Switching from Win10 LTSB to Win10 Enterprise without losing all data?

WINDOWS VERSION: Windows 10 Enterprise N 2016 LTSB
VERSION NUMBER: Version 1607
OS BUILD: 14393.4104

Hello one and all,

I come to you in need of assistance (with a fair amount of shame).
Back when Windows 10 first launched I was still operating my first game PC build, which ran on Windows 7.

When the time came for me to install my second gaming PC I moved to Windows 10. I made an error in judgement back then, and bootlegged a copy of Windows 10 Enterprise N LTSB 2016. I am now encountering more and more issues with programs refusing to run due to the version being too old (currently at version 1607 / OS Build version 14393.4104).

I have since paid for an Enterprise license key, and I was led to believe (by articles similar to this one) that this license key (in combination with a valid Enterprise ISO image) could enable me to effectively perform an in-place upgrade to the normal Windows 10 Enterprise edition.

The described method does not seem to work for me as I only get the option to completely wipe everything and start fresh. This is a problem for me as I am the type that likes to configure a system the way I like it and usually end up having a big pile of files and programs everywhere that I'd rather not all back up and reinstall.

Is there any way for me to migrate with most or all of my stuff intact, or is this a case of "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes"? I am looking forward to your input, thanks in advance!

I'd probably make an image of all partitions on all hard drives before I tried anything else. Out of fear of losing something critical.

You may find the images useful after further steps as we have no idea where various programs and files are right now.

You may eventually be forced into a clean install, but I have never dealt with a dodgy copy of Windows. Others have experience with in place upgrades.

ignatzatsonic said:

I'd probably make an image of all partitions on all hard drives before I tried anything else. Out of fear of losing something critical.

You may find the images useful after further steps as we have no idea where various programs and files are right now.

You may eventually be forced into a clean install, but I have never dealt with a dodgy copy of Windows. Others have experience with in place upgrades.

Thanks for the advice. I made a backup image of my main SSD (the one hosting my OS) yesterday evening using a program called Macrium Reflect just to be sure, as you mentioned. The others are on separate disks and those can be disconnected if needed. I don't have sufficient capacity to make proper backup images of all my drives (250gb, 1TB, 3TB, 4TB).

Just so you are aware, there is NOT a valid method for purchasing an Enterprise license as an individual. Enterprise licenses are only available to entities which maintain an enterprise agreement with Microsoft.

Ztruker said:

Can you give us a link to the method you tried?

Yes, I can. You can find it here: There and Back Again: The Journey Migrating from Windows 10 LTSB/LTSC to Windows 10 Enterprise | Mirazon

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pparks1 said:

Just so you are aware, there is NOT a valid method for purchasing an Enterprise license as an individual. Enterprise licenses are only available to entities which maintain an enterprise agreement with Microsoft.

No worries, I am aware. But between (A) a full rebuild of my system, (B) sticking with my current setup or (C) having a legit Enterprise key that fell off the back of the truck, I prefer C.

If you have a moral objection to option C, I fully understand and shan't ask you to help. I appreciate the heads-up either way.

SJCommander said:

Yes, I can. You can find it here: There and Back Again: The Journey Migrating from Windows 10 LTSB/LTSC to Windows 10 Enterprise | Mirazon

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No worries, I am aware. But between (A) a full rebuild of my system, (B) sticking with my current setup or (C) having a legit Enterprise key that fell off the back of the truck, I prefer C.

If you have a moral objection to option C, I fully understand and shan't ask you to help. I appreciate the heads-up either way.

No worries, just wanted to make sure you were aware. I understand the predicament you have gotten yourself into.

pparks1 said:

No worries, just wanted to make sure you were aware. I understand the predicament you have gotten yourself into.

I'm not even sure I fully understand the mess I've gotten myself into, but I hear you