Seattle, WA – Windows users who are looking to upgrade from the Home edition to Pro are facing a new challenge following Microsoft’s closure of a loophole that allowed users to upgrade for free after the company ended its free Windows 10 upgrade program in September 2023.
Previously, users could reuse 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, potentially saving them the upgrade fee. However, Microsoft has now closed that loophole, leaving users with the option of purchasing a product key for Windows 10/11 Pro or paying Microsoft $99 for an upgrade directly from the Microsoft Store.
For those who already have a product key for Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, they can use that key to perform an upgrade or a clean install from the Home edition to the Pro edition. Additionally, those who want to skip the product key altogether can pay Microsoft $99 for an upgrade directly from the Microsoft Store, although this license is tied to the specific device on which the upgrade is performed and cannot be transferred to a different device.
Another option is to purchase a discounted copy of Windows 10/11 Pro online, keeping in mind the potential risks associated with “gray market” software. It’s important to note that OEM copies of Windows that were preinstalled on a PC when it was bought are not transferable.
While the closure of this loophole may be frustrating for some users, it’s important to understand the options available for upgrading to the Pro edition and the potential implications of each choice. Therefore, users should carefully consider their needs and the features offered in the Pro edition before making a decision.
In conclusion, the upgrade process from the Home edition to the Pro edition involves several steps, including obtaining a product key for the Pro edition, using that key to initiate the upgrade or clean install, and ensuring that the activation is successful. This process can be complex and may require some technical knowledge, so users should approach it with caution and take the time to understand the implications of each step.