Moving from Windows 10 Enterprise version 1607 to Windows 10 Education and getting newest version of it

Question

I have a corporate PC with Windows 10 Enterprise. I used it to work remote. Company went bankrupt in 2022. I am on version 1607 and do not get the newer version as it would have to go through a Corporate account. First question. Can I somehow get the latest version of Enterprise with the company out of business? .Second possible solution. I have a legitimate key that I "purchased" for my kid in college for Windows 10 Education. I have not used the key as I was not aware I was not getting the version upgrade of our Enterprise. I hardly used this computer buy my other compuer is almost dead. My question is - if I change the key to my Education will I get now individual Windows 10 Education that will be eligible for the latest version. I believe I do not have to do any install as Education is just a version of Enterprise. Just change the keys. I am OK with Education limitations as far as Cortana and others. I would expect that after I change the keys to Education and go to Windows Update I will be offered the newest version of Windows 10 Education update. Or do I need to do a full install. Is any of it it possible? Does it make sense to do it, will my Education version update to the latest available? (Version 22H2) Microsoft site says that Enterprise version 1607 was retired in 2019 but I get some sort of updates regularly anyway.

*** Moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Install and upgrade ***

Answer 1

Hello  Alek Lodz，

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Yes, your plan to switch from Windows 10 Enterprise to Windows 10 Education using your legitimate key is feasible, and it should allow you to update to the latest version of Windows 10 Education. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Steps to Upgrade from Windows 10 Enterprise to Windows 10 Education

1. Backup Your Data:
   • Before making any changes, ensure you backup all your important data. This step is crucial to avoid any data loss during the transition.
2. Change the Product Key:
   • Open the “Settings” app.
   • Go to “Update & Security” > “Activation”.
   • Click on “Change product key”.
   • Enter the Windows 10 Education product key you purchased.
   • Follow the prompts to activate Windows with the new key.
3. Verify the Edition Change:
   • After activation, confirm that the edition of Windows has changed to Windows 10 Education.
   • You can check this by going to “Settings” > “System” > “About“.
4. Update to the Latest Version:
   • Once you've switched to Windows 10 Education, go to ”Settings“ > ”Update & Security“ > ”Windows Update“.
   • Click on ”Check for updates“.
   • Windows Update should now offer you the latest version of Windows 10 Education (currently, it should upgrade you to version 22H2).
5. Follow the Update Process:
   • Allow the system to download and install the latest updates. The process might include several restarts and could take some time depending on your internet speed and system performance.

Points to Consider

• Compatibility: Ensure that your device meets the hardware requirements for the latest version of Windows 10.
• Driver Updates: After updating, check for any driver updates to ensure all hardware components are working correctly.
• Software Reinstallation: Some applications may need to be re-installed or updated after the OS upgrade.
• Education Version Differences: Be familiar with the specific features and limitations of the Windows 10 Education version compared to Enterprise.

By following these steps, you should be able to transition smoothly from Windows 10 Enterprise version 1607 to Windows 10 Education, and subsequently upgrade to the latest version available. This approach will ensure you receive ongoing updates and support from Microsoft.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan

Answer 2

Thank you for help. It did not work. I got activation error "0xc004f050 product key you entered did not work". I have seen another post somewhere that said that easy path in not available in version 1607 and starts in 1709. I hope that is that. I keyed keys correctly and triple check. Is there a way to double check my keys with Microsoft before installing them? I got them legitimate form Cal State Long Beach in exchange for 50 thousand dollars tuition. Most expensive Windows ever. I hope that keys are good and I will just have to use path of clean install of Education over my Enterprise. I do not have any data on that computer, or any software. I hardly used it till now so clean install is no issue. Do not even backup any data or software. Is that a possible path and is there a way to verify my keys. If so could you direct me to full install path ?

Answer 3

Hello  Alek Lodz，

Thank you for your reply.

Your current issue is complex and the forums do not provide you with sufficient technical support, I recommend that you contact the Microsoft support team for more in-depth technical support.

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan