Windows 10/11 Home to Pro Upgrade: Step-by-Step Guide

Upgrading from Windows 10/11 Home to Pro is a simple process if you follow the proper steps. Windows 10/11 Pro offers additional features such as BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop, and more advanced security and management tools. In this guide, I will show you how to upgrade from Windows Home to Pro using a single PC retail digital license.

Before starting

1. Back Up Your Data: Although the update process should not affect your files, it is always a good idea to back up your important data.
2. Stable Internet Connection: Make sure you have a reliable internet connection to download necessary updates and verify your license.
3. Check Your Windows Edition: Confirm that you are running Windows 10/11 Home.

• Windows 10: go to Settings> System> About, and check under “Windows Specifications”.
• Windows 11: go to Settings> System> About, and check under “Device specifications” to see the edition.

1. Get Your Pro License Key: If you don't have a Windows 10/11 Pro key, please purchase a retail digital license from a trusted seller.

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Step 1: Open Settings

First, access the system settings:

1. Click on the Start Menu at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Choose Configuration (represented by a gear icon).

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Step 2: Navigate to “Activation” in Settings

Once in Settings:

1. En Windows 10:

• Click on Update and security.
• In the left sidebar, select Activation.

1. En Windows 11:

• Click on System.
• Scroll down and select Activation in the list of options.

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Step 3: Enter Your Windows 10/11 Pro Product Key

1. In the section of Activation, you will see an option to Change product key.

• Click on Change product key.

1. A new window will appear asking you to enter the 25-character Windows 10/11 Pro product key.
2. Enter your retail product key and click Next.

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Step 4: Confirm the Update

After entering the product key:

1. The system will validate your key. If it is valid, you will see a message confirming that the key has been accepted.
2. A message will appear asking you to confirm the upgrade to Windows 10/11 Pro. Click Start update o Activate to proceed.

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Step 5: Wait for the Update Process

1. Windows will begin upgrading to the Pro version. During this time, your system may restart several times.
2. The update may take from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on your system performance and the speed of your Internet connection.
3. After the process is complete, your PC will boot into Windows 10/11 Pro.

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Step 6: Check for Update

To confirm that you have successfully upgraded to Windows Pro:

1. go back to Settings> System> About.
2. Low Windows Specifications, check if it now shows Windows 10 Pro o Windows 11 Pro.

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Solving Common Problems

1. Invalid Product Key Error

• Double-check your product key to make sure it doesn't contain any typos.
• Make sure the key you purchased is a valid retail license for Windows 10/11 Pro.

2. Activation Problems
If Windows does not activate after entering your key:

• Open the Symbol of the system as Administrator and enter:

  slmgr.vbs /upk

This command will uninstall any previous product keys, allowing you to re-enter your new key.

3. No Internet Connection During Activation
Make sure your device is connected to the Internet. Windows will need to verify your license online to activate Windows 10/11 Pro.

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Benefits of Windows 10/11 Pro

1. BitLocker:
Provides full disk encryption to protect sensitive data on your computer, adding an extra layer of security.

2. Remote Desktop:
It allows you to remotely connect to your PC from other devices, a useful feature for both IT professionals and business users.

3. Group Policy Administration:
You can control multiple settings on multiple PCs, which is especially useful in business environments.

4. Hyper-V:
Windows Pro includes Hyper-V, which allows you to create and manage virtual machines on your system.

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Conclusion

Upgrading from Windows 10/11 Home to Pro is a relatively simple process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to unlock advanced features and functionality that are not available in the Home edition. Always make sure you have a valid retail license before proceeding and back up your data to avoid any potential loss.