Windows 10: Upgrade WIN10?

There is a difference between version and architecture. To change versions from Home to Pro, the OP needs a new product key for Windows 8.1 Pro. And, yes, he would need to reinstall Windows 8.1 Pro with the Pro product key.

To switch architectures between x86 (32 bit) and x64 (64 bit), no new product key or license is required - only a clean install. And since he already has a license and the generic product key for Windows 10 - reverting back to 8.1 to switch architectures is not needed.

 

@NavyCLDR - Please see the edits in my last post as we are going out of sync here and I'm all *Confused

 

and the summation of everything is post #15.

This is the OP:

He is talking about doing two entirely different operations. Changing versions from Home to Pro which is completely different and separate from changing architectures from 32bit to 64bit.

To change versions from Home to Pro requires a new license, and thus a new Product Key - and for a free upgrade to Windows 10 PRO requires an activated installation of Windows 8.1 Pro.

To change architectures from 32bit to 64bit does not require a new license, does not require a new Product Key, and does not require going back to Windows 8.1. But it does required a clean install of Windows 10.

 

And I knew the answer from your post #9 but we went out of sync as we kept editing our respective posts. Anyhow, I've learnt something new today about the install process so I'm happy!

 

I think I'll leave it as is. Win10 seems to be working OK. Why risk screwing things up. I don't use this laptop much. I installed Win10 on it to try it out before installing on my desktop.

I noticed that when I enter my password, Win10 starts the moment I enter the last character- pushing ENTER is not required. Is that a bug or a feature? Not complaining.

John

 

Password or PIN? Password, I have to hit enter. PIN I don't. Fingerprint is awesome!

 

From what I know, you can't. But, you could always check your OS property to make sure which one you got.