windows 11 pro upgrade

Peter Feldmann 0 Reputation points
2026-11-11T21:17:04.8+00:00

Hi have windows 11 pro license bought the the ms shop on this email, but to license code is shown anywhere.

After reinstalling windows in the same laptop, it only homes with home, and I need to upgrade again, but I only have digital license in the ms shop, which gives NO code, what to do? the laptop is signed in with the account that has the license

this is way too complicated already

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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  1. EmilyS726 279.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-11T21:54:28.61+00:00

    Peter, any chance this is an upgrade license, meaning it is to ugprade from HOme to Pro? If so, you won't get the actual key. It is digital only.

    If you currently have Home edition and it is already activated, let's do this instead.

    You can go to Settings > System > Activation > Change product key

    Disconnect internet, and disable any third party antivirus, key in the generic key instead: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

    That should get you to Pro. Once restarted, you can connect back to the internet, sign into your Microsoft account. See if it is activated.

    If not, go to Settings > System > Activation, run the troubleshooter, choose the hardware change option. When it asks you where it is installed on right now, you should choose the old device name. Then click on Activate button. And on the next screen when it asks you where to transfer it to, choose your new device name. See if that does the trick.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-11T21:17:29.2466667+00:00

    If the Windows 11 Pro upgrade was bought from Microsoft Store, it normally uses a digital license, not a 25-character product key. The Microsoft account used for the purchase is the license.

    For the same laptop after reinstalling Windows:

    1. Check that Windows 11 Home is activated first.
      Go to Start > Settings > System > Activation.
    2. On that same page, confirm the device is signed in with the Microsoft account that holds the Pro digital license.
    3. Run the Activation troubleshooter. If it shows the option, select Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro and then select Start upgrade.
    4. If Windows was previously activated with a digital license linked to the Microsoft account, Windows can reactivate automatically after reinstalling the same edition. Since Home is installed and the license is for Pro, the device must be upgraded to Pro for that Pro digital license to apply.

    If a Windows 11 Pro product key is available instead of a digital license, use: Start > Settings > System > Activation > Change product key and enter the 25-character key.

    If the Pro upgrade was purchased in Microsoft Store, no product key may appear because Store purchases of the Pro upgrade use a digital license.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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