How to Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro and Reinstall Without Losing Your License
-
To upgrade from Windows Home to Pro, you need a product key which can be purchased for $99 from the Microsoft Store or found cheaper from third parties.
-
After upgrading, the Windows Pro digital license gets attached to your hardware so you can reinstall Windows without needing the product key again.
-
If reinstalling Windows on a system with Home and Pro licenses, you may inadvertently restore the Home edition. Use the generic product key to force the upgrade back to Pro.
-
Windows Pro adds features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, and update deferment that Home edition lacks. You may not need Pro unless using those business-oriented features.
-
A clean reinstall completely wipes the previous Windows installation to start fresh with default settings. Your files remain untouched unless you choose to also delete them.