streetwolf
Well-known member
Member
VIP
- Local time
- 5:03 AM
- Posts
- 93
- OS
- Windows 11
- Jan 2, 2022
- #2
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. You just won't be able to personalize it. It will also be inactivated. How does a generic key differ from this?
My Computer
- OS
- Windows 11
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Home Built
- CPU
- 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-13900K
- Motherboard
- ASUS Maximus Hero Z790
- Memory
- Corsair 2x32GB @ 6600
- Graphics Card(s)
- PNY RTX3080 TI
- Sound Card
- Realtek on motherboard.
- Monitor(s) Displays
- Corsair 4k, BenQ 4k.
- Screen Resolution
- 3840x2160
Dru2
Well-known member
Pro User
VIP
- Local time
- 5:03 AM
- Posts
- 4,324
- Location
- Virginia
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.3476)
- Jan 2, 2022
- #3
streetwolf said:
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. You just won't be able to personalize it. It will also be inactivated. How does a generic key differ from this?
Yeah, but this is for those that want legitimacy and peace of mind. That's how they "differ" 
My Computers
System OneSystem Two
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.3476)
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Custom built
- CPU
- Intel Core 9 Ultra
- Motherboard
- Gigabyte Aorus Z890 Xtreme AI Top
- Memory
- 64G (4x16) DDR5 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (6400Mhz)
- Graphics Card(s)
- Radeon (XFX MERC 310) RX 7900XT
- Sound Card
- Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 27-inch Eizo Color Edge - CG2700X
- Screen Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Hard Drives
- 4 Samsung NVM 990 Pro drives: 1 X 1TB (OS) 2X TB, 1 X 1TB.
- PSU
- Seasonic TX-1300 (1300 Watts)
- Case
- Cooler Master H500M
- Cooling
- Corsair Link Titan 280 RX RGB
- Keyboard
- Logitech Craft
- Mouse
- Logitech MX Master 3
- Internet Speed
- 1TB Download. 512mb Upload
- Browser
- Microsoft Edge Chromium
- Antivirus
- Windows Security
- Other Info
- System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.4391)
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12)
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 7 165U vPro® Processor
- Motherboard
- Vendor
- Memory
- 32 GB LPDDR5X-6400MHz (Soldered)
- Graphics card(s)
- Intel Graphics
- Sound Card
- Onboard
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 14" 2.8K OLED, Anti Reflection, Touch, HDR 500, 400 nits, 120Hz
- Screen Resolution
- 2880 x 1800
- Hard Drives
- 1 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 Performance TLC Opal
- PSU
- Vendor
- Case
- Lenovo
- Cooling
- Vapor Chamber Cooling
- Mouse
- Touchpad: Haptic Touchpad
- Keyboard
- Backlit, Black with Fingerprint Reader and WWAN
- Internet Speed
- 100MB
- Browser
- Edge Chromium
- Antivirus
- Windows Security
- Other Info
- 202. Build Your Own laptop.
vPro Certified Model: vPro Enterprise
Brink
Administrator
Staff member
MVP
Thread Starter
- Local time
- 4:03 AM
- Posts
- 23,287
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
- Jan 2, 2022
- #4
streetwolf said:
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. You just won't be able to personalize it. It will also be inactivated. How does a generic key differ from this?
In addition, a generic key can allow you to upgrade to another edition. For example: Home to Pro.
Just to point out, a generic key will never activate.
My Computers
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Custom self build
- CPU
- Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
- Motherboard
- ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
- Memory
- 64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
- Graphics Card(s)
- ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
- Sound Card
- Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
- Screen Resolution
- 2560x1440
- Hard Drives
- 1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
- PSU
- Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
- Case
- Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
- Cooling
- Corsair Hydro H115i
- Keyboard
- Logitech wireless K800
- Mouse
- Logitech MX Master 3
- Internet Speed
- 1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
- Browser
- Google Chrome
- Antivirus
- Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
- Other Info
- Logitech Z625 speaker system,
Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
Galaxy S23 Plus phone
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
- CPU
- Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
- Memory
- 16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 15" HDR
- Screen Resolution
- 2496 x 1664
- Hard Drives
- 1 TB SSD
- Internet Speed
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Browser
- Chrome and Edge
- Antivirus
- Windows Defender
Dru2
Well-known member
Pro User
VIP
- Local time
- 5:03 AM
- Posts
- 4,324
- Location
- Virginia
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.3476)
- Jan 2, 2022
- #5
Brink said:
Just to point out, a generic key will never activate.
Hi Shawn, can you clarify this this bit. I "think" I understand why, but not sure or how to explain it. A link would be cool if possible.
Thanks :)
My Computers
System OneSystem Two
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.3476)
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Custom built
- CPU
- Intel Core 9 Ultra
- Motherboard
- Gigabyte Aorus Z890 Xtreme AI Top
- Memory
- 64G (4x16) DDR5 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (6400Mhz)
- Graphics Card(s)
- Radeon (XFX MERC 310) RX 7900XT
- Sound Card
- Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 27-inch Eizo Color Edge - CG2700X
- Screen Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Hard Drives
- 4 Samsung NVM 990 Pro drives: 1 X 1TB (OS) 2X TB, 1 X 1TB.
- PSU
- Seasonic TX-1300 (1300 Watts)
- Case
- Cooler Master H500M
- Cooling
- Corsair Link Titan 280 RX RGB
- Keyboard
- Logitech Craft
- Mouse
- Logitech MX Master 3
- Internet Speed
- 1TB Download. 512mb Upload
- Browser
- Microsoft Edge Chromium
- Antivirus
- Windows Security
- Other Info
- System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.4391)
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12)
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 7 165U vPro® Processor
- Motherboard
- Vendor
- Memory
- 32 GB LPDDR5X-6400MHz (Soldered)
- Graphics card(s)
- Intel Graphics
- Sound Card
- Onboard
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 14" 2.8K OLED, Anti Reflection, Touch, HDR 500, 400 nits, 120Hz
- Screen Resolution
- 2880 x 1800
- Hard Drives
- 1 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 Performance TLC Opal
- PSU
- Vendor
- Case
- Lenovo
- Cooling
- Vapor Chamber Cooling
- Mouse
- Touchpad: Haptic Touchpad
- Keyboard
- Backlit, Black with Fingerprint Reader and WWAN
- Internet Speed
- 100MB
- Browser
- Edge Chromium
- Antivirus
- Windows Security
- Other Info
- 202. Build Your Own laptop.
vPro Certified Model: vPro Enterprise
NavyLCDR
Well-known member
Pro User
VIP
- Local time
- 2:03 AM
- Posts
- 1,775
- OS
- Windows 11
- Jan 2, 2022
- #6
streetwolf said:
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. You just won't be able to personalize it. It will also be inactivated. How does a generic key differ from this?
If your computer or VM has an existing digital license, entering the generic product key will allow Windows to activate using the pre-existing digital license.
My Computers
- OS
- Windows 11
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Homebuilt
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
- Motherboard
- ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
- Memory
- 32GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Education
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Dell Inspiron 7773
- CPU
- Intel i7-8550U
- Memory
- 32GB
- Graphics card(s)
- Nvidia Geforce MX150
- Sound Card
- Realtek
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 17"
- Screen Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Hard Drives
- Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
- Internet Speed
- Fast!
Slavic
Well-known member
Member
VIP
- Local time
- 12:03 PM
- Posts
- 221
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro
- Jan 2, 2022
- #7
It would be nice to see an info about duration of these non-activated keys and their /rearm - ability. Reason: a better choice of a key for a temporary Windows installation, for example, in test VM.
My Computer
System One
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Lenovo Legion 5-15ARH05
- CPU
- AMD Rysen 5 4600H
- Memory
- 32 GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
- Screen Resolution
- 1920x1080
Brink
Administrator
Staff member
MVP
Thread Starter
- Local time
- 4:03 AM
- Posts
- 23,287
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
- Jan 2, 2022
- #8
Slavic said:
It would be nice to see an info about duration of these non-activated keys and their /rearm - ability. Reason: a better choice of a key for a temporary Windows installation, for example, in test VM.
A generic key itself will not activate Windows, so there will not be a /rearm option available for them.
A generic key is basically just a tool used to allow installing or upgrading to a specific Windows 11 edition. As @NavyLCDR posted, if you have a digital license for the Windows 11 edition, it will then automatically get activated.
My Computers
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Custom self build
- CPU
- Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
- Motherboard
- ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
- Memory
- 64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
- Graphics Card(s)
- ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
- Sound Card
- Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
- Screen Resolution
- 2560x1440
- Hard Drives
- 1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
- PSU
- Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
- Case
- Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
- Cooling
- Corsair Hydro H115i
- Keyboard
- Logitech wireless K800
- Mouse
- Logitech MX Master 3
- Internet Speed
- 1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
- Browser
- Google Chrome
- Antivirus
- Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
- Other Info
- Logitech Z625 speaker system,
Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
Galaxy S23 Plus phone
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
- CPU
- Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
- Memory
- 16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 15" HDR
- Screen Resolution
- 2496 x 1664
- Hard Drives
- 1 TB SSD
- Internet Speed
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Browser
- Chrome and Edge
- Antivirus
- Windows Defender
Slavic
Well-known member
Member
VIP
- Local time
- 12:03 PM
- Posts
- 221
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro
- Jan 2, 2022
- #9
Brink said:
A generic key itself will not activate Windows, so there will not be a /rearm option available for them.
A generic key is basically just a tool used to allow installing or upgrading to a specific Windows 11 edition. As @NavyLCDR posted, if you have a digital license for the Windows 11 edition, it will then automatically get activated.
Very well, this defines the purpose of these keys and the limit of their usage. So, for test VM the best choice apparently will be the evaluation versions, either keys or preinstalled system on virtual disk which can be downloaded for different VMs. For example, I used the images specifically created for testing browsers, but they can be used for many other purposes.
My Computer
System One
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Lenovo Legion 5-15ARH05
- CPU
- AMD Rysen 5 4600H
- Memory
- 32 GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
- Screen Resolution
- 1920x1080
S
SquatteLeWiFi
New member
- Local time
- 10:03 AM
- Posts
- 2
- OS
- Windows 11
- Jan 19, 2022
- #10
Hello,
What is the difference between RTM and KMS?
My Computer
- OS
- Windows 11
NavyLCDR
Well-known member
Pro User
VIP
- Local time
- 2:03 AM
- Posts
- 1,775
- OS
- Windows 11
- Jan 19, 2022
- #11
SquatteLeWiFi said:
Hello,
What is the difference between RTM and KMS?
RTM = Released To Manufacturing. It is the retail (or OEM) product key that home users use to activate personal copies of Windows with. In Windows 10/11, a RTM product key will result in a digital license which permanently activates Windows 10/11 on that computer. Note: in order to activate Windows 10/11 with the generic product key, there must be a digital license for Windows 10/11 created for that edition of Windows 10/11 saved on Microsoft activation servers for that specific computer.
KMS = Key Management Service. These are product keys that corporations use to activate their volume licensed software using their own activation servers. Activation via KMS is not permanent. The computer must contact the company's KMS server periodically to refresh activation, otherwise the activation will expire.
My Computers
System OneSystem Two
- OS
- Windows 11
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Homebuilt
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
- Motherboard
- ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
- Memory
- 32GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Education
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Dell Inspiron 7773
- CPU
- Intel i7-8550U
- Memory
- 32GB
- Graphics card(s)
- Nvidia Geforce MX150
- Sound Card
- Realtek
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 17"
- Screen Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Hard Drives
- Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
- Internet Speed
- Fast!
idgat
Well-known member
Power User
VIP
- Local time
- 8:03 PM
- Posts
- 1,173
- Location
- Newcastle NSW AUS
- OS
- Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)
- Jan 19, 2022
- #12
streetwolf said:
You just won't be able to personalize it.
You can if you don't connect it to the internet and you know what settings you want.
Complete the install without the internet connected, make your changes to the layouts, colours, schemes, Start menu, Desktop, etc. Then when you connect to the internet and activation is unsuccessful (i.e. no key) THEN user changes will be blocked.
My Computers
- OS
- Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- HP Slim S01
- CPU
- Intel i5-12400
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- NVIDIA GeForce GT730
- Sound Card
- OOBE
- Monitor(s) Displays
- Acer 32"
- Screen Resolution
- 1920x1080
- Hard Drives
- 512GB KIOXIA NVMe
1TB SATA SSD
- PSU
- OOBE
- Case
- OOBE
- Cooling
- OOBE
- Keyboard
- BT
- Mouse
- BT
- Browser
- Brave FFox Chrome Opera
- Antivirus
- KIS
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro 2xH2 (latest update ... 4ever anal)
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- HP Pavillion 15
- CPU
- i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
- Graphics card(s)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Hard Drives
- Samsung NVMe 512GB
+ numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
- Internet Speed
- NBN FTTN 50
- Browser
- Brave
- Antivirus
- KIS
S
SquatteLeWiFi
New member
- Local time
- 10:03 AM
- Posts
- 2
- OS
- Windows 11
- Jan 19, 2022
- #13
NavyLCDR said:
RTM = Released To Manufacturing. It is the retail (or OEM) product key that home users use to activate personal copies of Windows with. In Windows 10/11, a RTM product key will result in a digital license which permanently activates Windows 10/11 on that computer. Note: in order to activate Windows 10/11 with the generic product key, there must be a digital license for Windows 10/11 created for that edition of Windows 10/11 saved on Microsoft activation servers for that specific computer.
KMS = Key Management Service. These are product keys that corporations use to activate their volume licensed software using their own activation servers. Activation via KMS is not permanent. The computer must contact the company's KMS server periodically to refresh activation, otherwise the activation will expire.
Okay, thanks for the clarification. @NavyLCDR
My Computer
System One
- OS
- Windows 11
Bree
Well-known member
Guru
VIP
- Local time
- 9:03 AM
- Posts
- 16,790
- Location
- S/E England, UK
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
- Jan 19, 2022
- #14
streetwolf said:
Anyone can install Windows without a key. I do it as a VM. .... How does a generic key differ from this?
You are actually using a key when you skip entering one at install time, you just don't see it. Setup will install the appropriate generic key for the edition you choose to install.
My Computers
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
- CPU
- AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- Radeon Graphics
- Monitor(s) Displays
- laptop screen
- Screen Resolution
- 1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
- Hard Drives
- 1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
- Internet Speed
- 50 Mbps
- Browser
- Edge, Firefox
- Antivirus
- Defender
- Other Info
- fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.
My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.
My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.
My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Dell Latitude E4310
- CPU
- Intel® Core™ i5-520M
- Motherboard
- 0T6M8G
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics card(s)
- (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
- Screen Resolution
- 1366x768
- Hard Drives
- 500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
- Browser
- Firefox, Edge
- Antivirus
- Defender
- Other Info
- unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.
My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.
My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine.
W
W33u89o
New member
- Local time
- 4:03 PM
- Posts
- 6
- OS
- .....
- Feb 28, 2022
- #15
Hallo Forum.
I bought a new ASUS ROG Strix GA35 with Win 10 Home preinstalled. I updated to Win 11 Home. I have original Win 10 Pro, and want to upgrade the Win 11 Home to Pro. Can I do this, and which way I have to go.
Zyco1955
My Computers
System OneSystem Two
- OS
- .....
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Operating System
- Win 7 Pro
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Acer Predator G3 605
Bree
Well-known member
Guru
VIP
- Local time
- 9:03 AM
- Posts
- 16,790
- Location
- S/E England, UK
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
- Feb 28, 2022
- #16
zyco1955 said:
I bought a new ASUS ROG Strix GA35 with Win 10 Home preinstalled. I updated to Win 11 Home. I have original Win 10 Pro, and want to upgrade the Win 11 Home to Pro. Can I do this, and which way I have to go.
Welcome to Eleven Forum.
By "I have original Win 10 Pro" do you mean you have a retail key for Win 10 Pro that you are not using on another PC? If so, then you can upgrade from 11 Home to 11 Pro by changing the installed key to your Pro key. All keys are now regarded by Microsoft as being Windows 10/11 keys and are equally valid for both 10 or 11.
My Computers
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
- CPU
- AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- Radeon Graphics
- Monitor(s) Displays
- laptop screen
- Screen Resolution
- 1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
- Hard Drives
- 1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
- Internet Speed
- 50 Mbps
- Browser
- Edge, Firefox
- Antivirus
- Defender
- Other Info
- fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.
My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.
My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.
My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Dell Latitude E4310
- CPU
- Intel® Core™ i5-520M
- Motherboard
- 0T6M8G
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics card(s)
- (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
- Screen Resolution
- 1366x768
- Hard Drives
- 500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
- Browser
- Firefox, Edge
- Antivirus
- Defender
- Other Info
- unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.
My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.
My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine.
jimbo45
Well-known member
Pro User
VIP
- Local time
- 9:03 AM
- Posts
- 4,883
- Location
- Hafnarfjörður IS
- OS
- Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
- Feb 28, 2022
- #17
NavyLCDR said:
If your computer or VM has an existing digital license, entering the generic product key will allow Windows to activate using the pre-existing digital license.
If your computer already has a digital license (whether a VM or not) you don't need to enter any keys generic or otherwise. Product will be activated as soon as its installed or as soon as internet connection is available.
At least currently. !!
Cheers
jimbo
My Computer
System One
- OS
- Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- CPU
- 2 X Intel i7
JAM83
iRacing Broadcaster for MaxspeedTV
Power User
VIP
- Local time
- 4:03 AM
- Posts
- 1,586
- Location
- Mulberry, Arkansas
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro x64 24H2 v26100.3037
- Feb 28, 2022
- #18
I upgraded from Windows 8 to 10 free, then from Windows 10 to 11. . . I think they call that a digital license. Everytime I upgrade via a fresh install, I get activated. I think it reads information from the motherboard if i'm not mistaken.
My Computers
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro x64 24H2 v26100.3037
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Built Myself in 2017
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 1800X 8-Core @ 3.60GHz
- Motherboard
- Asus Crosshair VI Hero
- Memory
- 16GB G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series
- Graphics Card(s)
- EVGA GeForce gtx 1660 Super
- Sound Card
- On Board
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 2 X AOC 27" , PLANAR 22"
- Screen Resolution
- 1920 X 1080
- Hard Drives
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ P34A60 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 M.2
~ 6TB Toshiba HDD
~ 6TB HDD (Backup)
~ SanDisk 250GB SSD
~ 2 X 1TB HDD
~~~~~~~~~~
- PSU
- Corsair RM850 Fully Modular (850watts)
- Case
- NZXT Phantom 630 CA-PH630-W1
- Cooling
- CORSAIR iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT
- Keyboard
- Nulea RT05 Wireless Ergonomic
- Mouse
- Nulea MD280 Wireless Vertical Mouse
- Internet Speed
- 761Mbps (Download) / 692Mbps (Upload)
- Browser
- Firefox
- Antivirus
- Malwarebytes
- Other Info
- *This is my Main Computer That I use*
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro x64 24H2 v26100.2894
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- HP
- CPU
- Intel Xeon E3-1246 v3 @ 3.50GHz
- Memory
- 16GB
- Graphics card(s)
- AMD Radeon R7 350X
- Sound Card
- onBoard
- Monitor(s) Displays
- eMachine 22"
- Screen Resolution
- 1920 X 1080
- Hard Drives
- 250GB SSD
- Cooling
- Fan
- Mouse
- Nulea MD280
- Internet Speed
- 752Mbps (Download) / 537Mbps (Upload)
- Browser
- Firefox
- Antivirus
- Malwarebytes
- Other Info
- I use this computer for photo/video editing and to track severe weather
Bree
Well-known member
Guru
VIP
- Local time
- 9:03 AM
- Posts
- 16,790
- Location
- S/E England, UK
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
- Feb 28, 2022
- #19
JMedlock83 said:
I upgraded from Windows 8 to 10 free, then from Windows 10 to 11. . . I think they call that a digital license. Everytime I upgrade via a fresh install, I get activated. I think it reads information from the motherboard if i'm not mistaken.
When you got the free upgrade from W8 to W10 it should have installed W10 with the generic key for the edition you were entitled to, Home of Pro. Your PC's hardware ID was registered on Microsoft's activation servers and linked to a digital license for your edition of Windows 10. It is this digital license that activates your generic key.
All W10 keys are now treated as Windows 10/11 keys, a key is equally valid for both. You can check your installed key with ShowKeyPlus.
My Computers
System OneSystem Two
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
- CPU
- AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- Radeon Graphics
- Monitor(s) Displays
- laptop screen
- Screen Resolution
- 1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
- Hard Drives
- 1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
- Internet Speed
- 50 Mbps
- Browser
- Edge, Firefox
- Antivirus
- Defender
- Other Info
- fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.
My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.
My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.
My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Dell Latitude E4310
- CPU
- Intel® Core™ i5-520M
- Motherboard
- 0T6M8G
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics card(s)
- (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
- Screen Resolution
- 1366x768
- Hard Drives
- 500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
- Browser
- Firefox, Edge
- Antivirus
- Defender
- Other Info
- unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.
My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.
My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.
My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine.
W
W33u89o
New member
- Local time
- 4:03 PM
- Posts
- 6
- OS
- .....
- Feb 28, 2022
- #20
Bree said:
Welcome to Eleven Forum.
By "I have original Win 10 Pro" do you mean you have a retail key for Win 10 Pro that you are not using on another PC? If so, then you can upgrade from 11 Home to 11 Pro by changing the installed key to your Pro key. All keys are now regarded by Microsoft as being Windows 10/11 keys and are equally valid for both 10 or 11.
Thank You Bree for a quick answer 
My Computers
- OS
- .....
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Operating System
- Win 7 Pro
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Acer Predator G3 605
You must log in or register to reply here.
