Initiating window activation for the first time.
Initiating window activation for the first time.
You recently purchased a Windows 10 Home retail pack (64-bit) and are now using free Windows. In the bottom right corner, you see an activation prompt asking whether you want to install Windows Pro or Home (64-bit). You selected Pro, but when you try to activate with a USB drive, it tells you you should install Windows 10 Pro instead of Home. Since you bought Windows 10 Home, this is confusing.
Purchased a Home key but used Pro? You must either reinstall or obtain a Pro key. Downgrading isn't possible without a reinstall, but upgrading to Pro is available via Home > Pro without further issues.
Consider using an extra USB drive to install Windows 10 home manually. Check the results and see if the issue persists. This might be a temporary error caused by trying to activate Windows 10 Pro with a home installation media. It could be simpler to purchase a code and activate via settings instead of buying a more costly USB setup, but it's already too late to change your mind.
Don't use the USB stick to turn on Windows. Enter your license code and then click activate online. Aunt Edith reminds you, "You can't activate a Pro version with a home key."
The installer doesn't let you preserve existing files during a Windows reinstall. You must back up the files you wish to retain onto another device or cloud storage. Once installed, copy those files back in. You can input your license key anytime—either when prompted during setup or later.
You can store your files on the HDD while disconnecting it from the PC. Next, you can keep your 256GB SSD inside the computer and format it before installing Windows 10 Home. Regarding installation, you’ll need to follow the steps for setting up Windows 10 Home, and any existing drivers should be reinstalled during the process.
Yes, you can do that. Connect your USB drive with the Windows installation media and boot it into BIOS. Locate the boot section in your BIOS settings, make sure your USB is selected as the first boot device, and press F10 to apply changes. Your PC should start booting from the USB drive, launching the Windows installer. Follow the onscreen guidance, as many websites and videos will walk you through the steps. All software and drivers will need to be reinstalled. For drivers, visit the manufacturer’s website—typically just the chipset, LAN/Wi-Fi, and audio chips. For GPU drivers, go to the GPU manufacturer’s site. The remaining Windows updates should handle driver installation.