Installation and Upgrade Generic Product Keys to Install or Upgrade Windows 11 Editions


Product_key_banner.png

This tutorial will provide you with a list of RTM (retail) and KMS generic keys (default keys) for all editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Generic keys (aka: "default keys") for Windows 10/11 from Microsoft will allow you to install or upgrade to a specific Windows 10/11 edition you want, but will not activate it.

Using a generic key can be helpful if you wanted to install or upgrade to a specific Windows 10/11 edition for evaluation or testing on a PC or virtual machine, or just don't have a digital license or your genuine product key currently available and you will activate later when able.

If you do have a digital license linked to your Microsoft account for the specific Windows 10/11 edition associated to the PC you sign in to with the Microsoft account, Windows will automatically be activated by the digital license if the PC is connected to the Internet.


Windows 10/11 Edition​
RTM Generic Key (retail)​
Windows 10/11 HomeYTMG3-N6DKC-DKB77-7M9GH-8HVX7TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99
Windows 10/11 Home N4CPRK-NM3K3-X6XXQ-RXX86-WXCHW3KHY7-WNT83-DGQKR-F7HPR-844BM
Windows 10/11 Home Home Single LanguageBT79Q-G7N6G-PGBYW-4YWX6-6F4BT7HNRX-D7KGG-3K4RQ-4WPJ4-YTDFH
Windows 10/11 Home Country SpecificN2434-X9D7W-8PF6X-8DV9T-8TYMDPVMJN-6DFY6-9CCP6-7BKTT-D3WVR
Windows 10/11 ProVK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66TW269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
Windows 10/11 Pro N2B87N-8KFHP-DKV6R-Y2C8J-PKCKTMH37W-N47XK-V7XM9-C7227-GCQG9
Windows 10/11 Pro for WorkstationsDXG7C-N36C4-C4HTG-X4T3X-2YV77NRG8B-VKK3Q-CXVCJ-9G2XF-6Q84J
Windows 10/11 Pro for Workstations NWYPNQ-8C467-V2W6J-TX4WX-WT2RQ9FNHH-K3HBT-3W4TD-6383H-6XYWF
Windows 10/11 Pro Education8PTT6-RNW4C-6V7J2-C2D3X-MHBPB6TP4R-GNPTD-KYYHQ-7B7DP-J447Y
Windows 10/11 Pro Education NGJTYN-HDMQY-FRR76-HVGC7-QPF8PYVWGF-BXNMC-HTQYQ-CPQ99-66QFC
Windows 10/11 EducationYNMGQ-8RYV3-4PGQ3-C8XTP-7CFBYNW6C2-QMPVW-D7KKK-3GKT6-VCFB2
Windows 10/11 Education N84NGF-MHBT6-FXBX8-QWJK7-DRR8H2WH4N-8QGBV-H22JP-CT43Q-MDWWJ
Windows 10/11 EnterpriseXGVPP-NMH47-7TTHJ-W3FW7-8HV2CNPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43
Windows 10/11 Enterprise NWGGHN-J84D6-QYCPR-T7PJ7-X766FDPH2V-TTNVB-4X9Q3-TJR4H-KHJW4
Windows 10/11 Enterprise GYYVX9-NTFWV-6MDM3-9PT4T-4M68B
Windows 10/11 Enterprise G NFW7NV-4T673-HF4VX-9X4MM-B4H4T44RPN-FTY23-9VTTB-MP9BX-T84FV
Windows 10/11 Enterprise LTSC 2019
Windows 10/11 Enterprise LTSC 2024		M7XTQ-FN8P6-TTKYV-9D4CC-J462D
Windows 10/11 Enterprise N LTSC 2019
Windows 10/11 Enterprise N LTSC 2024		92NFX-8DJQP-P6BBQ-THF9C-7CG2H
Windows IoT Enterprise ProXQQYW-NFFMW-XJPTT-K8732-CKFFD
Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021
Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024		KBN8V-HFGQ4-MGXVD-347P6-PDQGT


That's it,
Shawn Brink


Related Tutorials

 
Last edited:
Click to expand...
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. You just won't be able to personalize it. It will also be inactivated. How does a generic key differ from this?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-13900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS Maximus Hero Z790
    Memory
    Corsair 2x32GB @ 6600
    Graphics Card(s)
    PNY RTX3080 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek on motherboard.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Corsair 4k, BenQ 4k.
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
streetwolf said:
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. You just won't be able to personalize it. It will also be inactivated. How does a generic key differ from this?
Click to expand...
Yeah, but this is for those that want legitimacy and peace of mind. That's how they "differ" ;)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.4391)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon (XFX MERC 310) RX 7900XT
    Sound Card
    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27-inch Eizo Color Edge - CG2700X
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova I000 G2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    500mb Download. 11mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.4391)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 165U vPro® Processor
    Motherboard
    Vendor
    Memory
    32 GB LPDDR5X-6400MHz (Soldered)
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Graphics
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED, Anti Reflection, Touch, HDR 500, 400 nits, 120Hz
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 Performance TLC Opal
    PSU
    Vendor
    Case
    Lenovo
    Cooling
    Vapor Chamber Cooling
    Mouse
    Touchpad: Haptic Touchpad
    Keyboard
    Backlit, Black with Fingerprint Reader and WWAN
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    202. Build Your Own laptop.
    vPro Certified Model: vPro Enterprise
streetwolf said:
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. You just won't be able to personalize it. It will also be inactivated. How does a generic key differ from this?
Click to expand...
In addition, a generic key can allow you to upgrade to another edition. For example: Home to Pro.

Just to point out, a generic key will never activate.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Brink said:
Just to point out, a generic key will never activate.
Click to expand...
Hi Shawn, can you clarify this this bit. I "think" I understand why, but not sure or how to explain it. A link would be cool if possible.

Thanks :)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.4391)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon (XFX MERC 310) RX 7900XT
    Sound Card
    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27-inch Eizo Color Edge - CG2700X
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova I000 G2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    500mb Download. 11mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.4391)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 165U vPro® Processor
    Motherboard
    Vendor
    Memory
    32 GB LPDDR5X-6400MHz (Soldered)
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Graphics
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED, Anti Reflection, Touch, HDR 500, 400 nits, 120Hz
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 Performance TLC Opal
    PSU
    Vendor
    Case
    Lenovo
    Cooling
    Vapor Chamber Cooling
    Mouse
    Touchpad: Haptic Touchpad
    Keyboard
    Backlit, Black with Fingerprint Reader and WWAN
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    202. Build Your Own laptop.
    vPro Certified Model: vPro Enterprise
streetwolf said:
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. You just won't be able to personalize it. It will also be inactivated. How does a generic key differ from this?
Click to expand...
If your computer or VM has an existing digital license, entering the generic product key will allow Windows to activate using the pre-existing digital license.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
It would be nice to see an info about duration of these non-activated keys and their /rearm - ability. Reason: a better choice of a key for a temporary Windows installation, for example, in test VM.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5-15ARH05
    CPU
    AMD Rysen 5 4600H
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
Slavic said:
It would be nice to see an info about duration of these non-activated keys and their /rearm - ability. Reason: a better choice of a key for a temporary Windows installation, for example, in test VM.
Click to expand...

A generic key itself will not activate Windows, so there will not be a /rearm option available for them.

A generic key is basically just a tool used to allow installing or upgrading to a specific Windows 11 edition. As @NavyLCDR posted, if you have a digital license for the Windows 11 edition, it will then automatically get activated.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Brink said:
A generic key itself will not activate Windows, so there will not be a /rearm option available for them.

A generic key is basically just a tool used to allow installing or upgrading to a specific Windows 11 edition. As @NavyLCDR posted, if you have a digital license for the Windows 11 edition, it will then automatically get activated.
Click to expand...
Very well, this defines the purpose of these keys and the limit of their usage. So, for test VM the best choice apparently will be the evaluation versions, either keys or preinstalled system on virtual disk which can be downloaded for different VMs. For example, I used the images specifically created for testing browsers, but they can be used for many other purposes.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5-15ARH05
    CPU
    AMD Rysen 5 4600H
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
SquatteLeWiFi said:
Hello,

What is the difference between RTM and KMS?
Click to expand...
RTM = Released To Manufacturing. It is the retail (or OEM) product key that home users use to activate personal copies of Windows with. In Windows 10/11, a RTM product key will result in a digital license which permanently activates Windows 10/11 on that computer. Note: in order to activate Windows 10/11 with the generic product key, there must be a digital license for Windows 10/11 created for that edition of Windows 10/11 saved on Microsoft activation servers for that specific computer.

KMS = Key Management Service. These are product keys that corporations use to activate their volume licensed software using their own activation servers. Activation via KMS is not permanent. The computer must contact the company's KMS server periodically to refresh activation, otherwise the activation will expire.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
streetwolf said:
You just won't be able to personalize it.
Click to expand...
You can if you don't connect it to the internet and you know what settings you want.

Complete the install without the internet connected, make your changes to the layouts, colours, schemes, Start menu, Desktop, etc. Then when you connect to the internet and activation is unsuccessful (i.e. no key) THEN user changes will be blocked.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-12400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512GB KIOXIA NVMe
    1TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    BT
    Mouse
    BT
    Browser
    Brave FFox Chrome Opera
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 2xH2 (latest update ... 4ever anal)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
NavyLCDR said:
RTM = Released To Manufacturing. It is the retail (or OEM) product key that home users use to activate personal copies of Windows with. In Windows 10/11, a RTM product key will result in a digital license which permanently activates Windows 10/11 on that computer. Note: in order to activate Windows 10/11 with the generic product key, there must be a digital license for Windows 10/11 created for that edition of Windows 10/11 saved on Microsoft activation servers for that specific computer.

KMS = Key Management Service. These are product keys that corporations use to activate their volume licensed software using their own activation servers. Activation via KMS is not permanent. The computer must contact the company's KMS server periodically to refresh activation, otherwise the activation will expire.
Click to expand...
Okay, thanks for the clarification. @NavyLCDR
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
streetwolf said:
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. .... How does a generic key differ from this?
Click to expand...
You are actually using a key when you skip entering one at install time, you just don't see it. Setup will install the appropriate generic key for the edition you choose to install.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
Hallo Forum.
I bought a new ASUS ROG Strix GA35 with Win 10 Home preinstalled. I updated to Win 11 Home. I have original Win 10 Pro, and want to upgrade the Win 11 Home to Pro. Can I do this, and which way I have to go.
Zyco1955
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    .....
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
  • Operating System
    Win 7 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Predator G3 605
zyco1955 said:
I bought a new ASUS ROG Strix GA35 with Win 10 Home preinstalled. I updated to Win 11 Home. I have original Win 10 Pro, and want to upgrade the Win 11 Home to Pro. Can I do this, and which way I have to go.
Click to expand...
Welcome to Eleven Forum.

By "I have original Win 10 Pro" do you mean you have a retail key for Win 10 Pro that you are not using on another PC? If so, then you can upgrade from 11 Home to 11 Pro by changing the installed key to your Pro key. All keys are now regarded by Microsoft as being Windows 10/11 keys and are equally valid for both 10 or 11.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
NavyLCDR said:
If your computer or VM has an existing digital license, entering the generic product key will allow Windows to activate using the pre-existing digital license.
Click to expand...
If your computer already has a digital license (whether a VM or not) you don't need to enter any keys generic or otherwise. Product will be activated as soon as its installed or as soon as internet connection is available.

At least currently. !!

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
I upgraded from Windows 8 to 10 free, then from Windows 10 to 11. . . I think they call that a digital license. Everytime I upgrade via a fresh install, I get activated. I think it reads information from the motherboard if i'm not mistaken.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 24H2 v26100.3037
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built Myself in 2017
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 1800X 8-Core @ 3.60GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Crosshair VI Hero
    Memory
    16GB G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce gtx 1660 Super
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 X AOC 27" , PLANAR 22"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    ~ P34A60 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 M.2
    ~ 6TB Toshiba HDD
    ~ 6TB HDD (Backup)
    ~ SanDisk 250GB SSD
    ~ 2 X 1TB HDD
    ~~~~~~~~~~
    PSU
    Corsair RM850 Fully Modular (850watts)
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 630 CA-PH630-W1
    Cooling
    CORSAIR iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT
    Keyboard
    Nulea RT05 Wireless Ergonomic
    Mouse
    Nulea MD280 Wireless Vertical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    761Mbps (Download) / 692Mbps (Upload)
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    *This is my Main Computer That I use*
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro x64 24H2 v26100.2894
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Xeon E3-1246 v3 @ 3.50GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R7 350X
    Sound Card
    onBoard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    eMachine 22"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    250GB SSD
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Nulea MD280
    Internet Speed
    752Mbps (Download) / 537Mbps (Upload)
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    I use this computer for photo/video editing and to track severe weather
JMedlock83 said:
I upgraded from Windows 8 to 10 free, then from Windows 10 to 11. . . I think they call that a digital license. Everytime I upgrade via a fresh install, I get activated. I think it reads information from the motherboard if i'm not mistaken.
Click to expand...
When you got the free upgrade from W8 to W10 it should have installed W10 with the generic key for the edition you were entitled to, Home of Pro. Your PC's hardware ID was registered on Microsoft's activation servers and linked to a digital license for your edition of Windows 10. It is this digital license that activates your generic key.

All W10 keys are now treated as Windows 10/11 keys, a key is equally valid for both. You can check your installed key with ShowKeyPlus.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
Bree said:
Welcome to Eleven Forum.

By "I have original Win 10 Pro" do you mean you have a retail key for Win 10 Pro that you are not using on another PC? If so, then you can upgrade from 11 Home to 11 Pro by changing the installed key to your Pro key. All keys are now regarded by Microsoft as being Windows 10/11 keys and are equally valid for both 10 or 11.
Click to expand...
Thank You Bree for a quick answer 🙏😊
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    .....
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
  • Operating System
    Win 7 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Predator G3 605
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