You don’t have to completely reinstall the operating system to upgrade the family version of Windows 10, but it can be expensive.
Most consumer PCs today come with the Family Edition of Windows 10, which meets the majority of needs. But you may need some advanced features, such as data encryption (BitLocker), remote access, or manual update control. These functions are present in the professional version of Windows 10. Here is how to access them:
- In Windows 10’s search box, near the Start button, type Activation. Select Activation in the results list.
- If you have an official key for Windows 10 Professional, click Change product key.
- Enter the key and click Following.
- The update operation takes about 5 minutes and does not require reinstalling the whole system. Currently, Windows 10 also accepts keys from Windows 8 Professional, which can be handy if you had already purchased this OS and are no longer using it.
- If you do not have a product key, click Access the Store. The Microsoft Store will then open and offer you to purchase a license for Windows 10 Professional.
- The update operation is also fast, but it will cost 145 euros to benefit from the new functions.