Need some confusion cleared up about migrating to a new system.

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  1. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #11

    NavyLCDR said:
    A Windows 10 Home install cannot be activated with a Pro key. But it can be upgraded to Pro using the purchased Pro key.
    Ahhh what you just typed don't make any sense??? But, I think I understand what I need to do. In order to upgrade the system to Windows 10 Pro, I need to remove the existing OS then install a Window 10 Pro OS, and THEN use the Retail key to activate.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #12

    Because I am changing the OS from OEM to Retail, only way is to remove the OEM version and fresh install a Retail version with a valid key. I think this is the correct way.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #13

    OldMike65 said:
    Because I am changing the OS from OEM to Retail, only way is to remove the OEM version and fresh install a Retail version with a valid key. I think this is the correct way.
    No. You can change from OEM to Retail by just going to Activation under settings and enter the new product key. But there really is no need to change from OEM to Retail on one that is already installed and activated.

    Going from Home to Pro you just need to run the Windows Pro setup.exe just like you would upgrading any Windows to Windows 10 Pro - when it asks you for a Product Key, you enter your purchased Windows 10 Pro key. It will upgrade to Pro, not clean install that way.
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  4. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #14

    NavyLCDR said:
    No. You can change from OEM to Retail by just going to Activation under settings and enter the new product key. But there really is no need to change from OEM to Retail on one that is already installed and activated.
    The Main Reason is it is the HOME version of windows 10, NOT the Pro version. I've been told you can't use a retail key to change a Windows 10 HOME oem to a Windows 10 Pro RETAIL.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #15

    OldMike65 said:
    The Main Reason is it is the HOME version of windows 10, NOT the Pro version. I've been told you can't use a retail key to change a Windows 10 HOME oem to a Windows 10 Pro RETAIL.
    You were told wrong.
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  6. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #16

    NavyLCDR said:
    You were told wrong.
    Well then if you are correct, you could save me a few hours of installing the OS I want!!! Hours......I like this, if it works!!! Still might format the drive......and just install windows 10 Pro retail.....with no bloatware. But I like the options.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #17

    OldMike65 said:
    Well then if you are correct, you could save me a few hours of installing the OS I want!!! Hours......I like this, if it works!!! Still might format the drive......and just install windows 10 Pro retail.....with no bloatware. But I like the options.
    Look in Settings - System - About. Right there is the link to "change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows". That is where you would enter your Pro Retail Product Key to initiate the upgrade. See here:
    How to Perform an Easy Upgrade in Windows 10 - Microsoft Community
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  8. Posts : 5
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #18

    I'll probably just get another OEM key then. I was just hoping I wouldn't have to see one of my keys go unused because we're retiring one of the machines but I see what they are doing.
    Thanks for the help, guys. Appreciate it. :)
      My Computer


 

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