Some devices come pre-installed with Windows 10 S, which is locked to the Windows Store for apps and games. Luckily, Microsoft offers Windows 10 S devices an upgrade path to Windows 10 Pro, unlocking the ability to install programs from the web. Here's how you can upgrade your own Windows 10 S device to Windows 10 Pro.
How to upgrade Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro
A PC running Windows 10 S can be easily upgraded to Windows 10 Pro. It takes just a few seconds, and on some devices may even be a free upgrade. In most cases however, the upgrade will cost $49.99.
To initiate the upgrade process:
- Press the Start button located at the bottom left of your screen.
- Select the Settings icon, located just above the power icon on the Start menu.
- Select Update & Security in the Settings app.
- Select Activation, and then select Go to Store.
- Select the Install option. On some devices, this button may display a price. If so, you will have to pay for the upgrade.
- Make sure you've saved all your work, and select Yes, let's go to get the upgrade started.
- After a few minutes, your PC will restart and Windows 10 Pro will be installed.
And there you have it, once the restart is complete, you'll see a popup that says the upgrade was successful. You can now install programs from the web, and do a clean install of Windows 10 Pro if you wish.
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.