following in mind:
This upgrade transforms a Windows 11 Home device into Windows 11 Pro, unlocking key features like:
It’s a great option for small businesses standardising on Microsoft 365 Business Premium and looking to enhance their endpoint security and management.
Windows 11 Pro is purpose-built for SMBs.
It supports:
This is your go-to option when transitioning legacy Windows Pro devices to a modern, secure operating environment.
Windows 11 Pro N offers the same business features as Windows 11 Pro, minus certain media technologies.
It does not include:
This is useful in situations where multimedia tools are not needed—or have to be managed separately for compliance reasons.
LTSC stands for Long-Term Servicing Channel—meaning minimal feature updates but up to 5 years of quality/security updates. This version is tailored for environments that require stability, such as:
It also includes advanced management and security features built on Windows 11 Enterprise (24H2).
Get Genuine Windows Agreement (GGWA) helps customers legalise existing PCs running non-genuine OS versions.
Key points:
This program promotes license compliance and encourages a shift to buying genuine Windows pre-installed in the future.
Important Note:
GGWA is not intended for volume deployment of new hardware.
This edition is designed for purpose-built devices like:
It offers:
For more technical deployment guidance, check the official documentation for Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC
Choosing the right Windows edition doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with your customer’s use case, consider licensing needs, and ensure device compatibility. Windows 11 offers flexible paths for SMBs whether they’re working from the cloud, deploying devices in the field, or locking down specialised infrastructure.
As always, feel free to reach out to your Productivity team within Crayon for support on licensing scenarios, upgrade paths, or CSP billing questions. We’re here to help you make smarter decisions for your customers and drive value beyond the license.
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