How to Upgrade From Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro

How do you use Windows? Do you run more applications than the average person or need more remote capability? If so, then you’ve probably outgrown your use for the standard Windows 10 operating system. Windows 10 Pro might be for you.

That’s not to say that Windows 10 Home doesn’t check a lot of boxes for most people, but upgrading to Windows 10 Pro can elevate your work experience. To upgrade to the Windows 10 Pro, follow our straightforward guide.

Not sure which version of Windows is for you? Check out our head-to-head comparison of Home, Pro, and S Mode.

Step 1: Check your Windows version

Before getting started with upgrading, you should check to see which version your PC is running. To do so, head to the search box in the Windows 10 Taskbar, or click on the Start Menu. Next, type in About. 

In the list of results that appear, click on About Your PC, which will launch a settings window. Scroll down to the bottom portion of the screen, and check under Windows Specifications to see which version of Windows you’re running. If it lists Windows 10 Pro, then there will be no need to upgrade. If not, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Click to upgrade

Next up, in that same window, click on Change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows. Doing so should open up the Activation settings page. You will now see two ways to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro.

If you’ve already purchased a Windows 10 Pro product key, you can click on Change Product Key and simply enter your key to upgrade. Windows will check the key against Microsoft servers. Once it validates your computer will download some of the required files for Windows 10 Pro, prompt you to reboot, and then switch you into the new version of the operating system.

Step 3: Purchase a product key

If you don’t already have a Windows 10 Pro product key, you can purchase a one-time upgrade from the built-in Microsoft Store in Windows. Simply click the Go to the Store link to open the Microsoft Store.

Through the Microsoft Store, a one-time upgrade to Windows 10 Pro will cost $99. You can pay with a credit or debit card linked to your Microsoft Account.

Step 4: Restart your PC

Once you purchase, the store will download the required files, and you’ll have to restart your PC to see the change to Windows 10 Pro. Once it boots up, the new features granted with Pro should be all yours to enjoy.

However, you should be aware that while a $99 upgrade to Windows 10 Pro seems like an excellent way to go if you’re building a PC, it will end up being more costly. It will be slightly more expensive to purchase Windows 10 Home and then upgrade to Windows 10 Pro later on.

Windows 10 Home is the standalone price of $140, and adding in a $100 Windows 10 Pro Upgrade brings the price up to $240. On its own, Windows 10 Pro retails for $200. These added costs should all be taken into consideration when you’re thinking about upgrading to Pro.