If you’re running Windows 10 Home on your computer and you’re planning to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, you know that you need to purchase a product key. However, if you’re not sure if the upgrade is worth it, and you want to give it a try, Microsoft offers a default product key that let you upgrade your system for free.
Of course, there is a catch, if you use the default product key to upgrade, Windows 10 won’t activate, as you need to actually pay Microsoft to get a valid product key.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro using the default product key.
How to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro
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Open Settings.
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Click on Update & security.
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Click on Activation.
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Click the Change Product key button.
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Enter the 25-digit product key:
VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
Change product key to upgrade Windows 10 -
As you enter the product key will trigger the upgrade process, then simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.
Once you complete the upgrade process, you can purchase a valid product key on Amazon, Microsoft Store, or click Go to Store on the Settings app to a product key from the Windows Store.
If you have a Windows 8.x Pro product key, it will also work to activate Windows 10 Pro.
Although you can always get a Windows 10 Pro product key and then upgrade, sometimes, you want to see if your computer will support the upgrade or you want to test the operating system before making the purchase, and using the default product key, you have at least another option.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He's also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ & Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.