use 10 pro key to upgrade windows 11 to pro

Greg Eddy 20 Reputation points
2023-06-04T04:09:34.77+00:00

I have a laptop with an OEM windows 10 system that I purchased a Pro upgrade for. The system does not meet the requirements for installing Windows 11 so for this, and other reasons, I have bought a new laptop with Windows 11. Can I use my product key for the windows 10 Pro upgrade to activate 11 Pro. Have tried changing the product key on the new computer and get a message saying it is invalid. Below is the confirmation screen from the old machine confirming valid retail copy of 10Pro

20230604_135941

Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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Accepted answer
  1. Kapil Arya 8,246 Reputation points MVP
    2023-06-05T06:34:29.9033333+00:00

    If you purchased Pro upgrade via Microsoft Store, this upgrade is not transferable.

    If you purchased Pro edition retail key directly, then you can use it to activate new Windows 11 Pro device, as retail license is transferable. If issue still persists, you can contact Microsoft support:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/global-customer-service-phone-numbers-c0389ade-5640-e588-8b0e-28de8afeb3f2


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  1. Khaled Elsayed Mohamed 1,290 Reputation points
    2023-06-04T10:14:07.4966667+00:00

    Hi Greg

    i will told you what is working with me:

    1-clean install for windows 10

    2- activate my win 10 with my activation key

    3-update windows with necessary updates

    4--download windows 10 update assistance

    5- my windows upgraded to windows 11 :)

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-10-update-assistant-3550dfb2-a015-7765-12ea-fba2ac36fb3f

    another way and another opinion:

    You can use your product key for the Windows 10 Pro upgrade to activate Windows 11 Pro. However, you will need to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 on the new computer. You cannot simply upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using the upgrade key.

    To perform a clean installation of Windows 11, you will need to download the Windows 11 installation media from Microsoft. Once you have downloaded the installation media, you can create a bootable USB drive or DVD.

    Once you have created the bootable media, you can boot your computer from the media. You will then be prompted to install Windows 11. During the installation process, you will be asked to enter your product key. Enter your Windows 10 Pro upgrade key and Windows 11 should activate successfully.

    Here are the steps on how to perform a clean installation of Windows 11:

    1. Download the Windows 11 installation media from Microsoft.
    2. Create a bootable USB drive or DVD.
    3. Boot your computer from the bootable media.
    4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.
    5. When prompted to enter a product key, enter your Windows 10 Pro upgrade key.
    6. Windows 11 should activate successfully.
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