To activate Win 11, what types of older license are good?


Winuser - thanks for info.

Some follow-up questions:
  1. I now have a Win 7 Pro OEM sticker from an old PC. I don't know whether it is 32 or 64 bit. Has anyone actually personally activated a Win 11 with such a sticker?
  2. If it turns out my Win 7 Pro sticker is 32-bit, will Win 11 say "Are you kidding? 32-bit is so 2005! Get lost"?
I'll let you know when I get a chance to try this ...
1. Yes.
2. Should not matter. 32-bit/64-bit versions of the same edition of the Windows OS have, at least since Windows 7, used the same product key. For example, Windows 7 Pro 32-bit and Windows 7 Pro 64-bit would use the same product keys - but Windows 7 Home would be different than Windows 7 Pro.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
"Windows is activated -- we've activated this copy of Windows."
RIGHT-O !!!
Thanks to all here !!!!! :winkt:



(But what will I do with the rest of my life?)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    A Hyper-V Virtual Machine of Win 11 Pro 64-bit v 21H2 running on Win 10 Pro 64-bit v 21H1 host
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7010
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3470 CPU with four cores
    Memory
    16GB RAM, of which 8GB is assigned to the Win 11 VM
Axle - thanks for the tip to use slmgr /dli. I had never seen that before.
In your case, are you using the same key on a "real" machine (Win 8.1?) and your Win 11 VM?
If yes, do you have them running at the same time?
Separately from keys, I wouldn't think having the same Microsoft accounts on different activated machines would be a problem, but I wouldn't know because so far I've stayed local.

I don't run VMs. They're both real machines and I've had them running concurrently on many occasions.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro / Linux Manjaro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    roll-yer-own
    CPU
    Intel i7-5960X (3.0GHz Base, 3.5 Turbo) Capped @ 4.5GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Rampage V Extreme
    Memory
    4 x 4GB G-Skill Ripjaws F4-3000C15-4GRR DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3080 Gaming OC (10GB)
    Sound Card
    Integrated audio (Realtek ALC1150)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ROG Swift PG278Q 144Hz
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    Corsair Force MP510 NVMe (1.92TB), Samsung 850 Pro 1TB SSD, Samsung 850 EVO 1TB SSD, Seagate ST2000DX001-1CM164 (2TB) SSHD.
    PSU
    Antec HCP-1300 Platinum
    Case
    Corsair Obsidian 900D
    Cooling
    Kraken Z73 AIO CPU cooler w/ 3 x 120mm exhaust fans, 3 x 120mm front intake fans, 1 x rear 120mm exhaust fan.
    Keyboard
    Logitech G Pro TKL
    Mouse
    Logitech G Pro Wireless
    Internet Speed
    950Mb/550Mb
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HTC Vive, Beyerdynamics MMX 300 gen 2 headphones.
Just a Win 10 license.
The others (7, 8, 8.1) will work to get you Win 10.
So they DO work to get Win 11, but only by going "through" Windows 10.

That is simply not true.

Just yesterday, I activated W11 PRO on a Hyper-V VM of October 5 Windows official release using an old, never used Windows 7 Professional product key. All unused, valid Windows 7 or later retail product keys will work and activate a matching edition of Windows 11.

Kari
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hyper-V Virtual Machine (host in System 2 specs)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Hyper-V Video
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev Channel
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP HP ProBook 470 G5
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Motherboard
    HP 837F KBC Version 02.3D.00
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620 & NVIDIA GeForce 930MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
    Hard Drives
    128 GB SSD & 1 TB HDD
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech MSX mouse
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitech MK710 keyboard
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge Chromium Dev Channel
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2 * 3 TB USB HDD
    6 TB WD Mirror NAS
That is simply not true.

Just yesterday, I activated W11 PRO on a Hyper-V VM of October 5 Windows official release using an old, never used Windows 7 Professional product key. All unused, valid Windows 7 or later retail product keys will work and activate a matching edition of Windows 11.

Kari


Yeah we worked that out 3 days ago. LOL
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26100.2161 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Kari and Ghot - and, in my case, an OEM sticker key for Win 7 Pro worked, with the understanding that the original such Win 7 is no longer being run on its original machine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    A Hyper-V Virtual Machine of Win 11 Pro 64-bit v 21H2 running on Win 10 Pro 64-bit v 21H1 host
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7010
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3470 CPU with four cores
    Memory
    16GB RAM, of which 8GB is assigned to the Win 11 VM

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Here is my experience.

A few months before the release of Windows 8 Microsoft was selling win 8 professional keys for about 40 dollars. There was a limit to how many you could purchase. I used it to activate window 8 and also did clean installs with the same key . The same with win 10

My hardware needed to be upgraded with a new motherboard and CPU for Windows 11 installation. I purchased a TPM module for the Asus motherboard. (28 dollars at Canada computes) . There were very few available at the other stores and none at Amazon.

Windows 10 gave me the message that it was not activated. I entered the Win 8 key and it got activated. Now I plan to do the same with my wife's computer.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    No Name - Assembled by a Compute shop in a Strip Mall.
    CPU
    Intel i511400
    Motherboard
    ASUS PRIME B560-PLUS motherboard
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    0
    Sound Card
    0
    Monitor(s) Displays
    28 in Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    6 SSDs a mixture of 3 Nvme and 3 Sata.
    PSU
    600w
    Case
    Antec- VSK4000E-U3 Mid Tower
    Internet Speed
    40 MPS download and 3.5 MPS upload. The condo building is nor wired with Fibe yet
    Browser
    Firefox, Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
Hi,
I picked up a five pack of win-11 pro for 50.us same key for 5 machines and I've used it three times so far via change activation key after upgrading
Comes in handy seeing I'm keeping my 10 pro installs.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-7-10-11Pro's
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 17" Nitro 7840sn/ 2x16gb 5600c40/ 4060/ stock 1tb-os/ 4tb sn850x
    CPU
    10900k & 9940x & 5930k
    Motherboard
    z490-Apex & x299-Apex & x99-Sabertooth
    Memory
    Trident-Z Royal 4000c16 2x16gb & Trident-Z 3600c16 4x8gb & 3200c14 4x8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Titan Xp & 1080ti FTW3 & evga 980ti gaming
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek x3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1-AOC G2460PG 24"G-Sync 144Hz/ 2nd 1-ASUS VG248QE 24"/ 3rd LG 43" series
    Screen Resolution
    1920-1080 not sure what the t.v is besides 43" class scales from 1920-1080 perfectly
    Hard Drives
    2-WD-sn850x 4tb/ 970evo+500gb/ 980 pro 2tb.
    PSU
    1000p2 & 1200p2 & 850p2
    Case
    D450 x2 & 1 Test bench in cherry Entertainment center
    Cooling
    Custom water loops x3 with 2x mora 360mm rads only 980ti gaming air cooled
    Keyboard
    G710+x3
    Mouse
    Redragon x3
    Internet Speed
    xfinity gigabyte
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    mbam pro
Any Windows 7 and 8.0 and 8.1 and 10 can be used to activate Windows 11 equivalent version (Home Basic and Home Premium activate Home, larger versions activate Pro). It doesn't matter if the key is 32-bit or 64-bit and any language works for any other language. If activation cannot be done online, you can always call Microsoft to activate by phone, provided you have not reached the allowed activation limit. Most OEM and COA licenses allow only 1 or 2 activations, so beware.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (build 22631.4249) test laptop, Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.2161) main PC
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.2161)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    Gainward NE5105T018G1-1070F (nVidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Yes, I had the same. A clean install of 11 Home in a VM was activated by changing the installed key to a W7 Home CoA key I had to hand. Whether that would work if the CoA had previously been used to activate an install (of W7 or 10) is another question. I know for certain that the key I used had never been used before.
I installed a clean version of W11 Pro a few weeks ago and didn't activate it until a few days ago. I used a previously used W7 Pro CoA (retail) and it activated without a problem.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Insider Preview (VM on Hyper-V), Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home brew
    CPU
    i7-13700 Passmark rating = 38841
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime B760M
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    System
    Sound Card
    System
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus 27" on KVM switch
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Kingston 120 GB SSD system dr., 1TB Gigabyte M.2 MVNe data and 1 TB M.2 PCie @ 20 Gb/s virtual drive storage, 2 TB WD HDD
    PSU
    Thermatake 500w
    Case
    MATX Desktop
    Cooling
    fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech on KVM
    Mouse
    Logitech on KVM
    Internet Speed
    230 +/- down, 40 +/- up
    Browser
    Usually DuckDuckGo, Edge On insider Preview
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    3'rd system is a Minis Forum NAB6. Intel Core i7-12650H CPU, 10 Cores, 16 Threads. 32 GB DDR4 Memory. 500 GB NVMe PCle, 500GB SSD Passmark rating = 23683
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    i7-13700
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime Z790M-Plus
    Memory
    64 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    System
    Sound Card
    System
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus 27 inch + Samsung 27" on KVM
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 -2TB SP NVME Gen 4x4. 2TB SSD and 120GB System SSD
    PSU
    Pure Power 12M, 650 W
    Case
    jonsbo C6 Mini ATX
    Cooling
    fans
    Mouse
    Logitech on KVM
    Keyboard
    Logitech on KVM
    Internet Speed
    230, 40 up
    Browser
    Usually DuckDuckGo, occasionally Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    Plex Server is Minis Forum UM450. AMD Ryzen5 4500U, 6 Cores, 6 Threads. Passmark Rating = 11039. Running W11 Pro. Also have 2 seldom used laptops: HP Pavilion 11M-AD113DX Laptop (W11 Capable), W10 Home, Dell Inspiron 13-5368 Laptop, W10 Home + Apple mini, circa 2012
I don't know whether it is 32 or 64 bit
The product key on the sticker is not tied to what bit Windows is installed. The key is for the version of the operating system it was issued for and will work for both 32 and 64 bit.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 2600.1742
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External +512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
Any Windows 7 or 8 or 8.1 or 10 Home key (in 7 both Home basic and Home Premium) can activate Windows 11 Home, no matter 32-bit or 64-bit and what language the original installation was. Any greater Windows version key of 7 or 8 or 8.1 or 10 can activate Windows 11 Pro, the same for 32-bit or 64-bit and language. To activate higher versions, such as Windows 11 Enterprise you need an equivalent key.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (build 22631.4249) test laptop, Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.2161) main PC
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.2161)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    Gainward NE5105T018G1-1070F (nVidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Any Windows 7 or 8 or 8.1 or 10 Home key (in 7 both Home basic and Home Premium) can activate Windows 11 Home, no matter 32-bit or 64-bit and what language the original installation was. Any greater Windows version key of 7 or 8 or 8.1 or 10 can activate Windows 11 Pro, the same for 32-bit or 64-bit and language. To activate higher versions, such as Windows 11 Enterprise you need an equivalent key.
I purchased windows 8 key from microsoft a few months before its release. I have used that key for upgrade to win 10 and it also worked for win 11.

I extracted the key from windows 10 before upgrade to windows 11 with Jelly bean and I was surprised with the findings

-------------------
Windows 10 Enterprise
Product Part No.:
Installed from 'Full Packaged Product' media.
Product ID: 00330-80000-00000-AA949 match to CD Key data
CD Key: xxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx
Computer Name: ASUSI5-6500
Registered Owner: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx
,,,,........................................

I did not use this key for the fresh installation of win 11 on new hardware.

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    No Name - Assembled by a Compute shop in a Strip Mall.
    CPU
    Intel i511400
    Motherboard
    ASUS PRIME B560-PLUS motherboard
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    0
    Sound Card
    0
    Monitor(s) Displays
    28 in Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    6 SSDs a mixture of 3 Nvme and 3 Sata.
    PSU
    600w
    Case
    Antec- VSK4000E-U3 Mid Tower
    Internet Speed
    40 MPS download and 3.5 MPS upload. The condo building is nor wired with Fibe yet
    Browser
    Firefox, Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
I have accepted that one day I will get the Win 11 install, but wonder one thing in advance.
I see there are "about" 7 versions. Will the install be the Pro version as I already have it for Win 10?
or will I have to go through the rigmarole of getting Home converted to Pro?

Tony
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire TC-886
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Acer for Intel
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Iiyama G-Master GB3466WQSU
    Screen Resolution
    3440 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SDD 1TB
    PSU
    Inbuilt
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Inbuilt
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K520 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless M310 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Internet Speed
    200 MB
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender + Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    Backup external Seagate Plus 4 TB from AOMEI Backupper
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 64 unsuitable for Win 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo H30-05
    Other Info
    Kept up to date as a Win 10 backup
    System three is another Acer from 2008 with HDD x 2 carrying Win 7 Pro upgraded from XP. Useful to have for some old programmes.
Will the install be the Pro version as I already have it for Win 10?
Yes, it will be Pro. You PC has a digital licence for W10 Pro on the MS activation servers, and W11 uses the same digital licence as W10.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
I have accepted that one day I will get the Win 11 install, but wonder one thing in advance.
I see there are "about" 7 versions. Will the install be the Pro version as I already have it for Win 10?
or will I have to go through the rigmarole of getting Home converted to Pro?

Tony
That depends. If you have a computer with a Windows 8 or 10 product key for Windows Home stored in bios, then a clean install of Windows 11 will work the same way...it will install Home first because it will read the product key stored in BIOS and use it to install Home. Then by "rigmarole" I assume you mean simply change the product key to VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T to upgrade to Pro.

But, if you upgrade the installed Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11, it will upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
One of my experiences in using a Win7 Ultimate Product Key took me to Win10 Enterprise which accepted the key but would not activate, message was it couldn't get to an Enterprise server to do it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Windows 7 Ultimate key should give you Windows 10 or 11 Pro. I have many times used Ultimate keys to activate Pro. I haven't tried a clean installation, but I believe such a key should install Pro, not Enterprise.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (build 22631.4249) test laptop, Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.2161) main PC
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.2161)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    Gainward NE5105T018G1-1070F (nVidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Windows 7 Ultimate key should give you Windows 10 or 11 Pro. I have many times used Ultimate keys to activate Pro. I haven't tried a clean installation, but I believe such a key should install Pro, not Enterprise.
It was a clean install which may have contributed to the issue, an unused Win7 Pro key worked.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security

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