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Free upgrade from Windows 11 Home to 11 Pro using 10 Pro retail license

Anonymous
2022-11-27T00:48:38+00:00

My current computer has an activated Windows 10 Pro retail license. I'm planning to replace my current computer by buying a new computer that comes preinstalled with Windows 11 Home, and then I understand I can use my 10 Pro license to upgrade to 11 Pro for free.

What's the most straightforward way of accomplishing this? The obvious approach that comes to mind involves two steps:

  1. Reinstall Windows 10 Pro on new computer and activate with my existing retail license.
  2. Upgrade new computer to 11 Pro for free through the settings.

Is there a simpler way of doing this without having to reinstall Windows 10? For example, would it be possible to somehow "trade in" my Windows 10 Pro license for 11 Pro? I'm fairly new to Windows licensing and am just trying to understand what is possible/best practice, with minimal effort.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-11-27T02:36:59+00:00

    It was nothing, it's a pleasure to be able to try to help you. i hope it helps you.

    If I need more help, please don't hesitate to share with the community.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2024-08-19T17:01:24+00:00

    how can I upgrade my Windows 11 Home edition to 11 Pro?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-30T02:12:17+00:00

    I unlinked a device in my microsoft account that was win 10 pro licensed.

    I have no idea what the actual product code was and the mobo died and it was trashed completely.

    How do I find the porduct key to do the pro upgrade without the machine?

    Also - the 'troubleshoot' button that win11 refers to no longer exists, either.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-07-06T12:20:04+00:00

    trying to reload but digital license wont let me

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2023-06-23T22:59:15+00:00

    I have just purchased a new laptop which has Windows 11 on it. My old laptop (a Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Series) that I purchased in August 2016 is still running Windows 10 Pro.

    First, am I still able to upgrade to Windows Pro 11 for free?

    Next, if this upgrade is still available for my licensed Windows Pro 10, would I perform this upgrade on my old laptop or the new one?

    I really need to get everything off this old laptop as I am having many signs that this oldie is getting ready to permanently shut down in the very near future. Best way to move everything over to the new one??

    Praying you'll be able to give me some advice. (Note: I have a brand new 1TB WD Elements external drive to transfer/backup everything to if that will help make this move of everything easier to perform.)

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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