After an update my PC went from 11 pro to 11 home. I can't find my Pro product key.

Question

After an update my PC went from 11 pro to 11 home. I can't find my Pro product key.

Lucero Munoz 0

Window 11 pro was pre installed on this Laptop PC when I bought it from Best Buy. After a recent update it now has Windows 11 Home. I cannot find my 11 pro digital product key. I would assume it would stored on this computer. tried locating it through several methods but no luck.

EmilyS726 278.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-11-07T19:06:37.2333333+00:00
Hello

This is very unusual because an update shouldn't change Windows edition.

I would like to review some things first before I can understand better what might happen.

Can you please type cmd in the search on the taskbar and hit enter to launch command prompt, then run the following command:

slmgr /dlv

Then share a screenshot please. Thanks!

==============

Next, launch PowerShell (note, it is not Command Prompt, but Powershell), and run this code to see if you have an OEM license on the motherboard.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingService -Property OA3xOriginalProductKey).OA3xOriginalProductKey

Do NOT share the key if it does return one. An yes or no answer is all I need for this.

1 answer

Your answer

EmilyS726 278.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-11-07T19:06:37.2333333+00:00

Hello

This is very unusual because an update shouldn't change Windows edition.

I would like to review some things first before I can understand better what might happen.

Can you please type cmd in the search on the taskbar and hit enter to launch command prompt, then run the following command:

slmgr /dlv

Then share a screenshot please. Thanks!

==============

Next, launch PowerShell (note, it is not Command Prompt, but Powershell), and run this code to see if you have an OEM license on the motherboard.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingService -Property OA3xOriginalProductKey).OA3xOriginalProductKey

Do NOT share the key if it does return one. An yes or no answer is all I need for this.

Answer 1

If Windows 11 Pro was preinstalled when the laptop was purchased, the product key is typically preinstalled on the device, included with the packaging, or attached on the Certificate of Authenticity. If the device originally came with Pro, the key should come from the PC manufacturer or retailer rather than being recovered as a separate “digital product key” stored for display.

If activation changed after the update, first check the installed edition:

Open Start > Settings > System > Activation.
Confirm whether the device now shows Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.

If Windows 11 Home is installed but the license is for Windows 11 Pro, use the Activation troubleshooter:

Open Settings > System > Activation.
Run the troubleshooter.
Select Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
Select Start upgrade.

If the laptop really shipped with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled, and the key is not in packaging or on a COA, contact the hardware manufacturer or the retailer that sold the PC. For refurbished PCs, the refurbisher must provide the product key.

If a significant hardware change was made, Windows may no longer find the matching license. In that case:

Make sure the PC is connected to the internet.
On Settings > System > Activation, check whether Windows is linked to a Microsoft account.
If needed, add the Microsoft account on the Activation page so the status shows Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
Then use the Activation troubleshooter to reactivate.

If Windows still will not reactivate, enter the product key at Settings > System > Activation > Change product key if the manufacturer or retailer provides it. If that does not resolve it, contact customer support.

References: