This guide walks you through two ways to get Windows 10 Pro running on your machine: a clean installation from Microsoft's official media, or an in-place upgrade from Windows 10 Home. Both take about 15–30 minutes.
Before you start
- A genuine Windows 10 Pro product key
- A USB flash drive of at least 8 GB (clean install only)
- At least 20 GB of free disk space
- A stable internet connection for activation
Please note: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. The operating system still installs and activates normally, but it no longer receives free security updates. If you are setting up a new machine, consider Windows 11 Pro instead.
Option 1: Clean installation
Use this method if you are running a Windows version older than 10, or installing on a PC with no operating system.
Step 1 — Download the Media Creation Tool
Download the tool directly from Microsoft at microsoft.com/software-download/windows10. Always download installation media from Microsoft rather than a third-party mirror.
Step 2 — Create your installation media
Run the Media Creation Tool and work through the prompts:
- Choose Create installation media for another PC
- Select your preferred language
- Select edition: Windows 10 (this single image covers both Pro and Home)
- Select your architecture — 64-bit or 32-bit
- Choose your media: a USB flash drive, or an ISO file if you plan to burn a DVD
Step 3 — Run the installation
- Boot the target PC from the USB drive or DVD you created
- Select your language, time and keyboard preferences
- Enter the product key supplied in your order email
- Choose installation type: Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
- Remove all existing partitions and create a new one for Windows
- Proceed and let the installation complete
Warning: A custom install erases everything on the target drive. Back up any files you need before you begin.
Option 2: Upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro
Use this method if you are already running Windows 10 Home and want to move up to Pro without reinstalling. Your files and applications stay in place.
- Press Windows key + R, type slui.exe and press Enter
- Enter your Windows 10 Pro product key. If the key is rejected at this stage, apply Microsoft's generic upgrade key VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T to switch the edition first
- Go to Settings → System → About and select Change product key. Click Yes if User Account Control prompts you
- Enter your Windows 10 Pro key. Close all open applications and save your work, then start the upgrade
Your PC will restart several times during the upgrade. Timings vary by hardware, but the process usually finishes in 5 to 10 minutes.
Troubleshooting
Error 0x800f0805 after applying the generic key
This points to missing system files. Confirm you have at least 20 GB of free disk space and that Windows is fully updated. If both are true and the error persists, the installation is damaged and you will need to perform a clean installation using Option 1 above.
Error 0xC004C003 — "the activation server determined the key is blocked"
Check for typos first, since this is the most common cause. If the key is entered correctly, contact our support team with your order number and we will look into it.
Error 0x803FA067 — "unable to upgrade your edition"
This usually means the key does not match your current edition. A Pro key cannot activate an Enterprise or N installation. Verify which edition you are running under Settings → System → About.
Activation fails after a hardware change
Retail keys can be moved to new hardware; OEM keys are permanently tied to the original motherboard. Run the Activation Troubleshooter under Settings → Update & Security → Activation and select I changed hardware on this device recently.
Where to get a genuine Windows 10 Pro key
We supply genuine Windows 10 Pro licences with instant email delivery. Choose the licence type that fits your situation:
- Windows 10 Pro — standard single-PC licence
- Upgrade from Windows 10 Home — for Option 2 above
- Windows 10 Pro 3-PC — covers three machines
Browse the full range in our Windows 10 collection, or read our companion guide on installing and activating Windows 11 Pro.
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