Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro

Before upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, make sure your device is up to date and running the most recent version of Windows 10 Home. For more info about how to keep your PC updated, see Windows Update: FAQ.

To upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro and activate your device, you’ll need a valid product key or a digital license for Windows 10 Pro.

Note: If you don’t have a product key or a digital license, you can buy Windows 10 Pro from Microsoft Store. Select the Start button, select Settings > Update & Security > Activation , and then select Go to Microsoft Store. From here, you can also see how much this upgrade will cost.
Open Activation settings

Use the following chart to determine which activation method you’ll use:

If you got Windows 10 by.

Upgrading to Windows 10 for free from an eligible device running a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

Buying a Windows 10 Pro upgrade from the Microsoft Store app and successfully activated Windows 10.

Being a Windows Insider and upgrading to the newest Windows 10 Insider Preview build on an eligible device that was running an activated earlier version of Windows and Windows 10 Preview.

Buying genuine Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store app.

Buying a copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.

Find it on a label inside the Windows 10 box. A digital license will be given to your device for Windows 10 based on the valid product key you entered.

If you bought your PC from a manufacturer, the manufacturer, not Microsoft, must provide a product key.

Buying a digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.

Find it in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows 10 or in a digital locker accessible through the retailer’s website.

A digital license will be given to your device for Windows 10 based on the valid product key you entered.

Having a Volume Licensing agreement for Windows 10 or MSDN subscription.

It is available through the web portal for your program.

Buying a new or refurbished device running Windows 10.

It is preinstalled on your device, included with the device packaging, or included as a card or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the device.

If you bought a refurbished PC, the refurbisher, not Microsoft, must provide you a product key.

Find it in the confirmation email that contains the order history.

If you’re ready to upgrade, select one of the following headings to get started:

To upgrade, select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .
Open Activation settings

If you have a digital license for Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Home is currently activated on your device, you’ll see one of two messages when you select Go to Microsoft Store:

If you see Install, select the button to install Windows 10 Pro.

If you see Buy, you may need to purchase a Windows 10 Pro license. Or, try to sign in to Microsoft Store with the Microsoft account that was used to purchase the Pro license. Then, follow the instructions to install Windows 10.

If you have a digital license for Windows 10 Pro, but Windows 10 Home isn’t activated on your device, select Troubleshoot and then follow the instructions to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.

Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .

Select Change product key, and then enter the 25-character Windows 10 Pro product key.

Select Next to start the upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.

Having issues with activation after your upgrade?

See the following for more help activating your valid product key or digital license for Windows 10 Pro:

How to upgrade to Windows 10 for free in 2020 [QUICK STEPS]

1. Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).
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• Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

Microsoft announced that the Windows 10 free upgrade offer ended on December 31.

As a quick reminder, the Redmond giant initially introduced this loophole to allow assistive technology users to install the latest Windows 10 version for free.

Later on it was proved that all Windows users could take advantage of this loophole to upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost.

Of course, some said that Microsoft had been aware of this fact from the very beginning and used it as an incentive to convince more users to install the latest Windows 10 version.

But what happens in 2020? Is the free upgrade offer really over?

Can I still upgrade to Windows 10 for free in 2020?

The short answer is Yes. Windows users can still upgrade to Windows 10 without shelling out $119. The assistive technologies upgrade page still exist and is fully functional.

However, there’s a catch: Microsoft initially said that the offer would expire on January 16, 2018.

If you use assistive technologies, you can upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost as Microsoft continues our efforts to improve the Windows 10 experience for people who use these technologies. Please take advantage of this offer before it expires on January 16, 2018.

But somehow nobody believes that’s true. The free upgrade offer first expired on July 29, 2016 then at the end of December 2017, then on January 16, 2018. But somehow that happened only in theory. In practice, the upgrade has always been free or charge.

Place your bets

We’re pretty sure that Microsoft will support this free upgrade offer for years to come. The company made it clear that it wants as many users as possible to jump on the Windows 10 boat.

However, making them pay $119 to install the latest Windows 10 OS is not the best strategy to adopt.

Allowing this free upgrade loophole to exist increases the chances that more users will agree to upgrade — and Microsoft is aware of that.

Install Windows 10 Home Single Language on your PC — the perfect solution if you don’t need multiple language packs.

Try activating Windows 10 using Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 key

Some users claim that you’re still able to upgrade to Windows 10, as long as you have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 running on your PC. Bear in mind that you’ll need to run a genuine copy on your PC in order for this process to work.

In addition to the genuine copy of Windows, it’s also a good idea to have your product key available since you might need it to activate Windows 10.

Run a System Scan to discover potential errors

If you don’t have the original Windows DVD with the product key available, you can get the product key from your PC by using NirSoft’s ProduKey software.

Once you obtain your key, write it down and keep it safe because you might need it later. After that’s done, your next step would be to back up your files just in case anything goes wrong.

If you can, create a hard disk image and use it to restore your system in case things go south. If you want things to go smoothly, we’ve got for you a list of back up software that will get the job done easily.

After creating your backup and obtaining your product key, you can start upgrading to Windows 10. This is fairly simple, and you can do that by following these steps:

1. Download and run Media Creation Tool . You can get this software from Microsoft’s website .
2. Accept the terms of service and select Upgrade this PC now option.
3. You’ll be asked to download the important updates. Usually, it’s advised to download them, but if you’re in a hurry you can choose Not right now
4. Windows will now configure your PC and get the necessary updates.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen until you reach the Ready to install screen. Click Change what to keep
6. Now you can choose between three options. We suggest to use Keep personal files and apps option, but you can also select Nothing if you want to completely remove the previous Windows installation.
7. Now follow the instructions on the screen to complete the upgrade process.

After doing that, you should have Windows 10 up and running. To make sure that everything is in order, check if your Windows installation is activated. If not, use your Windows 8.1 or 7 serial number to activate it.

If you’re having trouble accessing the Media Creation Tool, take a look here and solve the problem with a few easy steps.

Alternatively, you can create an installation media and use it instead. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Media Creation
2. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.
3. Make sure that Use the recommended options for this PC option is selected. If you want to manually configure language, edition, and architecture, you can uncheck it. Click Next to proceed.
4. Make sure that your USB flash drive is connected to your PC. Select the drive from the list and click Next.
5. The process will now start.

Once the process is finished, you can boot from the USB flash drive and try to install Windows again. Be sure to use your Windows 7 or 8.1 key during the installation process.

After the install, if you can’t change your product key be sure to check this guide to find some easy solutions for your problem.

Many users claim that this method works, so before you try to upgrade to Windows 10, be sure that you have a genuine copy of Windows 7 or 8.1 installed and your Windows 7 or 8.1 product key available.

You can get now Windows 10 License Key from our trusted retailer at the best prices (huge discounts). Click the buttons below to choose your Windows 10 version.

So, what’s your take on this matter? Do you think Microsoft will ever end this free upgrade loophole? Let us know in the comments below.

Windows 7 end support

Microsoft ended mainstream Windows 7 support on January 14, 2020. Long story short, you’ve got all the reasons in the world to switch to Windows 10. However, OS upgrade processes are never easy. We covered the upgrade topic extensively, in order to help you transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10 as smoothly as possible.

Check out the guides below, put them into practice and enjoy your upgrade:

Download Windows 10

Before updating, please refer to the Windows release information status for known issues to confirm your device is not impacted.

Windows 10 October 2020 Update

The Update Assistant can help you update to the latest version of Windows 10. To get started, click Update now.

Create Windows 10 installation media

To get started, you will first need to have a licence to install Windows 10. You can then download and run the media creation tool. For more information on how to use the tool, see the instructions below.

Here’s when to use these instructions:

• You have a license to install Windows 10 and are upgrading this PC from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
• You need to reinstall Windows 10 on a PC you’ve already successfully activated Windows 10.

If you are installing Windows 10 on a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, or if you need to create installation media to install Windows 10 on a different PC, see Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on a different PC section below.

Note: Before you install Windows 10, check to make sure your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10. We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer’s website for any additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.

1. Select Download tool, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
2. On the License terms page, if you accept the license terms, select Accept.
3. On the What do you want to do? page, select Upgrade this PC now, and then select Next.
4. After downloading and installing, the tool will walk you through how to set up Windows 10 on your PC. All Windows 10 editions are available when you select Windows 10, except for Enterprise edition. For more information on Enterprise edition, go to the Volume Licensing Service Center.
   • If you don’t have a license to install Windows 10 and have not yet previously upgraded to it, you can purchase a copy here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-windows-10.
   • If you previously upgraded to Windows 10 on this PC and you’re reinstalling it, you don’t need to enter a product key. Your copy of Windows 10 will automatically activate later using your digital license.
5. When Windows 10 is ready to install, you’ll see a recap of what you’ve chosen, and what will be kept through the upgrade. Select Change what to keep to set whether you would like to Keep personal files and apps, or Keep personal files only, or choose to keep Nothing during the upgrade.
6. Save and close any open apps and files you may be running, and when you’re ready, select Install.
7. It might take some time to install Windows 10, and your PC will restart a few times. Make sure you don’t turn off your PC.

Follow these steps to create installation media (USB flash drive or DVD) you can use to install a new copy of Windows 10, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows 10.

Before you download the tool make sure you have:

• An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
• Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
• A blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space or blank DVD (and DVD burner) if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.
• When burning a DVD from an ISO file, if you are told the disc image file is too large you will need to use Dual Layer (DL) DVD Media.

Check a few things on the PC where you want to install Windows 10:

• 64-bit or 32-bit processor (CPU). You’ll create either a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 10. To check this on your PC, go to PC info in PC settings or System in Control Panel, and look for System type.
• System requirements. Make sure the PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10. We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer’s website for additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
• Language in Windows. You’ll need to choose the same language when you install Windows 10. To see what language you’re currently using, go to Time and language in PC settings or Region in Control Panel.
• Edition of Windows. You should also choose the same edition of Windows. To check what edition you’re currently running, go to PC info in PC settings or System in Control Panel, and look for Windows edition. Windows 10 Enterprise isn’t available in the media creation tool. For more info, go to the Volume Licensing Service Center.
• Microsoft Office products. If you just purchased a new device that includes Office 365, we recommend redeeming (installing) Office before upgrading to Windows 10. To redeem your copy of Office, please see Download and install Office 365 Home, Personal, or University on your PC. For more information, check How to upgrade to Windows 10 on new devices that include Office 365.

If you have Office 2010 or earlier and choose to perform a clean install of Windows 10, you will need to locate your Office product key. For tips on locating your product key, check Find your Office 2010 product key or Enter the product key for your Office 2007 program.

Using the tool to create installation media:

1. Select Download tool now, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
2. If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
3. On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.

Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10. This table will help you decide which edition of Windows 10 you’ll choose:

Your current edition of Windows	Windows 10 edition
Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Home Basic Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 8/8.1 Windows 8.1 with Bing Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Pro Windows 8/8.1 Professional with Media Center Windows 8/8.1 Single Language Windows 8 Single Language with Bing Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro	Windows 10
Windows 8/8.1 Chinese Language Edition Windows 8 Chinese Language Edition with Bing	Windows 10 Home China​

Select which media you want to use:

• USB flash drive. Attach a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.
• ISO file. Save an ISO file to your PC, which you can use to create a DVD. After the file is downloaded, you can go to location where the file is saved, or select Open DVD burner, and follow the instructions to burn the file to a DVD. For more info about using an ISO file, see Additional methods for using the ISO file to install Windows 10 section below.

After the installation media is created, follow the steps below to use it.

After completing the steps to install Windows 10, please check that you have all the necessary device drivers installed. To check for updates now, select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and select Check for updates. You may also wish to visit your device manufacturer’s support site for any additional drivers that may be needed.

Note: Drivers for Surface devices may be found on the Download drivers and firmware for Surface page.

Before you install Windows 10, it’s a good idea to save any work and back up your PC before you start. If you used the media creation tool to download an ISO file for Windows 10, you’ll need to burn it to a DVD before following these steps.

1. Attach the USB flash drive or insert the DVD on the PC where you want to install Windows 10.
2. Restart your PC.

If your PC does not automatically boot to the USB or DVD media, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings. To open a boot menu or change the boot order, you’ll typically need to press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) immediately after you turn on your PC. For instructions on accessing the boot menu or changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer’s website. If you do not see the USB or DVD media device listed within the boot options, you may need to reach out to the PC manufacturer for instructions for temporarily disabling Secure Boot in your BIOS settings.

If changing the boot menu or order doesn’t work, and your PC immediately boots into the OS you want to replace, it is possible the PC had not fully shut down. To ensure the PC fully shuts down, select the power button on the sign-in screen or on the Start menu and select Shut down.

On the Install Windows page, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and then select Next.

Select Install Windows.

If you downloaded an ISO file for Windows 10, the file is saved locally at the location you selected. If you have a third-party DVD burning program installed on your computer that you prefer to use for creating the installation DVD, that program might open by going to the location where the file is saved and double-clicking the ISO file, or right-click the ISO file, select Open with and choose your preferred DVD burning software.

If you want to use the Windows Disk Image Burner to create an installation DVD, go to the location where the ISO file is saved. Right-click the ISO file and select Properties. On the General tab, click Change and select Windows Explorer for the program you would like to use to open ISO files and select Apply. Then right-click the ISO file and select Burn disc image.

If you want to install Windows 10 directly from the ISO file without using a DVD or flash drive, you can do so by mounting the ISO file. This will perform an upgrade of your current operating system to Windows 10.