While Windows 10 Home already comes with a suite of extra features compared to Windows 8.1, including the digital voice assistant Cortana and Virtual Desktops, Windows 10 Pro offers greater connectivity and privacy tools. If you want to take advantage of tools like BitLocker for disk encryption and Assigned Access for locking user accounts or to connect to a Windows domain, you may want to upgrade to Windows 10 Home to Pro.
First, Locate or Find your Windows product key (for Windows 10 or Windows 11)
Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11 (OEM, Retail, or volume license), you'll need either a 25-character product key or a digital license to activate it. A digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 10, Version 1511) is a method of activation that doesn't require you to enter a product key. Without one of these, you won't be able to activate your device.
A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. It looks like this:
PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
Where to find your product key depends on how you got your copy of Windows:
- A new PC running Windows. Most new PC's come with product keys preinstalled, included with the PC packaging, or included on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the PC. For more information, contact your hardware manufacturer.
- A copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11 from an authorized retailer. The product key is on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. For more info, contact the retailer that sold you Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- A digital copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11 from an authorized retailer like SoftwareKeep or the Microsoft website. Find your product key in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows 10 or Windows 11 in a digital locker accessible through the retailer’s website.
- Free upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you upgraded to Windows 10 or Windows 11 for free from Windows 10, Windows 7, or Windows 8.1, you should have a digital license instead of a product key.
- Microsoft Store App. If you bought a Windows (Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro) upgrade in the Microsoft Store app, you'll receive a digital license instead of a product key in the confirmation email sent to confirm the purchase. That email message will contain the digital license. You can use the digital license for activation.
- Volume Licensing agreement or MSDN subscription. Your product key is available through the web portal for your program. See Volume Activation for Windows 10 for further information.
Jump To:
- Windows 10 Home Vs. Pro: Which one is best for you? (2021)
- Feature Comparison of Windows 10 Home and Pro
- Business Management and Deployment (BMD)
- Which features do Windows 10 Home and Pro have in common?
- Windows 10 Product Keys for 2021 All Versions
- How much is a Windows 10 Activation Key?
- How to Upgrade to Windows 10 Step-by-Step Guide
- Windows 10 Pro Product Key Free-Upgrade
Best Website to Buy Windows and Microsoft Office for Cheap and Securely
Compare Windows 10 Home Vs. Pro
Let’s break down the differences between the versions of Windows 10 - Home vs. Pro - to help find the best fit for your needs.
Note: Check out our product offerings to see which Windows 10 version checks all of your boxes.
Windows 10 Home Vs. Pro
If you don't have time to read to the end, watch this video:
Windows 10 Home Vs Pro: Which one is best for you? (2021)
First things first: Home is the standard version of Windows 10. It is the baseline package designed for the general user. Windows 10 Pro is more of professional use with improved capability, security, and business features.
Feature Comparison of Window 10 Home and Pro
Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro share many features. But Windows 10 Pro has a few extra features that the Home version cannot support.
Features: Windows 10 Pro Has More Features
To simplify the comparison, we’ve listed only the Windows 10 Pro features missing in Windows 10 Home.
|
Feature |
Windows 10 Home |
Windows 10 Pro |
|
BitLocker Device Encryption |
No |
Yes |
|
Windows Information Protection (WIP) |
No |
Yes |
|
Mobile Device Management |
No |
Yes |
|
Hyper-V |
No |
Yes |
|
Group Policy |
No |
Yes |
|
Enterprise State Roaming with Azure |
No |
Yes |
|
Microsoft Store for Business |
No |
Yes |
|
Assigned Access |
No |
Yes |
|
Dynamic Provisioning |
No |
Yes |
|
Windows Update for Business |
No |
Yes |
|
Kiosk mode set-up |
No |
Yes |
|
Support for Active Directory |
No |
Yes |
|
Support for Azure Active Directory |
No |
Yes |
If you find most of these features meaningless, that's no surprise. Indeed, most people don't really need the extra features in Windows 10 Pro. Typically, Windows 10 Pro is designed for businesses.
In summary, two areas differentiate Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro.
Security
Security: Windows 10 Pro Has Additional Security Features
Regarding security, Windows 10 Pro has Bitlocker device encryption and Windows information protection (WIP) which are missing in Windows 10 Home.
Fundamental features
Fundamentals Features: Windows 10 Home Doesn't Have Windows Fundamentals
Windows 10 Home
- Requires a third-party app for a virtual desktop.
- Remote desktop support requires a third-party app.
Windows 10 Pro
- Domain Join.
- Azure Active Directory Domain Join.
- Enterprise Mode Internet Explorer.
- Remote Desktop with central management.
- Client Hyper-V.
Business Management and Deployment (BMD)
Management Features: Windows 10 Pro Has Management and Deployment Features
When it comes to BDM Windows 10 Pro has all BDM features that are missing in the Home edition. These include Group Policy, Mobile device management, Hyper-V, Enterprise State Roaming with Azure, Microsoft Store for Business, Assigned Access, Dynamic Provisioning, Windows Update for Business, Kiosk mode set-up, Support for Active Directory, and Support for Azure Active Directory.
Which features do Windows 10 Home and Pro have in common?
All versions of Windows 10 (including Pro and Home) come with all the core features targeting a broad consumer market. These features include Cortana, Outlook, OneNote, and Microsoft Edge.
Windows 10 Home is compatible with the Windows Insider program, but it does limit the security and group management services made available to other versions.
Verdict
Is Windows 10 Pro better than Windows 10 Home?
In short. The main difference between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro is the operating system's security. Windows 10 Pro is a safer choice when it comes to protecting your PC and securing your information. Moreover, Windows 10 Pro offers useful functions like Remote Desktop and is best for businesses and enterprises.
Final Verdict: Choose the Version for Your Needs
Want Windows 10?
Get Windows 10 Operating system today from our wide selection. Enjoy speed, security, durability, and great design. You’ll get it all.
Upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro
Upgrading from Home to Pro is straightforward. When you upgrade, the Pro license supersedes the Home license.
One way to do this is to pay for a Windows 10 Pro upgrade. But if you already have an OEM key for Windows 10 Pro, just follow the steps below to find out how to upgrade and activate your Pro system:
Windows 10 Pro Upgrade Key-Steps to Take
Before we dive into the Windows 10 Pro product upgrade, here're some free keys you can use.
Windows 10 Product Keys for 2021 All Versions:
|
Windows 10 Professional Key |
W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
|
Windows 10 Pro build 10240 |
VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T |
|
Windows 10 Professional N Key |
MH37W-N47XK-V7XM9-C7227-GCQG9 |
|
Windows 10 Enterprise Key |
NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43 |
|
Windows 10 Enterprise N Key |
DPH2V-TTNVB-4X9Q3-TJR4H-KHJW4 |
|
Windows 10 Education Key |
NW6C2-QMPVW-D7KKK-3GKT6-VCFB2 |
|
Windows 10 Pro 2020 |
W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
|
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC Key |
92NFX-8DJQP-P6BBQ-THF9C-7CG2H |
|
Windows 10 Enterprise G |
YYVX9-NTFWV-6MDM3-9PT4T-4M68B |
|
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations |
NRG8B-VKK3Q-CXVCJ-9G2XF-6Q84J |
How much is a Windows 10 Activation Key?
You can buy Genuine Windows 10 for;
How to Upgrade to Windows 10 Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Press WINDOWS+R on your keyboard to open the Run window, and type slui.exe then click OK
Note: Make sure your work is saved and all applications are closed on your computer before starting the upgrade Follow the instructions and your upgrade will now begin. Don’t worry if your computer reboots during the upgrade process; this is normal.
Step 2: Try entering your Windows 10 Pro product key in the dialog box as shown.
Step 3: If the OEM key is not accepted, then first try using Microsoft's Windows 10 Pro product key for users wanting to upgrade their systems.
Note: This will allow you to upgrade your Windows 10 Home to Pro, but it will not activate Pro; that comes later
How to Switch Windows 10 Product Keys
- Press Windows key + I to Open Settings then go to
- Update & security > Activation > Change Product key and the product key from Microsoft (VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T) in the space provided.
- A User Account Control dialogue box may open asking if you want to allow the app to make changes. Click Yes
- Now enter the Windows 10 Pro product key: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T.Note: Make sure your work is saved and all applications are closed on your computer before starting the upgrade
- Follow the instructions and your upgrade will now begin. Don’t worry if your computer reboots during the upgrade process; this is normal
Step 4: Once the upgrade is complete, you can now use your OEM key to activate Windows 10 Pro
- Click on the Start button in the bottom left of your screen and select Settings again (you can also press WINDOWS+I to open the Settings window)
- Click Update & Security and then select the Activation tab on the left. In the Activation tab, click Change product key
- Now enter your Windows 10 Pro OEM key and click Next to activate
Windows 10 Pro Product Key Free-Upgrade
- MH37W-N47XK-V7XM9-C7227-GCQG9
- VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
- W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
- WNMTR-4C88C-JK8YV-HQ7T2-76DF9
- W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
- TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99
- DPH2V-TTNVB-4X9Q3-TJR4H-KHJW4
That’s it! Your computer should now be upgraded from Windows Home 10 to Pro and fully activated. You can now enjoy all the features of Windows 10 Pro!
FAQs
How to Find Windows 10 Product Key Using Command Prompt?
- Press Windows + X key at the same time.
- From here click on Command Prompt as an Admin.
- Now in the Command Prompt just type the below command and hit enter "wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey" without the quotes.
- Your product will be listed on the next page.
Summary: How To Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro using an OEM key
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type: slui.exe.
- Hit Enter.
- Enter your Windows 10 Pro key.
- Once you have your Windows 10 key ready select System.
- Select About then Change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows.
- Click Yes if User Account Control comes up.
See Also:
> 4 Commonly Asked Questions About Windows 10 Product Keys and Activation
> How to find your Windows 10 Product Key
> How to Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro Using an Upgrade Key and SLMGR
> How to Plug in Your Product Key with SLMGR and SLUI