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How to Upgrade From Windows 10 Home to Pro

If you need more power, here's how to upgrade

By Aaron Peters Aaron Peters Writer Villanova University Aaron Peters is a writer with Lifewire who has 20+ years experience troubleshooting and writing about consumer and business technology. His work appears in Linux Journal, MakeUseOf, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 29, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide

What to Know

Go to Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Go to the Store to purchase a Windows 10 Pro upgrade.If you have a Windows 10 Pro product key, go to Start Menu > Settings > Updates and Security > Activation > Change product key.To install Pro on another PC, re-enter the Windows 10 Home product key on current PC, then enter the Pro product key on new PC. This article explains how to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro via the Windows Store or by entering your Pro product key. You can find out which version of Windows you have by checking your system settings.

How to Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro via the Windows Store

If you haven't paid anything for Pro yet, and no one has handed you a copy, the most straightforward way to upgrade is from the Windows Store. Here's how: First, check for any pending Windows updates on your PC. Next, select the Start Menu > Settings. Select Update & Security. Select Activation in the left vertical menu. Select Go to the Store. This link leads you to the Windows Store. To purchase the upgrade, select Buy. Log in with your Microsoft account, then enter your payment method. Windows will immediately upgrade. Maddy Price / Lifewire

Upgrade From Windows 10 Home to Pro via a Product Key Digital License

If you have a copy of Windows 10 Pro you should also have a product key (alternately called a license key) to enable Windows 10 Pro. You'll need this key to replace your Windows Home product key. Here's how to replace your current product key: Make sure you have the latest Windows updates. Navigate to Start Menu > Settings > Updates and Security > Activation. Under Activation, select Change product key. The Product Key window opens. Enter the 25-digit Windows Pro product key. Select Next. If your key is correct, the installation starts immediately, and you'll soon get a message that Windows is upgraded.

Transferring Windows 10 Pro Upgrade to Another Machine

Since you had a full Windows 10 operating system before the Pro upgrade, you can remove the Pro upgrade from its current machine and then transfer it to another machine. Complete this process online so that Microsoft can register that you removed the Pro upgrade. To re-install your original Windows license, which will make the Pro upgrade available to install on another machine: Look at the bottom of your Windows laptop, or on the top/side of a desktop tower. There might be a sticker showing your original Windows product key; alternatively, it might be in the manuals or other material that came in your PC's box. Go to Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key. Enter the product key in the Change product key field to "downgrade" to your old Home license. Your upgrade license is now freed up and can be installed on another machine. FAQ How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro? Originally, upgrading to Home Pro cost $99 for Windows 10 Home users, but you may be able to find it on sale for less.
Can I upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free? No. Unless you already have a product key for Windows 10 Pro, you'll need to purchase one to upgrade. Is it worth upgrading to Windows Pro? It depends on your needs. The main difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro is that the Pro version is mainly used for business purposes. The Home version will suffice for most individual users.
How do I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? To upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, first, see if your computer meets the requirements. Then go to Start > Windows Update Settings > Check for updates. Select Download and Install under Upgrade to Windows 11. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Windows 10 Home vs. Windows 10 Pro How to Switch out of S Mode in Windows 10 How to Upgrade From Windows 7 to Windows 10 How to Resume a Windows 10 Upgrade How to Activate Windows 10 How to Downgrade from Windows 11 Windows 10: Release Date, Editions, Features, and More How to Clean Install Windows 8 Pro Upgrade How to Install and Setup BASH on Windows 10 Windows 11: News, Release Date, and Specs How to Use the Slmgr Command in Windows How to Upgrade From Windows 10 to Windows 11 How to Clean Install Windows 8 or 8.1 [Walkthrough] How to Factory Reset a Lenovo Laptop Can I Run Windows 11 on My Computer? Latest Windows 10 Drivers (October 21, 2022) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies