How to upgrade 1511 from Home to Pro?

Anonymous

I'm not having any luck figuring out how to upgrade from Home to Pro with an existing key. My system has been running Home and is currently running version 1511. I've decided to go ahead and use an existing key to upgrade to Pro. I did a clean install, expecting to be asked to specify a version and provide a key during install, but was never asked for either. The installer simply formatted the hard drive and installed Home and activated it, with no input from me after the install started other than agree to the terms and tell it my language.

OK, no problem I thought, I'll just go to the Activation setting and give it the new key from there. However, if I tell it I want to change the key it comes back and says the key I'm giving it can only activate Pro and I'm running Home. If I go the Store route and tell it I already have a Pro key, it gives me the same message - it tells me my key is for Pro but I'm running Home. Nowhere along the way does it offer to take my key and give me the upgrade, rather it implies that I must somehow magically upgrade it myself before changing the key. And that would be fine if I could figure out how to do that.

Anyone know how to force an install of Pro when the installer automatically installs Home with no option given to change it?

Volunteer Moderator/MVP Edit 4/21 -

One must insert the Generic Version Key to first change to Pro. After Version 1803 if you don't yet have a Digital License for Pro it will not change to Pro version by inserting the default Version key. So access Action Center at right end of task bar to turn on Airplane Mode to go offline, copy and paste the Generic Pro Key VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T in Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key which will change Home to Pro, then go back online and it will activate with your Pro Product Key or Digital License.

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181 answers

Anonymous

2015-12-25T06:29:18+00:00

Dear Charles,

I have my friend use this method to upgrade to Pro version. He already changed the key and made a decision not to upgrade anymore. How do he re-use the Windows 10 Home key? Thank you very much!

Regards,

Hoc Nguyen Triet from Vietnam
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Greg Carmack 24,780 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2015-12-24T22:55:42+00:00

What didn't work? Please explain your problem fully so we can help you.
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Anonymous

2015-12-24T19:39:08+00:00

It not work,
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Anonymous

2015-12-24T07:33:39+00:00
How to revert back from windows 10 pro to windows 10 home? I've upgraded it using the product key given but I regret it as it cannot be activated and this thing appear on the bottom right corner of my screen.

Was Windows 10 Home verified as being activated ?

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To check activation status in Windows 10, select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & security > Activation.

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Was Windows 10 Home an upgrade from Windows 8.0 or 8.1 OEM with a product key provisioned in the firmware ?
- (i.e. your OEM device manufacturer installed 8/8.1 and embedded the 8/8.1 product key on the hardware **instead of providing** one of the following:
a: Product key on paperwork (e.g. Certificate) with the device as received

b. Product key on the sticker on the bottom of the machine

c. Product key inside the battery compartment

d. Product key in a confirmation email
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Anonymous

2015-12-24T07:20:14+00:00
Charles,

So, can I use a Windows 7 Home to Pro upgrade key, to perform this upgrade (Windows 10 Home to Pro)?

Thanks!

Does your Windows 7 Pro upgrade key fit one of these criteria

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Activating Windows 10 (Version 1511 or higher) using a Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 product key

During the free upgrade, you can use a valid Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 product key to activate Windows 10 (Version 1511 or higher). The following types of product keys are supported:
- Product keys included in the packaging or the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to your PC that came installed with Windows.
- Product keys included in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows from an online retailer.
- Product keys included in the box the Windows DVD came in.
- Product keys you bought using Windows Anytime Upgrade or Get Genuine Windows.
- If you bought a Windows 8.1 Pro Pack product key, you can use it to activate Windows 10 Pro.
</qp>
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