
This can be useful if you want to remotely connect to your computer’s desktop. However, only the Professional editions of Windows include the remote desktop server software to host a remote desktop server and accept incoming connections. RELATED: How to Access Windows Remote Desktop Over the InternetĪll editions of Windows include the remote desktop client software for remotely connecting to Windows computers. Many of the settings available in group policy can be changed via registry hacks - but not all of them can. Most Windows users won’t need the group policy editor, but tweakers will be happy to have it. This feature is often used by system administrators to lock down PCs on large networks, but you can also use it to tweak your own PC. For example, if you want to disable the lock screen and have Windows 8.1 go straight to the log-in screen, you’ll either need to change a setting in the group policy editor or use a registry hack. It also provides access to many other settings that would normally require more complex registry hacks. This advanced tool can be used to tweak many different Windows settings you wouldn’t normally be able to change. Only Professional editions of Windows have access to the Group Policy editor. RELATED: Using Group Policy Editor to Tweak Your PC This is a different feature that only works if you sign in with a Microsoft account that backs up your encryption key to Microsoft’s servers. New Windows 8.1 devices are shipping with device encryption enabled. It may still be safe to use TrueCrypt - this is a controversial subject.

The TrueCrypt project is now officially shut down and their website recommends you use BitLocker, so this is up in the air. TrueCrypt used to be a great alternative to BitLocker for people who used any edition of Windows. If you want to encrypt your entire system drive with BitLocker Drive Encryption, encrypt USB flash drives with BitLocker To Go, or create encrypted container files, you’ll need the Professional edition of Windows. Microsoft’s BitLocker encryption features are only available on Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows 8. RELATED: How to Set Up BitLocker Encryption on Windows
