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While Windows 10 Home is a stable operating system, but some users prefer the advanced features of the Pro version. The major difference between these two systems lies in their security features. The Pro version offers enhanced data protection through the encryption feature and in addition, it includes features such as domain join and remote desktop access.
In this article, we will go through the process of upgrading Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro. You can do this either via the Windows Store or by entering the Pro product key.
How to Upgrade Windows 11/10 Home License to Pro without loosing your files and apps.
Upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Professional is an easy task, which can be done either through the Windows Store or by changing your Windows 10 product key.
- Upgrade to Windows 10/11 Home to Pro from Windows Store.
- Upgrade to Windows 10/11 Pro using a Product key.
Method 1: Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro via the Windows Store.
The easiest method to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro is through the Windows Store. Additionally, on Windows Store page, you’ll find a clear feature comparison between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro, helping you decide if the upgrade is right for you.
Before moving on with the upgrade process and install any pending Windows updates on your PC. To do that:
1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.*
* Note: On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and if any updates found, proceed to install them and reboot the PC.
3. After installing updates, go to again to Start > Settings > Update & Security and then select Activation on the left pane.*
* Note: On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System and click Activation on the right.
4. Click Go to the Store under the ‘Upgrade your edition of Windows’ section:
5. Click on Buy button.
6. Then Sign in using your Microsoft account and enter your payment method. After successful payment Windows will initiate the upgrade process immediately.
Method 2: Upgrade from Windows 11/10 Home to Pro using Windows 10 PRO Product Key.
If you have already purchased a copy of Windows 10 Pro from another vendor and not from the Microsoft Store, then you should have received a product/license key for your copy. In this case you can use this key to upgrade your current version of Windows 10 from Home to PRO, as follows:
1. Close all running programs and save your work.
2. Go to Start Menu > Settings > Updates and Security > Activation like you did in the first method.*
* Note: On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System and click Activation on the right pane.
3. Click on Change product key.
4. Now type the 25-digit Windows Pro product key in the ‘Enter Product key’ window. When done, click Next.
5. After the key is confirmed, press the Start button to upgrade your Windows Edition.
6. The upgrade will start and when it is complete you will receive a message confirming that Windows has been upgraded.
How to Transfer Windows 10 Pro License to Another Machine.
In order to transfer the Windows 10 Pro license to another machine and re-install the original Windows 10 Home license to your current machine, you’ll need to have the Windows 10 Home original product key. *
* Note: If you don’t have the original product key, because your computer is came with Windows preinstalled, read this tutorial.
To return to Windows 10 Home from Windows 10 Home:
1. Close all running programs and save your work.
2. Go to Start Menu > Settings > Updates and Security > Activation.
3. Click on Change product key and then type the Windows 10 Home key.
4. Wait for the downgrade process to finish. Once it’s done, the Windows 10 Pro product key is now available for use on another machine.
That’s it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.