Upgrading from Windows 10 or 11 Home to Pro can be done through several methods. Below is a comprehensive guide outlining all the different ways you can perform this upgrade. Learn more about windows Edition comparison Click here
Methods to Upgrade Windows 10/11 Home to Pro
- Using Settings and the Microsoft Store
- Using a Product Key
- Using Command Prompt (CMD)
- Using Windows PowerShell
- Upgrading During Installation
1. Upgrade Using Settings and the Microsoft Store
This is the simplest method that directly utilizes the Windows Settings interface.
Steps:
- Open Settings:
- Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Activation:
- For Windows 10: Go to Update & Security > Activation.
- For Windows 11: Go to System > Activation.
- Go to the Microsoft Store:
- Click on Go to Microsoft Store under the Upgrade your edition of Windows section.
- Purchase the Upgrade:
- In the Microsoft Store, click Buy to purchase the Windows 10/11 Pro upgrade. Follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
- Install the Upgrade:
- After the purchase is complete, the upgrade will start automatically. Your PC may restart several times.
- Verify the Upgrade:
- After the upgrade completes, go to Settings > System > About to verify that you now have Windows 10/11 Pro.
2. Upgrade Using a Product Key
If you already have a valid Windows 10/11 Pro product key, you can enter it directly in the Activation settings to upgrade.
Steps:
- Open Settings:
- Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Activation:
- For Windows 10: Go to Update & Security > Activation.
- For Windows 11: Go to System > Activation.
- Change Product Key:
- Click Change product key.
- Enter the Pro Product Key:
- Enter your 25-character Windows 10/11 Pro product key and click Next.
- Begin the Upgrade:
- Follow the prompts to upgrade to Windows Pro. Your PC will restart during this process.
- Verify the Upgrade:
- After the process completes, check Settings > System > About to confirm that you have Windows Pro.
3. Upgrade Using Command Prompt (CMD)
You can upgrade Windows Home to Pro using Command Prompt, especially useful for advanced users.
Steps:
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
Enter the command to change the product key:
slmgr /ipk your-pro-key
Replace your-pro-key
with your Windows Pro product key.
Activate the key:
slmgr /ato
4. Upgrade Using Windows PowerShell
Steps:
- Open PowerShell as an Administrator.
- Enter the following command: powershell
Set-Edition -Edition Professional -ProductKey your-pro-key -AcceptEula
Replace your-pro-key
with your Windows 10/11 Pro product key.
Restart your computer after the command runs successfully.
5. Upgrade During Windows Installation
You can upgrade to Windows Pro while performing a fresh installation of Windows. This method is useful if you want to start with a clean slate. this method work before activate without windows HOME OEM keys in Device mothorboard
Steps:
- Download the Windows 10/11 installation media from the Microsoft website.
- Create a bootable USB drive.
- Boot from the USB drive and start the installation process.
- When prompted, enter your Windows 10/11 Pro product key.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation and upgrade.
Important Tips and Considerations
- Backup Your Data: Always back up important files before starting the upgrade process.
- Ensure Stable Internet: A reliable internet connection is needed for activation and downloading files.
- Use Genuine Keys: Only use keys purchased from authorized sources to avoid activation issues.
- Install Updates: Make sure your system is up to date with the latest updates from Windows Update before starting the upgrade.
Each method has its benefits and is suitable for different scenarios. Choose the one that best fits your needs and technical comfort level. If you need more details on any particular method, feel free to ask!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to back up my files before upgrading from Home to Pro?
While the upgrade process from Windows Home to Pro does not typically affect your files, it’s always a good idea to back up important data before making any changes to your system.
Will I lose my files and applications during the upgrade?
No, upgrading from Home to Pro only unlocks additional features. Your files, apps, and settings will remain intact.
How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10/11 Home to Pro?
The upgrade typically costs around $99 to $199, depending on your location and any available promotions. You can purchase a license through the Microsoft Store.
Can I upgrade without a product key?
If you already have a digital license for Windows Pro tied to your Microsoft account, you can upgrade without entering a product key. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a key.
What additional features does Windows 10/11 Pro offer over Home?
Some key features include:
BitLocker encryption
Remote Desktop hosting
Group Policy Management
Hyper-V virtualization
Azure Active Directory integration
Windows Sandbox
How long does the upgrade take?
The upgrade process usually takes 10-30 minutes, depending on your system’s speed and specifications.
Can I downgrade back to Windows Home after upgrading?
No, there is no built-in option to downgrade from Windows Pro back to Windows Home. You would need to perform a clean installation of Windows Home to revert back, which would erase your files and applications.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after upgrading?
Generally, no. All drivers and hardware configurations will remain the same after the upgrade.
Can I use the same product key to upgrade multiple devices?
No, a Windows product key is typically tied to a single device unless you have a Volume License. For each additional device, you will need a separate key or license.
Is upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Pro different from upgrading Windows 11 Home to Pro?
No, the process to upgrade from Home to Pro is similar in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The steps and requirements are nearly identical.