Windows 10 OEM vs Windows 10 Pro

I purchased a laptop which had Windows 10 Home installed.  From this laptop, I purchased Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.  Long story short, due to other issues, I reset this laptop back to factory defaults.  How do I reactivate the upgrade to Windows 10 Pro?  I see this device when sign on to my Microsoft account.  I have the email from Microsoft for the purchase.  Where do I find the product key?  How do I upgrade to W10 Pro without purchasing another upgrade?

I don't see any complaints from other Users about key not working, instead several mention it does work. So they must have left the key out of the packaging. I would search the packaging thoroughly. Then call back NewEgg and ask to speak with a manager. Be polite but firm. Tell them you are working with a senior MVP in Microsoft forums. You'll need them to make this good or else you'll be forced to report them to Microsoft for piracy, which could remove their ability to sell the software any further and blacklist them with all other software makers.

To report Piracy to Microsoft go here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/cfr/r...

Those who cooperate with a piracy investigation have reported being given a free copy at the end.

Keep me posted.

Hi C. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 10 year Windows MVP here to help you.

It sounds like you bought a reinstall disk. Otherwise they'd have to provide a Product Key or it's an outright theft. Did you pay less than $99. Remember there are no discounts for retail Windows 10 including builder's OEM which is retail, anything cheaper is likely non-genuine or just a reinstall disk.

It could also be a Digital License but this should include instructions about how to activate via the MS Store.

Can we see the URL to what you bought so we can say for sure?

I would buy from Microsoft to be surest:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US...

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US...

Then follow the illustrated steps in this link which compile the best possible Clean Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

To create Windows 10 Installation Media (if necessary on another PC) install the Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.... Uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose the exact version and bit rate for the target PC only.

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key here: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, skip the Product Key screen and choose your licensed version only if offered. On second screen choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

If you have files that aren't backed up you can use the same bootable media to try to rescue your files using this method: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Hi C

Greetings! I am Vijay, an Independent Advisor. You will not have 2 versions of Windows. Windows editions like Pro, Home are not dependent upon type of Key like OEM, Retail etc. Only valid keys have to be used and those keys can be changed anytime.

So, you just put the right key and forget about OEM key.

Do let me know if you have any more question or require further help.

Hi C

Yes, when you get the second copy of Windows then you can just insert the Product key, if that is for the same edition, it will activate it, if it is for the Pro edition, it will upgrade and activate the Pro edition . ..