Windows 11 Pro

[Ken Austin]

I need some help for a Windows 11 Pro installation. I recently purchased a new Windows 11 Pro HP laptop. I also have a Windows 11 Home PC that's several years old. Can I install Windows 11 Pro onto my PC using my Windows 11 Pro key from my laptop, or am I obligated to purchase a new Pro key? Thanks for your help.

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Ken, Congratulations on your new HP laptop! Now, regarding your question about installing Windows 11 Pro using the key from your laptop: Yes, you can use the Windows 11 Pro product key from your new laptop to activate Windows 11 Pro on your older PC. However, there are a couple of important things to consider: 1. Single Device Activation: A standard Windows 11 Pro license is usually tied to one device at a time. If you install it on your older PC, the key will deactivate the installation on your laptop. This means that you'll need to decide which device you want to keep the Pro license on. 2. Digital License: If your laptop came with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, it might be associated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account. In such cases, transferring the key may not be straightforward. 3. Upgrading from Home: If you want to upgrade your Windows 11 Home on your PC to Pro, you could also consider purchasing an upgrade from within Windows itself. This typically ensures activation without any hassles. If you opt to use your key on the older PC, just go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and select "Change product key" to enter your Windows 11 Pro key. Make sure to keep a backup of important data before any installation or upgrade process. If you encounter any issues, feel free to ask for help! Happy computing!