How to Install Windows 11 Home on a Device Running Windows 11 Pro

Many users have found themselves in a situation where they have a Windows 11 Home digital license but are running Windows 11 Pro on their device. If you need to switch to Windows 11 Home, you will need to perform a clean installation, as direct downgrade through the settings is not possible.

Steps to Install Windows 11 Home

Here is a detailed guide on how to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 Home:

Back Up Your Data

Before proceeding, ensure that you back up all important files. A clean installation will erase everything on the drive. It is crucial to have a comprehensive backup to avoid any data loss.

Create Windows 11 Home Installation Media

Visit the Microsoft Windows 11 download page. Download the Media Creation Tool. Run the tool and select Create installation media USB flash drive DVD or ISO file. Choose the language, edition Windows 11 Home, and architecture 64-bit. Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive or download an ISO file.

Change Boot Order

If using a USB drive, insert the USB drive into the device. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC during startup. Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.

Install Windows 11 Home

Boot from the USB drive. When prompted, select Install now. Enter your Windows 11 Home digital license key when prompted. If you do not have the key, you can select I don’t have a product key and choose Windows 11 Home from the list. Follow the installation prompts. When you reach the Complete the Installation step, follow the remaining prompts to complete the installation process. Once installed, you can set up your preferences and restore your backed-up data.

Final Notes

After installation, ensure that Windows is activated. Go to Settings - Update Security - Activation to check the activation status.

If you encounter any issues with activation, you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install Windows 11 Home on your device.