Howdy Folks,
New computer replacing one that crashed & burned.
I'm looking for a quick refresher on upgrading my OS from Home to Pro.
Is it simply a matter of changing my Key in Settings/Activation to the one from my old Win 10 Pro computer?
Or are there specific step I have to follow?
Thanks in advance to all who read this and those who reply!
Hi, the basics are here:
Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro | Tutorials
but this does not address the possible need to deal with the key being associated with a PC, as it assumes a new key is being obtained. That may need assistance.
Further the key would need to be retail, not OEM, to be transferable.
How to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro for free | ZDNet
includes a situation closer to yours.
Hi dalchina,
Interesting case.
I used ShowKeyPlus.exe to confirm and capture my Home Key and was confused to see it is a Win 10 Pro Key.
I took a look at the Activation window and found the computer is indeed Win 10 Pro; and I confirmed at System > About.
If I read correctly, this upgrade happened automatically when I signed into my Microsoft Account.
See attached Screen Captures.
Comments?
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...er... that was easy
Yes, if the license is linked, that makes it easy, provided MS activation servers don't complain about 2 separate PCs being activated with the same license. It seems there's some latitude there... rather as with free activation of previous editions long past the stated date for doing so.
From the tutorial:
- although it doesn't cover the case of it having been activated on a different device...To upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro, you'll need either a digital license or a valid product key:
- A digital license for Windows 10 Pro for the device you're upgrading. You'll have a digital license if Windows 10 Pro was already installed and activated on your device.
Might be worth you adding a comment at the end of the tutorial for Brink to consider...
Note to all:
I can't believe I misread the specs on this new Dell. It came with Windows 10 Professional.
I guess while scanning possible candidates for a new desktop I saw they were all 'Home' (or so I thought). This one was spec'd out with 'Professional'.
Dell XPS 8930 Desktop PC - Micro Center
Apologies!
Thanks again for all assists! FWIW, I still learned a few things.
Some higher end computers will actually come with Pro sometimes.Note to all:
I can't believe I misread the specs on this new Dell. It came with Windows 10 Professional.
I guess while scanning possible candidates for a new desktop I saw they were all 'Home' (or so I thought). This one was spec'd out with 'Professional'.
Dell XPS 8930 Desktop PC - Micro Center
Apologies!
Thanks again for all assists! FWIW, I still learned a few things.
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