Windows 11 - Windows Multi Edition Image doesn't work on New HP Laptop

Discussion in 'Windows 11' started by -Jim-, Jul 10, 2025.

  1. -Jim-

    -Jim- MDL Senior Member

    Aug 10, 2009
    288
    45
    10
    Hi Team,

    I have a friend who just bought a new HP Laptop with Windows 11 Home. We knew there's be a lot of bloatware to be expected, and it also came with Windows enabled in S Mode. None of which he wanted.

    So I pulled down the Windows Multi Edition Image direct from MS this morning, and routinely went about installing it, using Rufus 4.9 to save me some steps afterwards. During the Windows install process I expected to get a choice of what version of Windows 11 to install. But the supposedly Windows Multi Edition Image I just pulled down did not give me the option to put Pro on it - It automatically installed Windows Home and missed that whole screen where you select what version you want.

    I suspect Windows detected the Home Key in Bios and skipped that screen. I'm not that hung up on getting Pro but maybe my friend is. Is there a work around or should I go looking for methods to upgrade this to Pro somehow?

    I'd really like to understand what happened here regardless in case it occurs again. Help!
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  2. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

    Oct 30, 2009
    51,512
    112,098
    450
    #2 Enthousiast, Jul 10, 2025
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2025
    This is because the Consumer ISO reads out the msdm bioa key inside the bios and autoselects the corresponding windows version.

    You can download the Business ISO or put this ei.cfg inside the "USB:\sources\" folder:
    Code:
    [Channel]
    _Default
    [VL]
    0
    
    This should give you the option to select the desired version (make sure to also use the "previous version of setup" aka legacy setup (look for it at the bottom of the setup window).
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  3. -Jim-

    -Jim- MDL Senior Member

    Aug 10, 2009
    288
    45
    10
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  4. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

    Oct 30, 2009
    51,512
    112,098
    450
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  5. -Jim-

    -Jim- MDL Senior Member

    Aug 10, 2009
    288
    45
    10
    Thanks for the prompt support.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...