By Egodget Tech Team
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Updated: September 2026
Windows 11 Pro Features Every Power User Should Enable After Installation
Table of Contents
- Why Look For Windows 11 Pro features to enable?
- 1. BitLocker Device Encryption
- 2. Hyper-V Virtualization
- 3. Safe Testing with Windows Sandbox
- 4. Local Group Policy Editor
- 5. Remote Desktop Host
- 6. Windows Defender Application Guard
- 7. Dedicated Kiosk Mode
- 8. Advanced Developer Settings
- Should You Upgrade to Pro?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Look For Windows 11 Pro features to enable?
Are you ready to get the absolute most out of your high-end operating system? You need to know the specific Windows 11 Pro features to enable right now. Many users stick with basic settings because they do not know what they are missing. But you can do so much better.
Most computers ship with the standard Home edition. However, the Pro version gives you deep control over security and virtualization. It is highly useful for power users. If you do not have it yet, check out this Windows 11 Home vs Pro comparison first. You will quickly see why upgrading makes complete sense.
Plus, buying a key is very affordable. You can get a cheap Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM key to upgrade instantly. Once you upgrade, you must find the best Windows 11 Pro features to enable. This guide will walk you through them step by step.
1. BitLocker Device Encryption
Security is a non-negotiable part of modern computing. Look, losing your laptop is bad enough. But losing your private data is a true nightmare. That is why BitLocker is one of the key Windows 11 Pro features to enable.
BitLocker scrambles your entire hard drive. This means nobody can read your files without your password. Even if someone steals your drive, they remain locked out.
To turn this on, open your Start menu. Type “BitLocker” and select “Manage BitLocker” from the list. After that, click “Turn on BitLocker” and follow the clean on-screen steps. Be sure to save your recovery key in a safe place. Keep in mind that without it, you could lose access forever.
BitLocker Best Practices
While BitLocker is running, you must protect your recovery key. Do not save it on the same drive because that defeats the purpose. Instead, print it out or save it to a secure cloud account. Since security is your goal, this extra step is non-negotiable.
Also, keep in mind that BitLocker can encrypt external USB drives. This is very helpful if you carry sensitive data around. But remember to set a strong password that you will not forget.
2. Hyper-V Virtualization
Do you want to run virtual machines on your PC? If so, Hyper-V is your best tool. It is a built-in hypervisor that lets you run other operating systems. For instance, you can run Linux right inside Windows.
This tool is among the top Windows 11 Pro features to enable for developers. It is much faster than third-party software because it runs directly on your hardware.
To activate it, open your search bar. Type “Turn Windows features on or off” and click it. Find “Hyper-V” in the list and check the box. After that, click OK and restart your computer. You can now open the Hyper-V Manager to build your first virtual machine.
3. Safe Testing with Windows Sandbox
Have you ever wanted to run a sketchy file? We have all been there. Luckily, Windows Sandbox solves this issue perfectly. It creates a temporary, isolated desktop environment.
When you close the sandbox, everything in it vanishes instantly. So, malware cannot infect your main system. This makes it one of the absolute best Windows 11 Pro features to enable for safe browsing.
To enable this feature, open the “Turn Windows features on or off” menu. Scroll down until you see “Windows Sandbox” and check the box. Click OK and let the system download the required files. After a quick restart, you can launch Sandbox from your Start menu. It is that simple.
Sandbox vs Virtual Machines
Why use Sandbox instead of a full virtual machine? First, Sandbox requires zero configuration. It boots in seconds because it shares your host resources.
But a full virtual machine requires an ISO file. It also takes up gigabytes of storage space. So, Sandbox is much faster for simple file checks.
It remains one of the clever Windows 11 Pro features to enable when you are in a rush. Use VMs for long-term projects, but use Sandbox for quick checks.
When to Use Windows Sandbox
You should use Sandbox whenever you download software from untrusted sites. For example, if you want to test a new utility, run it there first. Since it is completely isolated, your main system remains perfectly safe.
But remember that Sandbox does not save your progress. Once you close the app, all files are gone forever. So, use it only for quick tests and safe experiments.
4. Local Group Policy Editor
The Home edition lacks advanced administrative controls. However, the Pro version gives you the Local Group Policy Editor. This tool allows you to change hidden system settings.
You can disable annoying ads, block automatic updates, or configure system security. It is highly useful because it bypasses complicated registry hacks.
When looking for important Windows 11 Pro features to enable, this utility is non-negotiable. It gives you total control over how your OS behaves.
To open it, press the Windows Key + R. Type “gpedit.msc” and hit Enter. You will see a clean folder structure on the left side. Browse through the folders to tweak your system policies. Just make sure to research any changes before you apply them.
Key Group Policy Tweaks
What can you actually do with this editor? First, you can stop Windows from downloading driver updates. This prevents buggy drivers from breaking your setup.
Second, you can disable the lock screen background pictures if you want a clean look. These small changes make your PC feel truly yours.
Many system administrators list these tweaks among their favorite Windows 11 Pro features to enable. They save time and prevent common tech headaches.
5. Remote Desktop Host
Do you need to access your PC from another room or while traveling? Windows 11 Home only lets you connect to other PCs. However, Pro lets your machine act as a host.
This means you can log into your main rig from any device. You can use your phone, a tablet, or a cheap laptop. This is one of the most practical Windows 11 Pro features to enable for remote workers.
To turn this on, open your main Settings app. Go to System and click on Remote Desktop. Toggle the switch to “On” and confirm the choice.
Keep in mind that your PC must remain powered on to connect. Also, make sure your network is secure before enabling remote access.
Remote Desktop Optimization
If your network connection is slow, you can optimize Remote Desktop settings. For example, you can lower the color depth.
You can also disable visual effects like desktop backgrounds. These small tweaks keep your session responsive even on weak public Wi-Fi networks.
Securing Your Remote Setup
When you open ports for remote work, security becomes your top priority. You must use strong passwords. On top of that, consider setting up a VPN.
These security layers protect your connection from external hacks. Do not skip these steps when configuring your Windows 11 Pro features to enable. A fast setup is great, but a safe setup is better.
6. Windows Defender Application Guard
Are you worried about malicious websites stealing your passwords? You are right to worry. Phishing and browser exploits are highly common today.
Fortunately, Windows Defender Application Guard offers incredible defense. It opens your Edge browser in an isolated container. Even if a site drops malware, it cannot escape the container to touch your files.
This browser isolation tool belongs on your list of Windows 11 Pro features to enable immediately. It offers peace of mind that standard antivirus cannot match.
To set it up, search for “Turn Windows features on or off” again. Check the box for “Windows Defender Application Guard” and click OK. Restart your computer, then open Edge. Look for the option to open a new Application Guard window.
Hardware Requirements for Guard
Keep in mind that this security feature requires virtualization support. You must enable virtualization in your system BIOS. If your CPU supports it, the feature will run smoothly.
However, older hardware might struggle with the extra load. But modern CPUs handle this isolation with ease. So, make sure your hardware is ready before turning it on.
7. Dedicated Kiosk Mode
Do you run a small business? Or maybe you want a dedicated machine for your kids. Kiosk Mode is an incredible feature for these scenarios.
It locks the PC down to run just one specific app. Users cannot access the desktop, change settings, or open other files. This makes it highly secure and easy to manage.
There are many other Windows 11 Pro features to enable depending on your specific daily tasks. But if you share your device, Kiosk Mode is fantastic.
When reviewing Windows 11 Pro features to enable for public or shared use, Kiosk Mode stands out. It ensures your system remains safe from unwanted tampering.
To configure this, open Settings and go to Accounts. Select “Family & other users” and look for the Kiosk section. Click “Get Started” and select the single app you want to run.
8. Advanced Developer Settings
Power users love customization. Windows 11 Pro offers dedicated developer settings that give you more freedom.
You can tweak terminal settings, change execution policies, and optimize your drive performance. These are the perfect Windows 11 Pro features to enable if you love coding or testing new apps.
To access these tools, open your Settings app. Go to Privacy & security, then select “For developers”. Toggle the Developer Mode switch to “On”. You will get instant access to advanced shell tools and remote diagnostics.
Is Developer Mode Safe?
Yes, Developer Mode is completely safe if you trust your own code. However, it does relax certain system security rules.
Because of this, do not turn it on if your PC is shared with untrusted users. Keep your system locked down to prevent unwanted app installations.
Why Developers Need Pro
Developer Mode allows you to install unsigned apps. It also gives you quick access to change registry settings without manual hacks. Since developers work with custom code, this feature is highly useful.
But be careful with unsigned apps because they can carry risks. Always verify your sources before running unknown scripts.
Should You Upgrade to Pro?
Is the upgrade actually worth it? Look, if you only browse the web and watch videos, Home is fine. But if you care about security, privacy, and control, Pro is a game-changer.
Let’s recap the Windows 11 Pro features to enable that we discussed. You get top-tier encryption with BitLocker. You get isolated testing environments with Sandbox. On top of that, you get Group Policy and Remote Desktop.
These options give you an edge in both safety and productivity. We highly recommend reviewing these Windows 11 Pro features to enable to get your money’s worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these features safe to turn on?
Yes, because they are built directly into Windows by Microsoft. However, make sure to back up your recovery keys when using BitLocker.
Do these options slow down my PC?
Not at all. Most of these tools only run when you open them. They do not eat up background system resources.
Is there a checklist of Windows 11 Pro features to enable for gaming?
Gamers should look into Hyper-V if they want to run Android apps. Other than that, most Pro features focus on security and management.
How do I check if my Windows is Pro?
Right-click the Start menu and choose “System”. Look under “Windows specifications” to see your current edition.
