Microsoft’s introduction of Windows 11 has stirred excitement among PC users globally. As a generous move, Microsoft is offering its new Windows 11 operating system as a free upgrade to eligible Windows 10 users. This means that if your Windows 10 PC meets the specified minimum hardware requirements, you can make the leap to Windows 11 without any added expense. However, since its announcement, a whirlwind of questions has surrounded this offer. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether users can transition from Windows 10 Home edition directly to Windows 11 Pro without incurring any cost. In this guide, we’ll delve into the process of upgrading from Windows 11 Home to its Pro edition and shed light on the specifics of the free upgrade offer.
Why Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro?
Windows 11 Pro boasts several features absent in the Home edition. For the majority, Windows 11 Home suffices. However, as implied by its name, Pro is tailored for professionals and business-focused computers, though there are compelling reasons even for the general user to consider it.
The Pro edition exclusively offers BitLocker encryption, safeguarding your PC data from unauthorized access. This encryption ensures that only you can access your data, making it a boon for those prioritizing data security and privacy.
Another Pro-only perk is remote desktop support, allowing you to access and operate your PC from any location. This is especially handy for computers stationed at workspaces. Additionally, there’s Hyper-V virtualization support, enabling you to create and manage virtual environments or test potentially harmful software without jeopardizing your main system.
While these features are noteworthy, there are third-party applications that replicate these functions even on Windows 11 Home. For instance, VMware Workstation Player lets you run virtual machines, and TeamViewer facilitates remote PC access, so the Pro edition isn’t always a must-have.
Other Pro-specific attributes encompass the capability to integrate with Azure Active Directory or a corporate domain. Notably, Windows 11 Pro also permits an immediate setup using a local account, although Windows 11 Home offers this option with a workaround. This risewindows article will guide you on upgrading from Windows 11 Home to the Pro version.
How to Upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro?
If you’re ready to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro, perform the following steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I keys.
Step 2. Once the Settings window appears, select the System category from the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click on the Activation tab.
Step 4. Next, click the Upgrade your edition of Windows option to expand it.
Step 5. After that, click the Change button beside the “Change product key” option.
Quick Note: If you have not yet purchased the Windows 11 Pro key, click the button Open Store beside “Upgrade in the Microsoft app” and complete the purchase.
Step 6. A pop-up window will appear to enter the product key. Enter here the Windows 11 Pro key that you already purchased.
Step 7. Then, click the Next button after entering the correct 25-digit product key. Please ensure you have an active internet connection to validate the product key from the Microsoft activation server, and Windows 11 Pro should activate permanently.
Finally, you will get a message: “Your copy of Windows is successfully activated” upon successful activation. Now, you can access all the features of Windows 11 Pro on your PC.
Conclusion
Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro can be a strategic move for users who require advanced security, remote access, and enterprise-grade features. While the Home edition caters to the needs of most users, professionals and those valuing extra layers of security might find the Pro version more fitting. By following the detailed steps above, one can effortlessly transition from Windows 11 Home to Pro. Nevertheless, it’s essential to weigh the exclusive benefits of the Pro edition against your specific needs before making the upgrade.
