Windows 10 Pro activation issue on PC originally running Win 10 Home.
Solved
botakelymg
Posted messages
26
Status
Membre
-
botakelymg Posted messages 26 Status Membre -
botakelymg Posted messages 26 Status Membre -
Hello,
I changed my hard drive and installed a complete Windows 10 Professional purchased separately on an ASUS desktop.
When I tried to activate the Windows 10 PRO that I installed with a 25-character key, there was an error message saying that I need to install a Home version on THIS machine and not a PRO version.
How can Microsoft detect a machine knowing that I did not log in with a Microsoft account?
Why am I prevented from installing a PRO version, since the goal is to have a more stable system on my PC?
Thank you in advance for your insights.
Configuration: Windows / Firefox 76.0
I changed my hard drive and installed a complete Windows 10 Professional purchased separately on an ASUS desktop.
When I tried to activate the Windows 10 PRO that I installed with a 25-character key, there was an error message saying that I need to install a Home version on THIS machine and not a PRO version.
How can Microsoft detect a machine knowing that I did not log in with a Microsoft account?
Why am I prevented from installing a PRO version, since the goal is to have a more stable system on my PC?
Thank you in advance for your insights.
Configuration: Windows / Firefox 76.0
10 réponses
Hello to both of you,
"Windows 10 Professional purchased separately on an ASUS desktop."
Is it a Windows (Microsoft) or an ASUS CD (from the manufacturer)?
A manufacturer’s CD will only work on the original PC.
(probably an OEM license, works on one PC only)
Microsoft will see that it’s not the correct machine.
----------
A Microsoft retail license CD (boxed) should work.
(may be deactivated on the original PC and activated on the new one. Transferable license for one PC at a time)
Try installing without entering your license key, skip that step without entering anything.
Then try to enter it from the settings once installed.
--
Auto message
If you are here, it's because you don't know, so... ;-)
A little consideration towards the volunteers who are helping you: Reply, Respect, Politeness,...
"Windows 10 Professional purchased separately on an ASUS desktop."
Is it a Windows (Microsoft) or an ASUS CD (from the manufacturer)?
A manufacturer’s CD will only work on the original PC.
(probably an OEM license, works on one PC only)
Microsoft will see that it’s not the correct machine.
----------
A Microsoft retail license CD (boxed) should work.
(may be deactivated on the original PC and activated on the new one. Transferable license for one PC at a time)
Try installing without entering your license key, skip that step without entering anything.
Then try to enter it from the settings once installed.
--
Auto message
If you are here, it's because you don't know, so... ;-)
A little consideration towards the volunteers who are helping you: Reply, Respect, Politeness,...
Hello
You bought a CD, okay.
But where does the key used for activation come from?
Purchased at the same time?
Because right now, it looks like you're trying to activate a PRO version with a Family key.
Which would explain the message.
Buy a PRO key, and it will work.
--
There are 3 types of people: those who know how to count and those who don't.
There are two categories of people: those who divide everything into two categories and the others.
You bought a CD, okay.
But where does the key used for activation come from?
Purchased at the same time?
Because right now, it looks like you're trying to activate a PRO version with a Family key.
Which would explain the message.
Buy a PRO key, and it will work.
--
There are 3 types of people: those who know how to count and those who don't.
There are two categories of people: those who divide everything into two categories and the others.
OEM license means activation on a single PC.
License corresponds to the lifetime with the PC where you installed it.
It cannot be installed on another PC.
(Microsoft detects it and renders the license unusable if not on the original PC)
That's the reason behind it ;-)
----------
As your Windows Pro says, you should be able to install it on your specific PC, but you shouldn't enter your key during installation.
Skip the step where it asks for the license without entering anything.
It's for testing, so purchase the license only when we are sure we can install Pro.
I think it's the fact that entering your incorrect license at the beginning that triggers this error message.
Then you will need to buy a new key.
(online, it's also OEM, but can be found for around 10 euros)
---------------
Or upgrade from Home to Pro as already mentioned.
But in any case, you will need to purchase a license, because the one you have is causing the problem.
Auto message
If you are here, it means you don't know, so... ;-)
Mini Face-to-face with the volunteers who help you: Respond, Respect, Politeness,...
License corresponds to the lifetime with the PC where you installed it.
It cannot be installed on another PC.
(Microsoft detects it and renders the license unusable if not on the original PC)
That's the reason behind it ;-)
----------
As your Windows Pro says, you should be able to install it on your specific PC, but you shouldn't enter your key during installation.
Skip the step where it asks for the license without entering anything.
It's for testing, so purchase the license only when we are sure we can install Pro.
I think it's the fact that entering your incorrect license at the beginning that triggers this error message.
Then you will need to buy a new key.
(online, it's also OEM, but can be found for around 10 euros)
---------------
Or upgrade from Home to Pro as already mentioned.
But in any case, you will need to purchase a license, because the one you have is causing the problem.
Auto message
If you are here, it means you don't know, so... ;-)
Mini Face-to-face with the volunteers who help you: Respond, Respect, Politeness,...
Good evening,
A friend who works for HP put me on a new lead: it’s possible that ASUS may have blocked certain machine models, which prevents us from installing a PRO version on a machine that originally came with a FAMILY version.
Does that seem conceivable to you?
A friend who works for HP put me on a new lead: it’s possible that ASUS may have blocked certain machine models, which prevents us from installing a PRO version on a machine that originally came with a FAMILY version.
Does that seem conceivable to you?
Uh no, I doubt that.
But are you on Home or Pro in the end?
Did you buy a Pro key?
As explained, your OEM license cannot be transferred from one PC to another.
It's the fact that you entered an invalid key that's causing the issue.
The installation refuses it for Pro, but it’s possible that it detects an old Home license that was on the PC and prompts you to enter a Home one.
That would make more sense.
For your information, licenses are tied to the motherboard or in the BIOS, but no longer stored on the hard drive like before, so even with a hard drive change, it’s still valid.
But are you on Home or Pro in the end?
Did you buy a Pro key?
As explained, your OEM license cannot be transferred from one PC to another.
It's the fact that you entered an invalid key that's causing the issue.
The installation refuses it for Pro, but it’s possible that it detects an old Home license that was on the PC and prompts you to enter a Home one.
That would make more sense.
For your information, licenses are tied to the motherboard or in the BIOS, but no longer stored on the hard drive like before, so even with a hard drive change, it’s still valid.
The PRO is installed. But I still received a message – for a brand new Pro sticker – that the key is used on another device.
Then when I try to repair in Windows activation, the message is different: you are using a PRO version for a Family version machine. Please install a Family version.
This is confusing!
Then when I try to repair in Windows activation, the message is different: you are using a PRO version for a Family version machine. Please install a Family version.
This is confusing!
If in your settings > system > it indicates pro, then it's good.
You just need to purchase a license and go to > all settings > update & security > activation tab, change the product key.
But you need a new license key
(and there's a good chance you won't have any more issues)
Like:
https://www.amazon.fr/licence-windows-10-pro-Logiciels/s?k=licence+windows+10+pro&rh=n%3A530488
For the cheapest, around 10 to 15 euros, read the customer reviews carefully to make the right choice of seller, you'll receive it quickly by email and it will remain in Windows.
-------
By messing around with your current pro license that is not valid, you will never know more.
Okay, it's not reassuring and it would be silly to spend money for nothing, but I think it'll work out.
You just need to purchase a license and go to > all settings > update & security > activation tab, change the product key.
But you need a new license key
(and there's a good chance you won't have any more issues)
Like:
https://www.amazon.fr/licence-windows-10-pro-Logiciels/s?k=licence+windows+10+pro&rh=n%3A530488
For the cheapest, around 10 to 15 euros, read the customer reviews carefully to make the right choice of seller, you'll receive it quickly by email and it will remain in Windows.
-------
By messing around with your current pro license that is not valid, you will never know more.
Okay, it's not reassuring and it would be silly to spend money for nothing, but I think it'll work out.
up if you haven't seen this message 22.
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36642817-probleme-d-activation-windows-10-pro-sur-pc-initialement-en-win-10-famille#22
For your Pro, a new license and it should be fine.
If you don't want to buy it, reverting to Home is possible and it will activate automatically.
(even if everything is wiped and the hard drive is changed)
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36642817-probleme-d-activation-windows-10-pro-sur-pc-initialement-en-win-10-famille#22
For your Pro, a new license and it should be fine.
If you don't want to buy it, reverting to Home is possible and it will activate automatically.
(even if everything is wiped and the hard drive is changed)
With this remark: for your information, licenses are associated with the motherboard or in the BIOS, no longer stored on the hard drive like before, so even if the hard drive is changed, it won't matter.
I'm afraid that buying a PRO license in key form won't solve anything.
Additionally, it will be necessary to purchase a HOME License + DVD and reinstall a Home version.
The desktop was purchased without a System DVD since OEM, seen as a digital license (?). Now it is also out of warranty (purchase in 2016)...
Why is it so complicated? It's crazy.
I'm afraid that buying a PRO license in key form won't solve anything.
Additionally, it will be necessary to purchase a HOME License + DVD and reinstall a Home version.
The desktop was purchased without a System DVD since OEM, seen as a digital license (?). Now it is also out of warranty (purchase in 2016)...
Why is it so complicated? It's crazy.
1 >
Windows has already recorded the key while refusing activation. So should it be deleted? Since there is a command like SLMGR /upk
Already mentioned:
"You still need to buy a license and enter from > all settings > update and security > activation tab, change the product key."
So a new license key that you enter from the settings will change the license to the correct one.
Just need to buy a license and enter it
No need to reinstall or use the ISO that the seller might give you with the license.
------------------
2 >
I'm afraid that by buying a PRO license as a key, it won't solve anything.
In addition, you will have to buy a HOME license + DVD and reinstall a Home
You talk about "as a key" and "DVD".
No, it's just the license that matters and concerns us.
A license is the 25-character license key
The support itself, ISO, USB key, or DVD, is useless to pay for because you can get the ISO for free from Microsoft with the tool to create a USB installation key.
Just an info, we don't pay for what is found for free (the support)
----------------
I'll repeat the possible issue:
A > The licensing system is no longer like it used to be.
Now, roughly speaking, it's Microsoft via the installation that sees if the license is properly placed on the corresponding PC in relation to the hardware environment.
B > The installation can detect the old systems that the PC may have had.
(even if it's a new hard drive)
The installation can therefore also see an old present license and use it to automatically activate a Windows if we put back the corresponding version, Pro or Home.
C > Your PC had a Home
You put a Pro on it
D > You are trying to activate your Pro with a license that cannot be removed from the source PC and placed on another one.
(you have an OEM license, and only retail licenses can go from one PC to another.)
> Result:
_ The Microsoft server refuses to activate your Pro with the entered license because it corresponds to another PC
(not the same hardware, not transferable, therefore refused activation. Refer to point A)
_ The error message telling you to install a Home is due to the explanation in B.
Since your key is invalid and the installation sees that the PC previously had a Home, it advises you to revert to a Home that would activate automatically.
I would say it's simple advice, to guide people who may mistakenly choose the wrong version without realizing it.
You are not the case, you know that you want to put in a Pro.
_ Buy a Pro license key and enter it in the settings
(on your current installation it's fine)
Pro should activate so there will be no more messages, it's all good.
No more questions to ask in circles.
(Note: if you don't want to buy a Pro license, revert to a Home that will activate automatically since it has already been present on this PC)
If you need clarification, a misunderstanding, refer to the number or letter of the relevant point to explain it in another way.
Windows has already recorded the key while refusing activation. So should it be deleted? Since there is a command like SLMGR /upk
Already mentioned:
"You still need to buy a license and enter from > all settings > update and security > activation tab, change the product key."
So a new license key that you enter from the settings will change the license to the correct one.
Just need to buy a license and enter it
No need to reinstall or use the ISO that the seller might give you with the license.
------------------
2 >
I'm afraid that by buying a PRO license as a key, it won't solve anything.
In addition, you will have to buy a HOME license + DVD and reinstall a Home
You talk about "as a key" and "DVD".
No, it's just the license that matters and concerns us.
A license is the 25-character license key
The support itself, ISO, USB key, or DVD, is useless to pay for because you can get the ISO for free from Microsoft with the tool to create a USB installation key.
Just an info, we don't pay for what is found for free (the support)
----------------
I'll repeat the possible issue:
A > The licensing system is no longer like it used to be.
Now, roughly speaking, it's Microsoft via the installation that sees if the license is properly placed on the corresponding PC in relation to the hardware environment.
B > The installation can detect the old systems that the PC may have had.
(even if it's a new hard drive)
The installation can therefore also see an old present license and use it to automatically activate a Windows if we put back the corresponding version, Pro or Home.
C > Your PC had a Home
You put a Pro on it
D > You are trying to activate your Pro with a license that cannot be removed from the source PC and placed on another one.
(you have an OEM license, and only retail licenses can go from one PC to another.)
> Result:
_ The Microsoft server refuses to activate your Pro with the entered license because it corresponds to another PC
(not the same hardware, not transferable, therefore refused activation. Refer to point A)
_ The error message telling you to install a Home is due to the explanation in B.
Since your key is invalid and the installation sees that the PC previously had a Home, it advises you to revert to a Home that would activate automatically.
I would say it's simple advice, to guide people who may mistakenly choose the wrong version without realizing it.
You are not the case, you know that you want to put in a Pro.
_ Buy a Pro license key and enter it in the settings
(on your current installation it's fine)
Pro should activate so there will be no more messages, it's all good.
No more questions to ask in circles.
(Note: if you don't want to buy a Pro license, revert to a Home that will activate automatically since it has already been present on this PC)
If you need clarification, a misunderstanding, refer to the number or letter of the relevant point to explain it in another way.
Thanks again for all this information!
To summarize, let me see if I can synthesize correctly:
First, I purchased a DVD pack for Win 10 PRO + included license. The DVD is devoid of a license and can be installed multiple times.
This license, once received, turns out to be OEM.
Now, that's the type of license that the machine natively has in Family.
You therefore say that it's incompatible as a type of license (obviously not the version) since it's registered in the machine.
So I need to buy something else as a license other than OEM to "override" the Family OEM, I imagine.
Did I understand correctly? For the last time.
To summarize, let me see if I can synthesize correctly:
First, I purchased a DVD pack for Win 10 PRO + included license. The DVD is devoid of a license and can be installed multiple times.
This license, once received, turns out to be OEM.
Now, that's the type of license that the machine natively has in Family.
You therefore say that it's incompatible as a type of license (obviously not the version) since it's registered in the machine.
So I need to buy something else as a license other than OEM to "override" the Family OEM, I imagine.
Did I understand correctly? For the last time.
No, that's not it.
There are two types of licenses:
> Retail (also known as boxed)
The advantage of this type of license is that you can use it on one PC, and a few years later when you change PCs, you can remove it from the old one and use it on the new one.
License is therefore transferable.
> OEM
This one is cheaper; you can install it on a PC and it remains tied to that PC for life.
If your PC dies, the license dies with it.
You cannot use it on another PC.
License is therefore NOT transferable.
The Pro or Home versions:
It's a Pro license for a Pro version.
Or a Home license for a Home version.
But in both branches, there are always the two types of activation.
------------------
You are using a Pro license, so that is appropriate, but its type is OEM, so it doesn't work if it has already been used on another PC.
OEM license is not transferable.
WARNING:
Personally, I base it on my understanding of the situation.
Since you are talking about another PC, you must have already installed Windows with this license that would have been valid on another PC.
And now you are trying to reinstall with the same license on a new PC.
Is that correct or not?
There are two types of licenses:
> Retail (also known as boxed)
The advantage of this type of license is that you can use it on one PC, and a few years later when you change PCs, you can remove it from the old one and use it on the new one.
License is therefore transferable.
> OEM
This one is cheaper; you can install it on a PC and it remains tied to that PC for life.
If your PC dies, the license dies with it.
You cannot use it on another PC.
License is therefore NOT transferable.
The Pro or Home versions:
It's a Pro license for a Pro version.
Or a Home license for a Home version.
But in both branches, there are always the two types of activation.
------------------
You are using a Pro license, so that is appropriate, but its type is OEM, so it doesn't work if it has already been used on another PC.
OEM license is not transferable.
WARNING:
Personally, I base it on my understanding of the situation.
Since you are talking about another PC, you must have already installed Windows with this license that would have been valid on another PC.
And now you are trying to reinstall with the same license on a new PC.
Is that correct or not?
I think we will make it.
I understood a lot of things BUT:
No, it is indeed the same ASUS PC that was purchased with a Family license (so maybe OEM?).
I bought a DVD + license pack for 10 PRO which turns out to be an OEM (I discovered the key number on the sticker, so it was never used on another machine I suppose - I removed the cover from the number myself).
With the DVD provided by the seller, I first installed the system with another hard drive (with the same motherboard, let's say) and at the time of activation, I discovered the mess of activation.
I just saw in a (dated) post that there is a notion of converting a Family license to PRO with a generic key before entering a new PRO key. Could that be the solution? I wonder about that.
That's why I'm thinking: a Retail license is probably more reliable in result than another OEM...
I understood a lot of things BUT:
No, it is indeed the same ASUS PC that was purchased with a Family license (so maybe OEM?).
I bought a DVD + license pack for 10 PRO which turns out to be an OEM (I discovered the key number on the sticker, so it was never used on another machine I suppose - I removed the cover from the number myself).
With the DVD provided by the seller, I first installed the system with another hard drive (with the same motherboard, let's say) and at the time of activation, I discovered the mess of activation.
I just saw in a (dated) post that there is a notion of converting a Family license to PRO with a generic key before entering a new PRO key. Could that be the solution? I wonder about that.
That's why I'm thinking: a Retail license is probably more reliable in result than another OEM...
I first installed the system with another hard drive (with the same motherboard, let's say).
So this license has always been attempted on this PC and not another one?
(not like installing with another PC and then putting the disk in this one, because that wouldn’t be good)
Retail, OEM, no difference in reliability but in price and usage.
It won’t change anything
(yes, I thought you were transferring a non-transferable one, but it seems that’s not the case).
---------
An (expired) post ..........
These types of keys probably won't work anymore, and your actual key entered later will likely give the same result.
----------
What to do ...?
Do you really want Pro, or is it just that you wanted to reinstall a crashed Windows and it doesn’t matter if it’s Pro or Home?
So this license has always been attempted on this PC and not another one?
(not like installing with another PC and then putting the disk in this one, because that wouldn’t be good)
Retail, OEM, no difference in reliability but in price and usage.
It won’t change anything
(yes, I thought you were transferring a non-transferable one, but it seems that’s not the case).
---------
An (expired) post ..........
These types of keys probably won't work anymore, and your actual key entered later will likely give the same result.
----------
What to do ...?
Do you really want Pro, or is it just that you wanted to reinstall a crashed Windows and it doesn’t matter if it’s Pro or Home?
A clean PRO instead of the Family car because the microenterprise randomly chose a cheaper PC, but after various installations, the machine ended up constantly freezing.
For professionals, I have never recommended or installed Family versions.
But I wasn't there when they purchased it. They just wanted to save money (penny-pinching).
For professionals, I have never recommended or installed Family versions.
But I wasn't there when they purchased it. They just wanted to save money (penny-pinching).
It smells more like an invalid license than a manufacturer block to keep the PC within the family.
Can you provide a screenshot of those error messages?
https://www.commentcamarche.net/infos/25913-ccm-inserer-une-image-dans-une-discussion/
And where and how much for this pro license?
Can you provide a screenshot of those error messages?
https://www.commentcamarche.net/infos/25913-ccm-inserer-une-image-dans-une-discussion/
And where and how much for this pro license?
Windows 10 PRO as it's found in abundance on eBay and Amazon. I can't remember, but it's cheap.
As I mentioned earlier, there's this, but I'll test it as I don't have the machine on hand.
https://answers.microsoft.com/fr-fr/windows/forum/all/passer-de-windows-10-family-à-windows-10-pro/16e30dfa-0314-4dc6-8f17-2f302dcb27c4
Alright. Thank you, but by following all the threads of this discussion, I believe I have enough to try.
I will come back if I really can't figure it out.
As I mentioned earlier, there's this, but I'll test it as I don't have the machine on hand.
https://answers.microsoft.com/fr-fr/windows/forum/all/passer-de-windows-10-family-à-windows-10-pro/16e30dfa-0314-4dc6-8f17-2f302dcb27c4
Alright. Thank you, but by following all the threads of this discussion, I believe I have enough to try.
I will come back if I really can't figure it out.
Hello,
For the final resolution and to help whoever is willing, the solution is to acquire a Retail License, a genuine one and definitely not OEM (which is very often the case in sales on eBay and elsewhere).
There is no link with the ASUS machine and the Microsoft servers, and it works.
Because an OEM License cannot overwrite another OEM License....
Another thing, you can enter the license using the command slmgr & settings. Prefer the menu in Windows.
For the final resolution and to help whoever is willing, the solution is to acquire a Retail License, a genuine one and definitely not OEM (which is very often the case in sales on eBay and elsewhere).
There is no link with the ASUS machine and the Microsoft servers, and it works.
Because an OEM License cannot overwrite another OEM License....
Another thing, you can enter the license using the command slmgr & settings. Prefer the menu in Windows.
This is either because the key sold is a Family version or there is hardware detection that it was originally Family on this machine.
In the same vein, since it is already installed in Win 10 PRO, if I buy a PRO product key, will it be sufficient to activate it and it will be OK?
If I install a WINDOWS 7 PRO version, can I upgrade for free to WIN 10 PRO (now in May 2020) since I have two old OS in stock?
Thank you.
Yes.
Or you can upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro by activating it, which is probably cheaper.
See: https://www.malekal.com/mettre-a-jour-windows-10-famille-professionnel/
If I install a WINDOWS 7 PRO version, can I upgrade to WIN 10 PRO for free (now in May 2020) since I have 2 old OS in stock?
Yes, I think so, but it will only be on the PC where Windows 7 Pro is installed.