Will a Windows 10 Home retail key work to activate Windows 11 Home?

TIny Hacker 21 Reputation points
2022-01-22T20:50:56.897+00:00

Hello!

I am interested in installing Windows 11 on a computer, but I want to purchase a retail key and I do not see any Windows 11 retail keys available for sale on Microsoft's website. I can, however, purchase a Windows 10 retail key and then install Windows 10 and upgrade it, but if I want to install Windows 11 on a future device, I won't have a Windows 11 key because the free upgrade will be gone and my key will only work for Windows 10. Is it possible for me to use a Windows 10 Home retail key to activate a copy of Windows 11 Home (provided the key isn't in use)?

Thanks!

Windows 10
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A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
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Windows 10 Setup
Windows 10 Setup
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Setup: The procedures involved in preparing a software program or application to operate within a computer or mobile device.
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Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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Accepted answer
  1. Andreas Baumgarten 67,616 Reputation points MVP
    2022-01-22T22:13:51.143+00:00

    Hi @TIny Hacker ,

    the Windows 10 Home key should work with Windows 11 Home as well.

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    (If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

    Regards
    Andreas Baumgarten

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Docs 13,091 Reputation points
    2022-01-23T00:16:31.76+00:00

    There is no disappearance of the Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade.

    You can upgrade for free.

    Some computers may not pass the upgrade check.

    Windows 11 can be installed in an unsupported fashion.

    There is no need to purchase a Windows 11 if you had already purchased Windows 10 retail as it can be moved from one computer to another.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.