Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro in 2026

Upgrading Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro: A Comprehensive Guide

Transitioning from Windows 10 Home to Pro can enhance your computing experience, especially when you’re in need of advanced features suitable for business or power users. In this guide, we will explore two effective methods to perform this upgrade seamlessly without the need for a clean installation.

Methods to Upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro

Method 1: Upgrade through Settings
Method 2: Purchase and upgrade via the Microsoft Store

1. Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro via Settings

If you possess a valid Windows 10 Pro product key, you can upgrade through the Activation settings. Here’s how:

Open the Settings app on your Windows 10 device.
Select Update & Security.
Navigate to the Activation tab.
Click the “Change product key” option under the “Upgrade your edition of Windows” section.
Input your Windows 10 Pro product key.
Click the Next button.
Finally, click the Start button to begin the upgrade process.

Upon completion of these steps, your device will be upgraded from Windows 10 Home to Pro, activating the enhanced features immediately.

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2. Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro via Microsoft Store

Launch the Settings application.
Select Update & Security.
Click on the Activation tab.
Hit the “Go to the Store” button in the “Upgrade your edition of Windows” section.
Click the “Get for $99.00” button to purchase the Pro edition.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase and upgrade.

Once these steps are finished, your system will be updated to the Pro edition, unlocking a suite of advanced features.

While it’s still possible to upgrade individually, it’s worth considering updating to Windows 11 to ensure ongoing support for your device as Windows 10 reaches its end of life.

If you wish to retain Windows 10 functionality beyond October 14, 2025, enrollment in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is necessary.

Update January 2, 2026: This article has been revised to reflect the most current upgrade pathways.

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