Windows 10: How to validate a windows 11 pro license key

I purchased a windows 11 pro license key online from a microsoft partner. I however did not receive a licence certificate and thus want to validate if the license key is valid, in order to avoid any problems.Thanks for the support.

:)

 

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.

 

I had bought Windows 11 Pro through Microsoft Store but after my SSD crash, I am being requested to pay again for it

Hello Ivan. Thank you for the prompt reply. I tried the steps 1-3 as you suggested. Windows updated to Windows 11 Pro however, the Activation State reads "We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. If you think you have a valid license or key, select Troubleshoot below. Error Code: 0xC004C003".

I tried the second method and it gave pretty much the same error message.

Using the hardware method and selecting my laptop from the listed devices, I get the message "Unable to activate Windows. We can't reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later"

 

Windows 11 Home to Pro upgrade

Want to upgrade 11 Home to 11 Pro. Tried download, but apparently files transferred were for 11 Enterprise. This will not activate; error is "invalid digital license or product key". This is on a new Surface. How to proceed?

Can withdraw/delete this. The suggestion to downgrade - listed below - with a 'fake' windows 10 key works.