I apologize if this has been covered in a thousand different topics already, but this has proven surprisingly difficult to find information on. Even in this forum, I'm not really sure what search terms to use to find what I'm looking for. Reinstalling is not an issue for me, but my friend is not so tech-savvy. I wanted to use one of my (legit) Enterprise keys on their computer so I could enable some QoL features for them. What I discovered is that OEM versions of Windows can't be upgraded by normal means, even with the diagnostic keys. They try to force you to purchase the Professional upgrade in the Windows Store for $100. Is there a way to get a Retail key working on this OEM installation, while disrupting as few things as possible?
I'm not sure if that upgrade path is supported but you could try changing the key to the generic Enterprise key while the PC is not connected to the internet. If that doesn't work, then use @s1ave77 's License Switcher to switch the license to Enterprise OEMRET and then activate it using your retail key.
If you have a legit key, it does allow you to go straight to enterprise. The issue is that you have to be up to date prior to. My laptop reinstalls Home OEM by default, I update to 1809 using the update assistant, then use the key in the Activation page of Settings.
Yep, here i posted it: https://forums.mydigitallife.net/th...rrent-rs_prerelease.78838/page-3#post-1497932
Not sure how/why but now have Enterprise permanently activated. I thought it was good until 2029 however slmgr -xpr shows permanent activation Retail key -8HV2C. I read this somewhere before @MDL but not sure cause. Should be problem free on reinstalls Not to be able to do this again ?
Upgrading from Home to Enterprise will give you the real deal? I remember back in the days of Pro to Pro for Workstations was just a license switch but Home to Pro for WS was also the real deal. Same applies here?