Switch Windows 7 Pro to Ultimate

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While I was waiting to receive a new Windows 7 activation key for a system I was working on, I installed the anticipated version of Windows 7 (I converted my Windows 7 Ultimate disc into a flash drive that allows me to select which edition to install). I was anticipating I would receive a Windows 7 Professional license so I selected Professional when setting the system up, but I received a Windows 7 Ultimate license instead. That was a perfectly fine and pleasant surprise, but now I have a Windows 7 Professional installation and a Windows 7 Ultimate key. Is there any way to move my Pro installation up to Windows 7 Ultimate without having to reinstall the entire system? I've gotten everything arranged how I would like it, so I really hate reinstalling now. (When I search the web for how to move a system from Professional to Ultimate, the information seems focused on using pirated Ultimate licenses rather than moving to a legitimate Ultimate product key.)

Timothy R. Butler

Posted 2012-09-27T22:27:23.630

Reputation: 429

Answers

4

Windows Anytime upgrades were stopped in July 2016. This post now serves for historical purposes only.

It's actually very easy. Just pop open your start menu, and search for "Windows Anytime Upgrade"

You'll see a program like this:

Once it is open, you will see two options here. One let's you buy a new version of Windows. The other is to add the upgrade key. All you have to do is click it, and insert the key

After you enter it, Windows will install a few features, and ask you to reboot. Tada! You will now be upgraded to Windows 7 Ultimate without touching your configuration.

Simon Sheehan

Posted 2012-09-27T22:27:23.630

Reputation: 8 641

Please be aware that Windows Anytime upgrades were stopped in July 2016 – Marc – 2016-11-17T16:58:43.943

1Interestingly, a comment-submitted-as-answer claims that an Anytime Upgrade worked just today. Did anything change? – Ben N – 2017-06-22T00:52:41.297

And today again someone posted an answer claiming it works, though without being as explicit about when it worked. (@Ben, bummer, Marc has not been seen here after posting that one answer/comment). – Arjan – 2017-09-10T09:46:49.437

1If it's a full retail edition Ultimate key, it should work fine with Anytime Upgrade. – Karan – 2012-09-27T23:15:37.763

Thanks! I suppose I should have tried that. I assumed an Anytime Upgrade key would be different from the normal key. I shall give it a whirl. – Timothy R. Butler – 2012-09-28T00:29:11.107

@TimothyR.Butler its a surprisingly easy process! hopefully it works fine for you :) – Simon Sheehan – 2012-09-28T01:00:01.603

Alas it did not, since I haven't yet activated the the system (it says I need to activate it before doing an Anytime Upgrade). Trouble is, I can't activate it since the system is set up as a "mere" Professional edition and the key is for Ultimate... – Timothy R. Butler – 2012-09-28T03:27:50.750

I believe you just need to activate windows then with a professional key before upgrading... If not, reinstall may be the only option.. – Simon Sheehan – 2012-09-28T03:35:04.823

Asked: 2012-09-27T22:27:23.630

Viewed: 37 636 times

Active: 2017-09-10T08:28:22.487