How to Upgrade Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro Without Reinstalling

Microsoft Windows always has multiple versions, which come with different features and are more focused on niche users. For most Windows users, Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro are good to do. 

Windows 11 Pro is packed with most features, but since Windows 11 Home costs less, the laptop comes with a home version. Even Microsoft’s in-house Surface device comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. Windows 11 Home edition is priced at $139.99, while Windows 11 Pro is priced at $199.99. So, if you want to upgrade to Windows Pro from Windows 11, then you will find a great place to learn. It’s quite straightforward. 

What are the differences between Windows 11 versions: Home and Pro?

Before continuing, it’s important to understand the differences between both editions. Check out these major differences between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro. 

On Windows 11 Pro, you can use 2 TB of maximum RAM, 2 CPUs, and 128 maximum CPU cores, while Windows 11 Home allows you to have 128 GB of maximum RAM, 1 CPU, and 64 CPU cores. 

Further, Windows 11 Pro has Hyper-V and features like Kiosk Mode, Windows Update for Business, Dynamic Provision, Assigned Access, Enterprise State Roaming with Azure, Group Policy, Mobile Device Management, Windows Device Protection, BitLocker device encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, Join Active Directory/Azure AD, and Set up with local account functionality, which Windows 11 Home editions lack. 

Since there is a core difference, Windows 11 Home and 11 Pro are meant to be used by niche users. Some parts are designed to protect confidential files. Windows 11 Home is great for most users, and if you need Windows 11 Pro, you already know why. 

What are the key differences between the Windows 11 Home and Pro editions?

Just two years ago, Microsoft released Windows 11, which marked a significant update to the popular OS. Among the other Windows versions yet, this specific successor boasts a sleek, streamlined design with a centered start menu that provides enhanced gaming performance with direct storage and auto HDR. Windows 11 is best known for its revamped interface, enhanced multitasking, supercharged gaming, and other enriched features.

But the story does not end here. Windows 11 comes in two distinct flavors: Home and Pro. Both of them offer core Windows 11 features, as mentioned, but the choice between them will always be a question of assessment. Although it is evident that Home Edition caters to everyday users and Pro Edition is suited to power users, there are a few more things that need to be chosen in between. So, here is what I am sharing regarding this.

Understanding Windows 11’s different editions

No doubt, Windows 11 is itself an upgrade over the previous Windows version. But users who are upgrading from the version preceding Windows 11 to this new version need to look at something. Since both editions are paid, if a user pays for something, he has the complete right to get a good deal. I mean, before buying or choosing between Windows 11 Home and Pro Edition, do some research, like what your needs are and how a user can make a good deal.

I know that, as a beginner, you might face difficulty analyzing such things. For that concern, I tried to think and found some considerations worth looking into. These considerations are pricing, security and management, business features, hardware, etc. Alongside this, I am sharing the significance of each consideration for each category of user. To get these things under a single roof, here is a quick comparison table given below.

Who should choose Windows 11 Home?

From the above table, you get a rough idea of both Windows 11 editions. But even so, a question may arise as to why you chose specifically Windows 11 Home. For this, there is a simple answer: if a user is looking to upgrade to Windows 11 with affordability, ease of use, essential features, and limited hardware needs, then Windows 11 Home would be the best option for them.

Who should choose Windows 11 Pro?

This Windows 11 edition appears as a more upgradeable option. Although Home Edition is great in its place, users who want enhanced security, ease of business management, remote access, and hardware support should go for the Pro Edition. This Windows 11 Edition is in line with varied functionality and is best suited to those who want power beyond basic functioning.

Additional Considerations to Look After

Besides the above analyses, there are a few more things a Windows user should consider. These are upgrade costs, future-proofing, downloading options, and some other concerns. You can easily identify how these additional considerations can help you decide which Windows 11 edition is worth it. After this, your decision will remain intact, and you will be happy with your deal.

• Upgrade Cost: See, there is no upgrade cost to switch over to Windows Pro from the Home edition. You can consider it an investment in features you might need later. Even if you are unsure, start with the Home Edition and further upgrade to the Pro Edition if needed.
• Future Needs: While looking for a final decision, be sure to check your future needs. Like keenly analyzing whether you need demanding tasks or advanced security in the future that will force you to upgrade to Pro Edition. If it does not knock such future-proofing, then it’s okay to remain with Home Edition.
• Downgrading Options: Do note that if you are presently on Windows 11 Home Edition and looking for any way to upgrade, instead, you need to perform a clean installation of Home, erasing all data. So consider that if you are hoping to download Pro Edition when you are on Home Edition.

Upgrade your Windows 11 to Pro. 

You must buy the Pro edition if you don’t own one. 

• Open Windows Settings and head over to Activation. 
• From there, click on “Upgrade your edition of Windows,” and then at the bottom, it has a Store link to buy Windows 11 Pro. 
• Click on Buy since you own the Home Edition Pro code for $99. 
• Enter your password and billing details, and complete the process. 
• After this, restart your PC, and the Pro feature will be enabled. 

Upgrade your Windows 11 to Pro with the existing key. 

If you already own Windows 11 Pro and don’t need to purchase the Pro Edition from the store, then the following guide is mentioned below. 

• Open Windows Settings, and then go to Activation. 
• Click on “Upgrade your Edition of Windows,” then click on Change. 
• Next, enter the Windows 11 Pro Product Key once the key is validated. 
• Restart your PC; that’s it. 

Since the installation file is the same, you don’t need to reinstall Windows upon upgrading your Windows to Pro from the Home edition. With the restart, your Windows configuration will be set as Pro. 

To conclude, here we have discussed the key differences between the Home and Pro editions, providing insights into their distinct features and capabilities. As users contemplate their choice, it’s crucial to reiterate the importance of selecting the edition that aligns best with their individual needs. Whether it’s the advanced business functionalities of the Pro edition or the streamlined features of the Home version, understanding your specific requirements is paramount.

Frequently asked questions