Summary of the Article
Windows 10 Enterprise includes two security features, Credential Guard and Device Guard, which are not available on Professional or Home editions.
Credential Guard is designed to protect user authentication credentials using Virtualization-based security (VBS) and Secure Boot, ensuring their protection even if the user has administrative or debug privileges.
Device Guard, also known as Windows Defender Application Control, uses code integrity policies to allowlist applications and their extensions before they enter the system. This feature blocks unwanted software from running on the OS.
To enable Windows Defender Credential Guard in Windows 10, you can use Group Policy. Follow these steps:
- Open the Group Policy Management Console.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
- Select “Turn On Virtualization Based Security” and choose the Enabled option.
The Enterprise edition of Windows 10 supports DirectAccess, a feature used for secure remote connectivity. However, it requires the Enterprise edition of Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and either Windows Server Standard or Datacenter for deployment.
If you are using Windows Home edition, you won’t be able to join your device to an Active Directory domain. You’ll need to upgrade to Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition to enable this feature.
The current and final version of Windows 10 is 22H2. Microsoft will continue to release monthly security updates for all Windows 10 editions until October 14, 2025, which is the end of support date.
Questions and Answers
- Which Windows 10 editions will support Credential Guard and Device Guard?
Windows 10 Enterprise includes Credential Guard and Device Guard, while Professional or Home editions do not. - What version of Windows 10 is Device Guard?
Windows Defender Device Guard uses code integrity policies, known as Windows Defender Application Control from Windows 10 version 1709 onwards. - How do you enable Windows Defender Credential Guard in Windows 10?
To enable Windows Defender Credential Guard, use Group Policy and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard. Select “Turn On Virtualization Based Security” and enable it. - Which edition of Windows 10 supports DirectAccess?
DirectAccess is supported by the Enterprise edition of Windows 10 and requires the Enterprise edition of Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and either Windows Server Standard or Datacenter for deployment. - Which Windows 10 feature is designed to protect user authentication credentials?
Virtualization-based security (VBS) and Secure Boot enable Credential Guard to protect domain credentials from malware, even if the user has administrative or debug privileges. - Which edition of Windows 10 does not allow the device to be joined to an Active Directory domain?
The Home edition of Windows 10 does not allow the device to be joined to an Active Directory domain. Upgrade to Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition to enable this feature. - What is the current version of Windows 10 security updates?
Windows 10 version 22H2 is the current and final version of the operating system. Monthly security updates will continue until October 14, 2025. - Is Credential Guard part of Windows Defender?
Yes, Microsoft Windows Defender Credential Guard is a security feature included in Windows Defender.
Which Windows 10 editions will support Credential Guard and Device Guard
Windows 10 Enterprise includes two security features that are not available on Professional or Home SKUs: Credential Guard and Device Guard.
What version of Windows 10 is Device Guard
Windows Defender Device Guard uses code integrity policies, which are known as Windows Defender Application Control as of Windows 10 version 1709, for IT to allowlist applications and extensions within those applications that can run on the OS. This allows IT to block unwanted software before it ever enters the system.
How to enable Windows Defender Credential Guard in Windows 10
Enable Windows Defender Credential Guard by using Group PolicyFrom the Group Policy Management Console, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.Select Turn On Virtualization Based Security, and then select the Enabled option.
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Which edition of Windows 10 supports direct access
Enterprise edition
The main killer that comes with deploying DirectAccess is the edition of Windows that is required. While you can can run either Windows Server Standard or Datacenter for deployment, you must be running the Enterprise edition of Windows 7/8/8.1/10 in order to use Direct Access.
Which Windows 10 feature is designed to protect user authentication credentials
Virtualization-based security (VBS) and Secure Boot enable Credential Guard to protect domain credentials from malware running in the OS, even if the logged in user has administrative or debug privileges.
Which edition of Windows 10 does not allow the device to be joined to an Active Directory domain
Your device is running Home edition. This feature isn't available on Windows Home edition, so you'll be unable to connect to an Azure AD domain. You'll need to upgrade to Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition to continue.
What version of security update is Windows 10
Windows 10 version 22H2 is the current and final version of the operating system, though Microsoft said it will continue to release monthly security updates for all Windows 10 editions until it reaches end of support on Oct. 14, 2025.
Is Credential Guard part of Windows Defender
Microsoft Windows Defender Credential Guard is a security feature that isolates users' login information from the rest of the operating system to prevent theft. Microsoft introduced Credential Guard in Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows Server 2016.
What are the limitations of Credential Guard
Windows Defender Credential Guard doesn't protect the Active Directory database running on Windows Server domain controllers. It also doesn't protect credential input pipelines, such as Windows Server running Remote Desktop Gateway.
Which Windows 10 versions are not supported
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 versions 1803 and 1809 on May 11, 2021. This applies to the following editions of Windows: Windows 10 Education, version 1803 and version 1809. Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1803 and version 1809.
What is the oldest version of Windows that DirectAccess is compatible with
DirectAccess was introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2, providing this service to Windows 7 and Windows 8 "Enterprise" edition clients.
What are authentication options supported by Windows 10
Authentication method strength and security
| Authentication method | Security | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Authenticator | High | High |
| Authenticator Lite | High | High |
| FIDO2 security key | High | High |
| Certificate-based authentication (preview) | High | High |
What are three different authentication sources used by Windows 10
Authentication techniques range from a simple logon, which identifies users based on something that only the user knows – like a password, to more powerful security mechanisms that use something that the user has – like tokens, public key certificates, and biometrics.
Which Windows 10 edition allows you to join the system to a domain
Active Directory (domain join)
On an enterprise network with a Windows server running as a domain controller, you can join a Windows 10 ow Windows 11 PC to the domain.
Which two types of user accounts can be set up directly on a Windows 10 device
It's important to note that there are two types of user accounts: administrator and standard user. Each computer needs at least one administrator account in order to install new applications, apply updates, and manage system settings.
Is feature update to Windows 10 version 21H2 safe
Yes, Windows 10 21H2 is totally safe. When this update was released on November 16, it was confirmed and signed as safe, stable, and ready to install on devices that have 20H2, 2004, and 21H1.
Does Windows 10 1909 still get security updates
These editions will no longer receive security updates after May 11, 2021.
What are the limitations of Windows Credential Guard
Windows Defender Credential Guard doesn't protect the Active Directory database running on Windows Server domain controllers. It also doesn't protect credential input pipelines, such as Windows Server running Remote Desktop Gateway.
Does Microsoft Defender replace Windows security
Yes, Windows Defender is a good basic virus protection software. You may not find everything you want if you are extremely security focused. A third-party antivirus or anti-malware software will likely find threats that Windows Defender may miss.
Does Credential Guard work on Windows 10 pro
Windows Credential Guard is a security feature that secures authentication credentials against malicious attacks. It prevents hackers from tampering with system tools or running malicious codes on your computer. This feature is available on Enterprise and Pro flavors of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What is the difference between device guard and Credential Guard
Credential Guard focuses on protecting user and system secrets, such as hashed credentials. Credential Guard is easy to implement without a lot of impact. Device Guard goes beyond Credential Guard by providing code integrity policies, which prevents unauthorized code from running on your devices—think malware.
What happens when Windows 10 is no longer supported
What does this mean for you With no new Windows 10 feature updates coming, Microsoft is recommending you transition to Windows 11. You can still use Windows 10 after the end-of-support date, but without security updates after that time, your PC will become more vulnerable to various security risks.
Is Windows 10 20H2 unsupported
Windows 10, version 20H2 reached the end of servicing on May 10, 2022.
Does Windows 10 Pro have DirectAccess
DirectAccess disappears in Windows 10 – Microsoft Q&A. This browser is no longer supported. Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
What is replacing DirectAccess
Microsoft Always On VPN is a replacement for DirectAccess VPN technology. It was designed to provide a secure connection to the internet for individual users, as well as secure remote access to corporate networks for corporate users.
