Windows 10 is indubitably the most adaptable operating system, but with several versions to suit various needs it can become confusing for you to choose the right one.
Well, both Home & Pro editions have their own set of features and benefits. One does not need to be a genius to understand that Windows 10 Home edition is the basic variant. Packed with essential features like Battery Saver, Cortana, Company’s Biometric Security Windows Hello, Virtual Desktops, Snap Assist feature, Continuum and much more.
On the other hand, Windows 10 Pro comes with all the features of ‘Home’ edition plus offers a sophisticated bunch of privacy and connectivity tools.
It all comes down to the needs and requirements of users for which one to go for. Here’s a table listing all the benefits that comes with Windows 10 Pro version but lacks for Home edition users!
Windows 10 Home VS Windows 10 Pro:
Well, Windows 10 Pro version certainly doesn’t snatch anything from Home users, rather it simply provides an additional package of more advanced and refined functionalities.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Upgrading To Windows 10 Pro
Before upgrading to Windows 10 Pro:
- Make sure to update your system with the most recent Windows 10 Home version.
- Ensure that ‘C’ drive on your system has sufficient space to download the new Windows 10 Pro upgrade files.
- Do not forget to back up your data and apps located in the ‘C’ Drive as there can be a probability that some things might get deleted. So, before any mishap happens, backup your data carefully.
- Do fix bad sectors/file system errors to prevent update failures.
How To Upgrade Windows 10 Home To Pro Version?
If you already own a Windows 10 Pro Product key, then upgrading to Professional version would be no trouble at all.
Step 1- Just open Windows Store > sign up with your Microsoft Account. Hit on your Account icon > click Download and Updates.
Step 2– Click on Store > Update. Keep patience and let Windows Store update process to complete.
Step 3- Search for Windows 10 in the search box.
Step 4- Click on Install to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro.
Step 5- Hit Yes, Let’s Go button to proceed to upgrade process. Once the process is completed, you’ll need to manually restart your computer.
Step 6- After rebooting your system, proceed towards Settings > click on Update & Security > hit Activation. Enter Windows 10 Pro Product key to complete the activation process.
How To Upgrade Your Windows Home Edition To Pro For Free?
To upgrade to Windows 10 Pro without following the activation process, follow the steps below:
Step 1- There’s no magic key that would allow you to upgrade to Pro version. It’s just if you have a product key for the Pro versions of previous Windows editions, like for Windows 7 or 8.
You can use the same key to upgrade from Home edition to Windows 10 Pro.
Follow the steps to see how that works:
Step 2- Just open Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key. Enter the following key: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T (Public default key shared by Microsoft a few years back.)
Step 3- This will not activate the system, but you’ll be taken to Pro Edition where you can activate the Professional version using the previous versions ‘Pro key’.
This process should probably take your system into an upgrade process from Home to Pro!
Wrap Up
Windows 10 Home edition suffice majority of the users who just wishes to browse the web, do simple operations & manage media files. However, Windows 10 Pro version is designed with the aim to provide security, better compatibility & other advanced features that most home users won’t use.
So, have you used the Free Windows Product key? Did it work for you? Share your experiences in the comment section below!