---
title: "Switch any Windows 10/11 edition to Pro (Upgrade Guide)"
description: "Upgrading to Windows Pro enables additional capabilities such as BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop access, and expanded security controls. Follow the steps below in order to complete the edition change and then activate using your purchased key."
url: https://help.activekeys.com/en/articles/2-switch-any-windows-1011-edition-to-pro-upgrade-guide
collection: "Windows Installation Guides"
updated: 2026-02-12
language: en
---

# Switch any Windows 10/11 edition to Pro (Upgrade Guide)

Upgrading to Windows Pro enables additional capabilities such as BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop access, and expanded security controls. Follow the steps below in order to complete the edition change and then activate using your purchased key.

### **Step 1 – Install all Windows updates first**  
Before starting the upgrade, make sure your PC is fully updated to reduce the chance of errors.

-   Open **Settings > Windows Update**
    
-   Click **Check for updates**
    
-   Install any available updates
    
-   Restart your PC if prompted
    

**Step 2 – Disconnect from the internet**  
Temporarily turn off your connection to avoid conflicts during the edition switch.

-   Disable Wi‑Fi, or
    
-   Unplug the Ethernet cable
    

**Step 3 – Enter the Pro upgrade key to switch editions**  
This step starts the edition change (it’s used to move to Pro, not to fully activate).

-   Open **Control Panel**
    
-   Go to **System and Security > System**
    
-   Select **Change product key**
    
-   Enter the following upgrade key:
    

VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

Windows will begin the upgrade process and may restart your computer.

**Step 4 – Confirm the upgrade completed**  
After the restart, verify that your device is now running Pro.

-   Open **Settings > System > About**
    
-   Check that the edition shows **Windows 10 Pro** or **Windows 11 Pro**
    

**Step 5 – Reconnect to the internet**  
Turn Wi‑Fi back on or reconnect your Ethernet cable.

**Step 6 – Activate using the key you purchased**  
Now complete activation with the key from your delivery email.

-   Go back to **Change product key** (same location as before)
    
-   Enter the purchased activation key
    
-   Follow the on-screen prompts to finish activation
    

Optional check: you can confirm activation status in **Settings > System > Activation**.