how to activate windows 11 pro with a windows 10 pro key on a device with windows 11 home installed

If your old computer has an OEM license (you didn't buy Windows separately), then unfortunately there is no way to do this. The license is tied to the old hardware in the licensing terms.

If you have a key that you purchased, then you should be able to do it by running this in an elevated Command Prompt/PowerShell Window: (right-click, run as administrator)

Changepk.exe /ProductKey <your-product-key>

Once it detects the new key, it should perform an inplace upgrade from Home to Pro. It may require a restart but otherwise should be pretty seamless.

Hello Skrever ,

Good day! I'm John Dev a Windows user like you and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, Rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you.

I suggest you perform a Clean Installation of Windows 10 Pro first on your new computer then activate it using the Windows 10 Pro key. After that, upgrade it for free to Windows 11 using the Windows 11 Update assistant.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

Important: Back up your important personal data and files to an external hard drive or USB flash drive.

Download the Media Creation tool(Click Download tool now). Use the tool to "Create installation media (USB flash drive at least 8GB in size) to install Windows 10". Instructions inside the link.
Note: Please make sure to uncheck the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...
Please try checking the link below for more details.
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create...

Insert the USB Installation media into your computer. Please change the boot order in the Bios Settings. Boot your PC from the Installation Media you created.

Kindly refer to the link below on how to perform a Clean Installation of Windows by Greg Carmack - MVP.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.


Kind regards,

John DeV
Independent Advisor
Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.