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3 Easy Ways to Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro

The Home edition of Windows 10 is an excellent choice for students and casual users. However, it lacks advanced features such as BitLocker, Group Policy, Remote Desktop, etc., available on the Windows 10 Pro version. You should consider upgrading your system to the Pro version. However, specific fears may stop you from upgrading, such as data loss, product activation, license keys, etc.

Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro

Don’t worry. This article will teach three easy ways to upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro. Let's get started.

Part 1: Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro Using a Product Key

To upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro using a valid product key, follow these steps:

Before you Get Started

Back up your important files to avoid any potential data loss.
Ensure your device is connected to the internet.
You cannot upgrade Windows without key. Have your Windows 10 Home to Pro upgrade key ready (25-character key: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.

Go to Settings by pressing Win + I

Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security → Activation.

Go to the Activation window

Step 3: Under the Upgrade your edition of Windows section, click Change product key.

Click on the Change Product Key

Step 4: Enter the 25-character product key and click Next.

Click the Next button

Step 5: Click Start when prompted to begin the upgrade. The process will take a few minutes and may restart your PC.

Click the Start Button

Step 6: After reboot, go to Settings → Update & Security → Activation. It should now show Windows 10 Pro as your installed edition.

Go to the Activation window to check the Windows upgrade

This is a simple method to upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro. You'll see an error message if the key is invalid or incompatible. Ensure the key is for the correct edition, as you cannot use a Windows 10 Home key to upgrade to Pro. If the upgrade fails repeatedly, you may need to do a clean install using Windows 10 Pro installation media.

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Part 2: Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro via Microsoft Store

If you don't have a Pro product key but want to upgrade your PC, you can purchase and install Windows 10 Pro directly from the Microsoft Store.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Press Windows + I to go to the Settings menu.

Go to Settings by pressing Win + I

Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security → Activation.

Go to the Activation window

Step 3: Under the Upgrade your edition of Windows section, click Go to the Store. This will open the Microsoft Store app and take you to the Windows 10 Pro upgrade page.

Click on the Go to the Store

Step 4: Click the Buy button. Sign in with your Microsoft account and follow the payment process.

Click the Buy button

Step 5: After purchase, the upgrade will begin automatically. Your PC will restart and upgrade to Windows 10 Pro without deleting your files or apps.

The Windows Upgrading

Step 6: You can verify the upgrade by going back to Settings → Update & Security → Activation once you have rebooted. It should now display Windows 10 Pro as your installed edition.

Go to the Activation window to check the Windows upgrade

This method does not require a separate product key. The Pro license is digitally tied to your Microsoft account. Ensure you’re signed into a Microsoft account to link the digital license correctly. You can use the same Microsoft account to reactivate Pro in the future if needed.

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Part 3: Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro Using the Command Prompt

You can upgrade Windows 10 edition using the Command Prompt with a valid Pro product key. However, this method requires Administrator access. Ensure you have a genuine Windows 10 Pro key and backup your data before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Press Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Run Command Prompt

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:

changepk.exe /productkey XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Replace XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX with your Windows 10 Pro product key.

Type the Windows Product Key

Step 3: Windows will begin the upgrade process if the key is valid. You may see a message prompting for a restart. Restart your PC, and the system will upgrade to Windows 10 Pro after reboot.

The Windows Upgrading

Step 4: You can verify the upgrade by going back to Settings → Update & Security → Activation once you have rebooted. It should now display Windows 10 Pro as your installed edition.

Go to the Activation window to check the Windows upgrade

The Command Prompt method is manual and suitable for advanced IT users. Upgrading Windows Home to Pro using the Product Key is easy if you already have a Pro key. The Microsoft Store method is the simplest for beginners. You can buy and upgrade directly with your Microsoft account. All methods require internet access, resulting in the same Windows 10 Pro upgrade.

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Part 4: The tool I use after Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro – WPS Office

After upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, a reliable and feature-rich office suite is essential. I recommend the WPS Office, an excellent tool. The following are the key features of WPS Office that make it the best office productivity suite for Windows 10.

WPS Office

WPS Office is an All-in-One Office Suite with a Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheet, and PDF tools, making it a complete alternative to Microsoft.

WPS Office All-in-One Office Suite

It has a lightweight interface similar to MS Office, but faster and uses fewer system resources.

WPS Office Lightweight Software

With cloud sync support, WPS Office works seamlessly on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

WPS Cloud Sync Feature

WPS Office has excellent PDF capabilities with AI integration. The built-in PDF tools can convert, merge, edit, and sign PDFs without needing a separate app.

WPS Office built-in PDF tools with AI integration

FAQs

Q1: Can I upgrade to Windows 10 Pro without losing my files?

You can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro without losing your files, apps, or settings.
The upgrade is in place and designed to preserve your existing data.

Q2: Is it legal to use the default Pro key before activation?

Yes, using the default Windows 10 Pro key is legal only to initiate the upgrade, not for activation. You must enter a valid purchased key afterward to legally activate Windows 10 Pro features.

Q3: How much does the upgrade cost from the Microsoft Store?

As of May 2025, upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Pro via the Microsoft Store typically costs $99 USD. This price may vary slightly based on your region and any ongoing promotions.

Q4: What if the upgrade fails or shows an error?

If the upgrade fails, check that your product key is valid and matches the Pro edition. Run Windows Update and use the Activation Troubleshooter in Settings. Temporarily disable antivirus software and try the upgrade again. Perform a clean install using Windows 10 Pro installation media as a last resort.

Summary

This article outlined three different methods to upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro. The first method, i.e., using Product Key, is excellent if you already have a valid Pro key and want a simple upgrade. The Microsoft Store is the easiest option, ideal for users who prefer a guided, keyless upgrade process. The Command Prompt suits advanced users who want to automate or manually trigger the upgrade. All methods require the internet and an upgrade to the same Windows 10 Pro edition.

After upgrading to the Pro version, there is no need to pay high subscription costs for using productivity tools. You can use WPS Office as an all-in-one office productivity solution. WPS Office is free to use and is lightweight software. You can download WPS Office from its official website for free.

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