6 reasons to go from Windows 11 Home to Pro

More expensive software is not always better software. But sometimes the features you pay more for can be very useful. That's exactly what Windows 11 Pro is. Windows 11 Home will probably be enough for most users, but if you're a power user, the additional features provided by Pro are worth the money. Here we briefly look at how to upgrade and why you should upgrade. 

There are two ways to Phone Number List upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro. First, purchase a pro code and authenticate it. The second is to set up activation and purchase upgrades through the Microsoft Store app. 

 

 

There are two types of codes. You can buy an upgrade key from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, or a key for the full version of Windows 11 Pro (acts as an upgrade or full install key). The former is cheaper at $100 than the latter ($200). If you purchase a full installation key, the cost may vary. A cheaper option is an OEM license. It's usually sold through retailers, but you can get it for less at PCWorld's Software Store (currently $80) or when it's on sale. 

Step 2: Activate Windows

11 In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Activation (or type activation in the Start menu and press Enter). 

Step 3: Change your product key 

 

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Click the small arrow to the left of the Upgrade your edition of Windows section to expand a drop-down menu. Click the Change button in the first line, Change product key. 

Step 4: Enter your product key code

 

The color of this box is based on the Windows 11 theme colors. ⓒPCWorld

In the window that appears, enter the 25-digit code you received after purchasing the license key. If activation is successful, Windows 11 Pro should be displayed as the operating system. 

 

How to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro through the Microsoft Store

Upgrade option within the Microsoft Store app ⓒPCWorld

Step 1: Open Activation in Windows 11

In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Activation. 

Step 2: Open the Microsoft app

Click the small arrow to the left of the Upgrade your edition of Windows section to expand the drop-down menu. Find Upgrades in Microsoft Apps, then click the Open Store button. 

Step 3: Purchase the Windows 11 Pro upgrade

When the Microsoft Store app opens, a purchase page where you can upgrade to Windows 10/11 Pro will be displayed. Click the red purchase button (costs $99 for US residents). Follow the instructions to complete your purchase. When you restart your PC, the license will be displayed as Windows 11 Pro in the activation settings. 

 

6 benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 Pro

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1. Microsoft Remote Desktop

Windows lets you access (and log in to) and control your PC remotely. A Windows 11 Home PC can act as a client, and only a Windows 11 Pro PC can act as a host. Therefore, if you access your computer while on a business trip or on the move, that is, if you want to log in to your computer from another PC, you need a Pro license. 

2. BitLocker

 

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Windows 11 Home can use device encryption on compatible devices. In Windows 11 Pro, you can use BitLocker, which provides much more flexible control and tighter security. For example, device encryption automatically backs up a copy of your recovery key to the Microsoft account associated with your PC. Bitlocker allows you to manually save your recovery key in a few ways and make as many copies as you want. Device encryption also provides the ability to encrypt the entire device. Bitlocker allows you to choose to encrypt drives and/or partitions individually. For more information about Windows file encryption, see the Windows File Encryption Guide.

3. Windows Sandbox

 

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Windows 11 Pro lets you create virtual machines, but virtual machines may require more resources than you think. Just like with a physical PC, if you run Windows on a virtual machine, you must purchase a separate license for the virtual machine. But if you're using the protection of a virtual machine to test software from unknown or suspicious sources, or if you need to open suspicious email without putting your computer at risk, Windows Sandbox can be a reasonable middle ground alternative. Instead of creating a virtual machine, the sandbox reserves some of Windows resources to run apps. However, you still have to download files to your PC, so it's not as isolated as a virtual machine.