How to change Edition of your Windows 10 without losing data (Eg. files, settings and apps)

Here’s an article on how to change the edition of Windows 10 (e.g., upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Pro, Pro to Enterprise etc.) without losing files, apps, or settings:

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Change Windows 10 Edition Step-by-Step 

1. Confirm Your Current Edition

Before upgrading, verify your current Windows 10 edition:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to System > About.
• Look under Windows specifications to see your current edition.

2. Ensure Edition Compatibility

Determine the target edition you want to switch to. For example:

• Upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Pro is seamless or Downgrading (e.g., Pro to Home)

3. Backup Your Data (Optional but Recommended)

While this process typically retains your files, apps, and settings, it will be better to create a backup:

• Use File History or third-party tools for data backup.
• Create a system restore point for added security.

4. Download a new Copy of Windows 10

1. Go to browser and search for "Windows Media Creation Tool"
2. Download the tool
   
3. Run the Tool and Choose the second Option "(Create Installation media eg. Usb Flash Drive, DVD or ISO for another PC)" 
   
   
   
4. Choose Second Option "ISO File" and press Next
   
   
   
5. It will start Downloading Windows
   
   
   

5. After this "Run PowerShell as Administrator"

1. Run PowerShell as Administrator and Paste the Code written below 

   

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name EditionID -Type String -Value Professional;Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name ProductName "Windows 10 Pro";Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name CompositionEditionID -Value "Professional N"

image for assistance

Before pasting this code in PowerShell, you will have to modify it as per your requirement. Suppose your Windows edition is "Windows 10 Home" and you want to upgrade it to "Windows 10 Pro", then you will have to make it accordingly. Like my current edition is "Windows 10 Pro N" and I want to change it to "Windows 10 Pro", then for this you write the edition, that you want to install, in the first red box and write the other one edition name in second red box(last one), which is installed on your system As shown in the photo above.

But in your case, you have to write "Professional" in the first box and "Home" in the box below.

Now mount the windows.iso file and run the setup.exe file,  your system will automatically install what it is told and your files, apps, settings, data will not be deleted.

 

6. Let Windows Apply the Changes

• Windows will verify the Edition and initiate the edition upgrade.
• The process might take several minutes and may involve few restarts.

7. Verify the Upgrade

After the upgrade:

1. Open Settings > System > About.
2. Check the Edition under Windows specifications to ensure the change was successful.

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By following these steps, you can seamlessly upgrade to a different edition of Windows 10 without losing your files, apps, or settings.