How to Change Windows 10 Enterprise to Pro

What You’ll Need

A valid Windows 10 Pro product key (purchased from Microsoft or an authorized retailer).
A blank USB drive (at least 8 GB) or an ISO file of Windows 10 Pro.
Another computer to create the installation media (if you don’t have a bootable USB already).
Backup of your personal files (documents, photos, etc.) to an external drive or cloud storage.
Your device’s manufacturer drivers (optional but recommended to have on hand).

Step-by-Step

Back up your data. Copy all important files to an external hard drive, USB stick, or cloud service. This process will erase everything on the system drive, so a backup is essential.
Create Windows 10 Pro installation media. On another computer, go to the Microsoft Software Download page, download the Media Creation Tool, and use it to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 Pro. Make sure to select the correct language and edition (Windows 10 Pro) when prompted.
Insert the USB drive and restart your PC. Plug the USB into the computer you want to change, then restart it. You may need to press a key (like F12, Esc, or Del) during startup to open the boot menu and select the USB drive.
Start the installation. When the Windows Setup screen appears, choose your language and click “Next,” then click “Install now.” If prompted for a product key, enter your Windows 10 Pro key. If you don’t have one, you can click “I don’t have a product key” and enter it later (but you’ll need it to activate).
Select the custom installation option. On the “Which type of installation do you want?” screen, choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).” This is crucial—do not choose “Upgrade,” as that won’t change the edition.
Format the system partition. You’ll see a list of partitions. Identify the one where Windows is currently installed (usually the largest, labeled “Primary”). Select it and click “Format.” Confirm the warning that all data will be deleted. If you have multiple partitions (like recovery), you can leave them, but formatting the main one is necessary.
Install Windows 10 Pro. After formatting, select the partition and click “Next.” Windows will begin copying files and will restart several times. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your region, keyboard layout, and account.
Complete the out-of-box experience. When asked for a product key during setup, enter your Windows 10 Pro key. If you skipped it earlier, you can enter it now. Sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account, and finish the setup.
Activate Windows. After the desktop loads, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If Windows isn’t activated automatically, click “Change product key” and enter your Pro key. Once activated, your edition is now Windows 10 Pro.

Common Mistakes

Choosing “Upgrade” instead of “Custom” – The upgrade option keeps your files but does not change the edition. You must select “Custom” to replace Enterprise with Pro.
Not backing up data – Formatting the system drive erases everything. Forgetting to back up can result in permanent data loss.
Using the wrong product key – A Windows 10 Enterprise key won’t work for Pro. Ensure you have a genuine Pro key before starting.
Selecting the wrong partition to format – Formatting the wrong partition (e.g., recovery or data) can cause issues. Double-check the size and label.
Interrupting the installation – Pulling the USB drive out or shutting down during the copying phase can corrupt the installation. Let it finish completely.

Tips

Check your license – If your device came with Windows 10 Pro preinstalled (even if it now has Enterprise), the digital license may be stored in the firmware. In that case, after reinstalling Pro, it may activate automatically without a key.
Keep drivers handy – After a clean install, Windows Update will install most drivers, but having manufacturer drivers on a USB can save time if something isn’t recognized.
Use the Media Creation Tool – It’s the simplest way to create bootable media and ensures you get the correct version of Windows 10 Pro.
Consider a dual-boot – If you need Enterprise for work but want Pro for personal use, you could create a separate partition and install Pro alongside Enterprise. However, this is more complex and not recommended for beginners.

Troubleshooting

Installation fails with “Windows cannot be installed on this drive” – This often happens if the partition style is GPT vs. MBR. You may need to delete all partitions on the drive and let Windows create new ones, or change the BIOS/UEFI boot mode to match the USB (e.g., enable UEFI if using GPT).
No boot menu appears – If the USB doesn’t show up, restart and press the appropriate key (F12, F2, Esc) to enter boot menu. You may need to disable Secure Boot or enable Legacy boot in BIOS.
Windows asks for a product key during installation and you don’t have one – You can click “I don’t have a product key” and continue. Enter the key after installation via Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Activation fails after installation – Make sure you’re connected to the internet. If the key is valid but still fails, use the phone activation option: go to Activation, click “Activate by phone,” and follow the automated prompts.
Your files are gone after installation – This is expected if you formatted the drive. If you didn’t back up, you may use data recovery software, but success is not guaranteed. Always back up before starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change from Enterprise to Pro without reinstalling?

No, there’s no supported way to change the edition without a clean install. You must reinstall Windows 10 Pro to replace Enterprise.

Will my files be deleted?

Yes, if you format the system drive as described, all files on that drive will be erased. Back up everything important first.

Do I need a new product key?

Yes, you need a valid Windows 10 Pro product key. If your device originally had Pro, the digital license might auto-activate, but a key is still recommended.

Can I use a Windows 10 Home key instead?

No, a Home key won’t activate Pro. You need a Pro key specifically.

What if I don’t have a USB drive?

You can mount the ISO file directly in Windows and run setup from there, but that might not allow you to format the drive. A USB is the most reliable method.

Is it possible to downgrade from Enterprise to Pro without losing apps?

No, a clean install removes all apps. You’ll need to reinstall your applications afterward.

Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.