While Windows 10 Home already comes with a suite of extra features compared to Windows 8.1, including the digital voice assistant Cortana and Virtual Desktops, Windows 10 Pro offers greater connectivity and privacy tools.
If you want to take advantage of tools like Bit-locker for disk-encryption and Assigned Access for locking user accounts or to connect to a Windows domain, you may want to upgrade to from Windows 10 Home to Pro.
One way to do this is to pay for a Windows 10 Pro upgrade. But if you already have an OEM key for Windows 10 Pro, just follow the steps below to find out how to upgrade and activate your Pro system:
Check Your Current Windows Edition
Open Settings, go to System and About, then review the Windows edition and activation status. This guide applies when Windows Home is already installed and the computer will be upgraded to Pro. Back up important files and install pending updates before changing the edition.
Windows 10 Pro Upgrade Key-Steps to Take
Before we dive into the Windows 10 Pro product upgrade, here’re some free keys you can use.
Understand the Difference Between Edition Upgrade and Activation
An edition-change key can switch installed features from Home to Pro, but it does not automatically provide a valid license. Permanent activation requires a genuine Pro license that is valid for the device and edition. Keep these two steps separate when diagnosing an activation problem.
Windows 10 Product Keys for 2021 All Versions:
| Windows 10 Professional Key | W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
| Windows 10 Pro build 10240 | VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T |
| Windows 10 Professional N Key | MH37W-N47XK-V7XM9-C7227-GCQG9 |
| Windows 10 Enterprise Key | NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43 |
| Windows 10 Enterprise N Key | DPH2V-TTNVB-4X9Q3-TJR4H-KHJW4 |
| Windows 10 Education Key | NW6C2-QMPVW-D7KKK-3GKT6-VCFB2 |
| Windows 10 Pro 2020 | W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC Key | 92NFX-8DJQP-P6BBQ-THF9C-7CG2H |
| Windows 10 Enterprise G | YYVX9-NTFWV-6MDM3-9PT4T-4M68B |
| Windows 10 Pro for Workstations | NRG8B-VKK3Q-CXVCJ-9G2XF-6Q84J |
Upgrade from Home to Pro
Open Activation settings and select Change product key. Enter the valid Pro key provided for the device, confirm the upgrade, and allow Windows to restart. Do not interrupt the process. After the restart, return to Activation settings and confirm that the edition now shows Windows Pro.
How to Upgrade to Windows 10 Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Press WINDOWS+R on your keyboard to open the Run window, and type slui.exe then click OK
Note: Make sure your work is saved and all applications are closed on your computer before starting the upgrade Follow the instructions and your upgrade will now begin. Don’t worry if your computer reboots during the upgrade process; this is normal.
Step 2: Try entering your Windows 10 Pro product key in the dialog box as shown.
Step 3: If the OEM key is not accepted, then first try using the Windows 10 Pro product key that Microsoft has provided for users wanting to upgrade their systems.
Note: This will allow you to upgrade your Windows 10 Home to Pro, but it will not activate Pro; that comes later
How to Switch Windows 10 Product Keys
- Press Windows key + I to Open Settings then go to
- Update & security > Activation > Change Product key and the product key from Microsoft (VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T) in the space provided.
- A User Account Control dialogue box may open asking if you want to allow the app to make changes. Click Yes
- Now enter the Windows 10 Pro product key: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T.Note: Make sure your work is saved and all applications are closed on your computer before starting the upgrade
- Follow the instructions and your upgrade will now begin. Don’t worry if your computer reboots during the upgrade process; this is normal
Step 4: Once the upgrade is complete, you can now use your OEM key to activate Windows 10 Pro
- Click on the Start button in the bottom left of your screen and select Settings again (you can also press WINDOWS+I to open the Settings window)
- Click Update & Security and then select the Activation tab on the left. In the Activation tab, click Change product key
- Now enter your Windows 10 Pro OEM key and click Next to activate
OEM and Retail License Differences
An OEM license is generally intended for the first device on which it is activated and may be associated with that device’s hardware. A retail license may have different transfer rights, subject to the applicable license terms. Describe the actual product sold rather than promising unlimited transfers or activation on any computer.
Windows 10 Pro Product Key Free-Upgrade
- MH37W-N47XK-V7XM9-C7227-GCQG9
- VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
- W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
- WNMTR-4C88C-JK8YV-HQ7T2-76DF9
- W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
- TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99
- DPH2V-TTNVB-4X9Q3-TJR4H-KHJW4
Fix Common Upgrade and Activation Errors
If the key is rejected, confirm that it is a Pro key, that the installed edition is eligible for upgrade, and that the date, time, and internet connection are correct. Run the activation troubleshooter and record the full error code. Do not repeatedly enter the key when Windows reports a server or licensing error.
That’s it! Your computer should now be upgraded from Windows Home 10 to Pro and fully activated. You can now enjoy all the features of Windows 10 Pro!
Verify Pro Features After the Upgrade
Confirm the edition in System information and check Activation settings. Features such as BitLocker management, Remote Desktop hosting, and domain join should become available when supported by the device and configuration. Activation status should be verified separately from feature availability.
If you are moving to a newer supported PC, compare Windows 11 Pro before choosing another Windows 10 upgrade
FAQs
How to Find Windows 10 Product Key Using Command Prompt?
- Press Windows + X key at the same time.
- From here click on Command Prompt as an Admin.
- Now in the Command Prompt just type the below command and hit enter “wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey” without the quotes.
- Your product will be listed on the next page.