Windows 10: Can Windows 11 Pro be easily used for Home use by someone without a business or need for Pro.

Currently my computer with Windows 10 Home will not upgrade to Windows 11 Home for some reason. I am looking at new computers and saw a deal that has Windows 11Pro. I don’t have a business or any real need for Pro, but I was wondering if I would have a problem using Pro for home use since I’m not very tech savvy?

:)

 

What is the difference between Windows 11 Business and Pro ?

Dear super users,

After we bought a Lenovo desktop with Windows 11 Pro, the version of the license key state "Windows 11 Business".

I've searched this version but always end up on information pages that mention Windows 11 but not Business.

Example:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/business/compare-windows-11

Is there any definitive answer somewhere on why this is showing Business instead of Pro ?

Thanks

 

What is the difference between Windows 11 Business and Pro ?

Hi Tamann_Inter,

I am Dave, I will help you with this.

There is no actual Windows 11 edition named Business, Microsoft considers Windows 11 Pro, Pro for Workstations, Enterprise and Enterprise LTSC to be Windows for Business,

Their terminology can sometimes be confusing, but rest assured, if you have Windows 11 Pro, that is a Windows licence for Business, they also provide volume licence versions of those Business editions for large companies.

 

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.