Forum Discussion
AlexBlythe
Oct 21, 2025Iron Contributor
Can I upgrade to Windows 11 Pro from Windows 10 Home without reinstalling?
Hey folks, I’m currently on Windows 10 Home and thinking about moving up to Windows 11 Pro. I’ve got a ton of apps and work files on this PC, so I really don’t want to do a clean reinstall and los...
LeoMaverick
Oct 21, 2025Iron Contributor
The official way is using a Windows 11 Pro product key.
How it works:
Windows will use the Pro key to unlock the "Pro" features already present in your system files. It will then download the necessary Pro-specific components from Windows Update and reconfigure your system, all without touching your personal files, apps, or settings.
Steps for upgrading to Windows 11 pro from Windows 10
- Purchase a legitimate Windows 11 Pro product key from the Microsoft Store or an authorized retailer.
- On your Windows 10 Home PC, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Click on "Change product key".
- Enter your new Windows 11 Pro product key and click Next.
- The system will verify the key. You may be prompted to accept the Pro license terms.
- Your PC will begin the upgrade process. It will download necessary files, restart several times, and configure features. This can take 10-30 minutes.
- Once complete, you will be logged back into your desktop, which will now be Windows 11 Pro. All your apps, files, and settings will remain intact.
This is the easiest, most direct and fully official way to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro from Windows 10 Home without reinstalling. No extra tools needed.