Upgrading Windows 10 Home to Pro: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to upgrade your Windows 10 Home to the Pro version? This guide will walk you through the necessary steps and provide you with important information on what you need to do. Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro is often necessary for specialized software and additional features, but it requires a few key steps. Let’s dive in!
Why Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro?
Typically, a standard Windows 10 Home edition is sufficient for the average user. However, if you need specialized software or access to certain features exclusive to Windows 10 Pro, such as advanced security tools, BitLocker, and more, upgrading may be necessary.
Most individuals do not require the Pro version, as the Home edition offers all the necessary features for everyday use. However, if you decide that the software you need requires the Pro version, it is definitely worth the upgrade.
Necessary Requirements and Procedure
To upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro, you will need to purchase a valid Windows 10 Pro license. This license comes in various forms, such as a Retail key, or can be purchased from various online stores. Prices can vary, but some providers offer a cost-effective solution.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your Windows 10 Home to Pro:
Buy a product key for Windows 10 Pro. You can find legitimate retail keys at a reasonable price. Websites like offer a full retailed Windows 10 Pro for around $39.99 USD, which is a convenient and affordable option.
Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website. Select the Windows 10 Pro edition when prompted and choose the option to upgrade your current installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the upgrade process. During this process, your Home version will be upgraded to the Pro version.
After the upgrade, you will need to input the product key you purchased to activate your new Windows 10 Pro edition.
It is essential to buy a legitimate key as pirated versions may not work properly or could cause system issues.
Alternative Solutions
Some users might find that their system already has a Windows 10 Pro edition, either legacy or as a result of a recent system update. To check if you have the Pro version, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key S to open the search bar and type 'winver' to open the Windows Version Information screen.
Check the Edition section to determine if you are running Windows 10 Pro. If you are, no upgrade is required.
If you are running the Home version and the Pro version is not available, you will need to purchase a Pro license and use the upgrade tool as described above.
Reinstallation and BIOS Restriction
In some cases, if you have a preinstalled system with Windows 10 Home, the BIOS may restrict the upgrade to the Pro version. If this is the case and you have an original Windows 10 Home license, you may need to:
Buy a refurbished Pro edition key from a trusted seller on eBay or a similar marketplace.
Use the key to install the Windows 10 Pro edition, which may allow the system to upgrade to Pro.
Note that for some manufactured computers like HP, these may have a restriction in the BIOS that only allows the original Windows 10 version (Home).
In such scenarios, you might need to reinstall Windows 10 Pro, but you can use the Pro key number to activate it.
Conclusion
Upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Pro is relatively straightforward, but it does require a product key. Ensure you purchase a legitimate key, as using pirated software can lead to system instability and security vulnerabilities. For most users, the Home edition is more than sufficient for their needs, but if specialized software is required, consider the steps outlined in this guide.