Windows 10: Windows 10 Editions - Swap Computers

Hi Everyone.

I have currently a desktop computer running Windows 10 Pro (32bit), I upgraded via GWX from Windows 7 Professional.

I also have a laptop computer running Windows 10 Home (64bit), I upgraded via GWX from Windows 7 Home Premium.

Both are currently activated and I have access to both product keys and installation media.

With some recent circumstances I am wondering if it is possible to swap these Windows Editions. Meaning having W10-Home on my desktop and W10-Pro on my laptop. However the catch is that I want to be able to have both computers running in a 64bit OS (both support this).

I would perform this swap by doing a clean install on each computer, what I am wondering is if this would affect the process of activating Windows 10...

I am open to other combinations (e.g W10-Pro on both computers and veis-versa with W10-Home)

I know this may sound a bit complicated for what I am trying to accomplish so please ask as many questions as you need to get a clearer picture.

Many thanks in advance.

:)

 

Swap Windows 10 editions across PC

Unfortunately no, because one of the systems free upgrade to Windows 10 was derived from an OEM qualifying license (Windows 7 Home) meaning the license still carries the OEM licensing. So you can't move the Windows 10 Home (desktop) license. Your best option
is to perform an Easy Upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro:

How
to Perform an Easy Upgrade in Windows 10

When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?

If you upgrade from a OEM or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from the base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry that licensing
too.

If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.

If you upgrade from a OEM version, it carries the rights of a OEM version.

Full version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive

Upgrade version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive, but cheaper than full version

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

What happens if I change my motherboard?

As it pertains to the OEM license this will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous base qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail
Windows 10 license. If the base qualifying license (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) was a full retail version, then yes, you can transfer it.


From the Windows 10 end user license agreement:

b. Stand-alone software. If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you. You may also
transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came
on to transfer the software. Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices.

 

Swap Windows 10 editions across PC

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I would like to inform you that Windows 7 Home version will only upgrade to Windows 10 Home. After upgrading to Windows 10 Home, you will have to purchase the Pro version for Windows 10. And there is no option to swap between editions in Windows 10.

You may refer the link below and read the suggestion by “Andre Da Costa” on June 2nd 2015 for more information.

How to upgrade from Windows 7 Home to Windows 10 Pro?

Hope the information is helpful. Feel free to write to us for any other assistance with Windows, we’ll be glad to assist you.

 

Depends on the type of product keys the Windows 7 were. If they were OEM, then you are going to have to purchase a pro product key or upgrade.

 

Ahh yes I think you might be right, I know my laptop is but not entirely sure about desktop.

 

Run showkey from this forum. It will tell you. Once an OEM product key is used on a computer, you cannot legally transfer it to another computer.

 

Yes they are both OEM. Completely forgot about that. Looks like I might have to keep them as they are *Sad. Thanks for the reminder.

Would you happen to also know the main differences from these editions? Just so I know what I can expect each edition's pro's and con's are? *sarc

 

If you have to ask, the features that are provided by tge Pro version are of no consequence for you. Mostly the difference between them is for businesses.

 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/Wind...siness/Compare

 

Agreed. Windows Pro brings no performance improvements over Windows Home - just extra features like Remote Desktop hosting and drive encryption. If the user isn't going to actively use the added features than the extra space taken up by Pro is just a waste of space.

 

however, you can take your Prox32 to Prox64 without any issues