Install Different Win10 Version on System with Built In Key (OEM System)

[LordX]

Hey all. Had a customer buy a Windows 10 Homs S version laptop because he already has a Windows 10 PRO Key that he bought, and was able to save some $$$ on the laptop with this crippled version of Windows.

When going into the activation settings, I type in the Pro Key, and it just doesn't like it for some reason....

So then, I think, hey this is a new computer with nothing on it - why dont I just reformat it with my USB drive and type in his key after that.

Well, as we all know, windows detects the version on the laptop and DOESN'T let me select which version (PRO) to install. I didn't see a way to change this.... How can I force it to let me SELECT which version to install??

So long story short, it installed Win10 home in S mode again......

Any tips would be appreciated...

 

[Porthos]

So long story short, it installed Win10 home in S mode again......

Upgrade 10 s to home in the store. Then use the pro key to upgrade from Home.

 

[Porthos]

How can I force it to let me SELECT which version to install??

You have to create a pro-only ISO.

 

[LordX]

Upgrade 10 s to home in the store. Then use the pro key to upgrade from Home.

Upgrading to Home in the store costs $$$

 

[LordX]

Can I get a pro only ISO right from MS page, or have to do some work around hoops that I will have to google?

 

[nlinecomputers]

Upgrading to Home in the store costs $$$

No it doesn’t. All S versions are allowed to convert to the full home or pro version.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Switching out of S mode in Windows - Microsoft Support

Learn how to switch out of S mode to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store or to upgrade to Windows 11.

support.microsoft.com

 

[LordX]

I will give that a shot here in a minute.... I think I was hitting the store option each time - landing me at the purchasing section for Windows 10.

 

[LordX]

It worked - now out of S mode.... it STILL doesn't like his Pro Key - maybe since it was used? But it's retail - so it should allow re-use since his old system is broken.

Anyway - it is out of S mode, so that is the most important part. He doesn't really need any of the PRO features anyway.

NOTE: As a work around, I tried installing Windows 8.1 Pro (using an old license of mine) - and then attempted to upgrade to Windows 10. The installation allowed the upgrade - but hilariously forced it back to Windows 10 HOME S mode.... It is like a plague.

 

[nlinecomputers]

it STILL doesn't like his Pro Key

Describe the EXACT error message. Screen shots if you must.

 

[Porthos]

It worked - now out of S mode.... it STILL doesn't like his Pro Key - maybe since it was used? But it's retail - so it should allow re-use since his old system is broken.

You say retail. Did it come with the USB? if not it is not Retail.

 

[Porthos]

Anyway - it is out of S mode, so that is the most important part. He doesn't really need any of the PRO features anyway.

I agree

NOTE: As a work around, I tried installing Windows 8.1 Pro (using an old license of mine) - and then attempted to upgrade to Windows 10. The installation allowed the upgrade - but hilariously forced it back to Windows 10 HOME S mode.... It is like a plague.

In full Home disconnect the internet and use the generic 10 pro key to upgrade. VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
Reconnect.
Then activate with his 10 key

 

[Sky-Knight]

Put a file named ei.cfg in the sources folder on your Windows 10 installation USB key. The contents of the file are as follows:

[Channel]
_Default
[VL]
0

This will cause the installer to skip reading the MSDN key, and prompt you to choose whatever version you need to install. After the installation is complete, you use the activation wizard to insert the appropriate license.

P.S. The Windows 10 Pro key that isn't working, is probably not working because it's illegitimate... that is unless you've have actual proof of purchase and you're pulling the key from his Microsoft Account. If that's the case you call MS and get them to fix it.

 

[LordX]

Put a file named ei.cfg in the sources folder on your Windows 10 installation USB key. The contents of the file are as follows:

[Channel]
_Default
[VL]
0

This will cause the installer to skip reading the MSDN key, and prompt you to choose whatever version you need to install. After the installation is complete, you use the activation wizard to insert the appropriate license.

P.S. The Windows 10 Pro key that isn't working, is probably not working because it's illegitimate... that is unless you've have actual proof of purchase and you're pulling the key from his Microsoft Account. If that's the case you call MS and get them to fix it.

Thank you for this! This will come in handy if I ever want to upgrade a system right out of the box from home to pro by doing a fresh install!

Yeah, I was starting to think the same thing about the key. And the customer didn't push too hard either - but I also got it out of S mode, so who knows. At least I know that his current system is OEM licensed and working the way he wants it to.

 

[LordX]

The EI.CFG Worked like a charm! I just renamed it to ei.cfg-old for now, so it will always be there in case I need it in the future.

Great to know there is a solution to every issue.

 

[sapphirescales]

Put a file named ei.cfg in the sources folder on your Windows 10 installation USB key.

This is the ONLY answer to get out of S mode permanently. Windows likes to revert back to S mode randomly if you just "switch out of S mode" like Microsoft says to do. I will never buy an S mode device because of this reason.

 

[nlinecomputers]

This is the ONLY answer to get out of S mode permanently. Windows likes to revert back to S mode randomly if you just "switch out of S mode" like Microsoft says to do. I will never buy an S mode device because of this reason.

Never seen that happen and can't find anything online about anyone reporting that. There have been issues changing OUT of S mode but never back. Only a reinstall, which will pull the key from BIOS unless you have the above EI.CFG file, will do that.

 

[Porthos]

Only a reinstall, which will pull the key from BIOS unless you have the above EI.CFG file, will do that.

Aggravating when you did not know a computer shipped with Smode and are doing a reinstall for whatever reason.

 

[Sky-Knight]

Aggravating when you did not know a computer shipped with Smode and are doing a reinstall for whatever reason.

It's also the only way to get Windows 10 Pro to install on a box that has a Home key in the BIOS AND the Windows 10 Pro is OEM.

This issue is largely not a thing anymore thanks to Amazon and the like largely selling retail now, it's actually rather hard to find OEM anymore. Which is annoying when you're trying to go cheap, but in general that retail license is just so much better!