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The upgrade from Home to Pro is quick and easy. However, Windows 11 Home may not have the features necessary for getting real work done. Previously, reusing an old product key from Windows 7 Pro, Windows 7 Ultimate, or Windows 8/8.1 Pro to enable an upgrade or clean install from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro was an option. However, Microsoft closed that loophole in September 2023 when it ended the free Windows 10 upgrade program.
To upgrade Windows 11 (or Windows 10) from Home edition to Pro, a product key for Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro is essential. A product key can be found by searching through old records or purchasing a discounted copy online. If a product key is not available, Microsoft offers an upgrade for a fee.
After entering the product key, the upgrade process is quick and straightforward. Once the upgrade is complete, the digital license for Windows 10/11 Pro is attached to the specific hardware. This means that the Pro edition can be reinstalled and activated on that hardware anytime without the need for a product key.
To install a clean copy of Windows on a PC that already has a digital license for Windows 10/11 Pro, the setup files should be booted from a USB flash drive. When prompted, Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro should be selected as the edition to install. After setup is complete, the activation status should be checked to ensure that the system is activated with a digital license.
The security of the operating systems remains the biggest difference between the Windows Home and Pro programs. The Pro version ultimately reigns as the safer choice to secure and protect information, as it includes additional features such as Domain Join, Hyper-V, BitLocker, Microsoft Update for Business, Remote Desktop Server, and Assigned Access features.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro depends on individual needs. If advanced features such as BitLocker Drive Encryption and the ability to defer monthly updates are required, then upgrading to Pro is recommended. However, for routine tasks, the Home version should suffice.
