Inquiry about Windows licensing details.

134

01-27-2021, 04:05 PM

Earlier this year I purchased a new PC from an SI because my old one failed, and I needed a replacement fast. Since I didn’t have time to gather all parts myself, speed was the priority, not technical expertise. The new unit came with Windows 11 Home. But my previous system ran Windows 10 Pro (I made that one), and when I tried to apply the update from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro it failed. I upgraded to Windows 11 Pro on my old machine before it stopped working, so I already have that version installed.

_unknown___

01-27-2021, 04:05 PM #1

lachlanleung99
Junior Member

02-01-2021, 12:44 PM

Upgrading from Win11 Home to Pro using a Win10 Pro key isn't possible. I haven't checked if the installer supports older Windows keys. Do you really need Pro, or could you skip the extra setup if you don't require those features?

lachlanleung99

02-01-2021, 12:44 PM #2

Jackller
Member

02-01-2021, 04:18 PM

I was planning to use it mainly for Hyper-V in a home lab environment. However, I think there are free alternatives to Windows that can serve as a Linux VM. My goal was to experiment with GPU pass-through—just a personal interest.

Jackller

02-01-2021, 04:18 PM #3

Robang592
Senior Member

368

02-01-2021, 05:32 PM

It varies based on the upgrade you had at the time. If it was an OEM model, it applies to just that device; otherwise, it can be transferred between devices.

Robang592

02-01-2021, 05:32 PM #4

It varies based on the upgrade you had at the time. If it was an OEM model, it applies to just that device; otherwise, it can be transferred between devices.

_Mishie_
Member

202

02-01-2021, 09:04 PM

I believe it was an OEM key

_Mishie_

02-01-2021, 09:04 PM #5

I believe it was an OEM key

jjsoini
Posting Freak

809

02-02-2021, 02:53 PM

I think you should connect the W license to your Microsoft account (maybe incorrect). It’s not a major issue, you might be able to locate OEM keys for 20 bucks.

jjsoini

02-02-2021, 02:53 PM #6

I think you should connect the W license to your Microsoft account (maybe incorrect). It’s not a major issue, you might be able to locate OEM keys for 20 bucks.

Takashuto
Junior Member

02-02-2021, 11:45 PM

You’ll receive one-time use OEM activation for your old system. A fresh Windows 11 Professional key is required for upgrades from home. An upgrade key exists on Microsoft’s site or via Google, but it only works to change versions—it won’t activate Windows itself. You’ll also need a Pro license. For best flexibility, buy the license/upgrade through the Microsoft store, ensuring it can be transferred with your MS account if you switch computers or add hardware later.

Takashuto

02-02-2021, 11:45 PM #7

thermopylen
Junior Member

02-06-2021, 05:00 PM

I’m not sure about Pro, but I usually run my Win10 “Home” version for Win 11 “Home” without any problems. The installer accepts them as valid keys.

thermopylen

02-06-2021, 05:00 PM #8

I’m not sure about Pro, but I usually run my Win10 “Home” version for Win 11 “Home” without any problems. The installer accepts them as valid keys.