Windows 10: Re-install of Windows 11 has not activated pro license

I recently bought an HP Victus which I upgraded to Windows 11 pro via Microsoft, as I need the language support. Something went wrong with an update and I had to re-install Windows using the HP Cloud Recovery tool. Now Windows is the Single Language Home Edition. Add devices doesn't recognise the serial number and on the add devices web page it show my other laptops a linked device but without a name or description. Any ideas on how I can get my system re-activated?

:)

 

Free upgrade from Windows 11 Home to 11 Pro using 10 Pro retail license

My current computer has an activated Windows 10 Pro retail license. I'm planning to replace my current computer by buying a new computer that comes preinstalled with Windows 11 Home, and then I understand I can use my 10 Pro license to upgrade to 11 Pro for free.

What's the most straightforward way of accomplishing this? The obvious approach that comes to mind involves two steps:

1. Reinstall Windows 10 Pro on new computer and activate with my existing retail license.
   
2. Upgrade new computer to 11 Pro for free through the settings.
   

Is there a simpler way of doing this without having to reinstall Windows 10? For example, would it be possible to somehow "trade in" my Windows 10 Pro license for 11 Pro? I'm fairly new to Windows licensing and am just trying to understand what is possible/best practice, with minimal effort.

 

Unlink Windows 11 Pro Digital License

Thanks so much for your help. That really clarifies my situation.

Using this article as a guide, my plan is to:

1. Replace Windows 11 with Ubuntu on the laptop that currently has the Windows 11 Pro retail digital license activated on it (even if reverting to Windows Home is an option, I just prefer Ubuntu on this computer for a programming environment). I will not yet remove the 'device' in my Windows account.
   
2. After assembling my new PC, I will install Windows 11 via a USB drive.
   
3. When prompted I will choose the "I don't have a key option"
   
4. I will log in with my Microsoft account
   
5. I will go to Activation Settings > Troubleshoot
   
6. I will click "I changed hardware on this device recently"
   
7. I will chose the new PC from the list of available PCs
   
8. I will check "This is the device I'm using right now" and click "Activate." This will enable Windows 11 Pro on the new PC and deactivate the installation on the old laptop (which at this point will be running Ubuntu anyways)
   

Does that sounds like a good plan?

 

Windows 11 Pro activation key

Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

Have you tried logging in with the account linked to the digital license on your device? I've provided a few steps you can try including some more you can follow:

1. Link your Microsoft account: Ensure that your Microsoft account is linked to the digital license on your device. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and check if your Microsoft account is listed there. If not, click "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead" to link your account.
   
2. Run the Activation Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Activation, and click the "Troubleshoot" button. This will launch the Activation Troubleshooter, which can help reactivate Windows after a hardware change if your Microsoft account is linked correctly.
   
3. Enter your existing product key: If the Troubleshooter doesn't resolve the issue, try entering your existing Windows 11 Pro product key. Go to Settings > System > Activation, and click "Change product key." Enter the key you used previously to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
   

If you are still having issues after trying these steps, please let me know. I'll be happy to help.