Activation error.

[iamjww]

Hi, All of a sudden around March time I started getting activation prompts. The troubleshooter tells me I have a Home license running a Windows 11 Pro build however I've no clue when that was supposed to be installed.  Windows 11 Home came with the laptop. 

When trying to install Windows 11 Home each time I get to the "ready to install" screen as you'll see, its says Windows 22 Pro. Now I've done this myself as well as getting help from Microsfoft who directed me to it. I also wanted to go to the Beta channel as opposed to Dev.  So I don't mind a clean install it just won't work.

[#2]

Hello,

You can downgrade from Windows 11 Pro to Home without affecting data:

https://www.kapilarya.com/downgrade-windows-11-pro-to-home

Let us know if this helps!

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

[#3]

@Kapil Arya Does this include being enrolled into Winders Insider Program. I've just done a clean install and managed to windows 11 Pro activated however I'm still on Dec on the insider programme and never wanted to go onto int the first place. Windows automatically moved me to that when the introduction of Canary cake. 

[#4]

The downgrade process I shared is not related to Windows Insider enrollment.

For switching channels, refer: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/flighting#switching-between-channels

[#5]

@Kapil Arya  

Hey there,

Alica here, chiming in on this tricky situation. 🙋‍:male_sign:

Your issue sounds so similar to something a friend of mine faced. The mix-ups between the Home and Pro versions can be a bit perplexing, especially when you're certain about the version that came with your device.

If you're seeing Windows 22 Pro (assuming the "22" is a typo for "11") during your reinstall attempts, it’s possible that there might be residual files or configurations causing the mishap.

But hey, I found this article by Kapil Arya, a trusted Microsoft MVP, that guides you through the process of downgrading from Windows 11 Pro to Home without losing your data:

Try https://www.kapilarya.com/downgrade-windows-11-pro-to-home

This might be the solution you're looking for! Give it a shot and let us know if it sorts things out. Just a heads up: always ensure you have a backup of your data before making significant changes, even if the method promises no data loss.

And remember, if things still seem off, we've got a whole community here to help and brainstorm. Keep us posted on your progress!

Stay tech-savvy and take care!
Warm regards,
Alica.