Steps to Upgrade From Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional

With the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft introduced the "Anytime Upgrade," which allows you to easily upgrade to a different version of Vista. The Vista Anytime Upgrade required a new product key and an Anytime Upgrade DVD to perform the upgrade. The Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade no longer requires an upgrade DVD. All features of Windows 7 are included with every version of the operating system and can be unlocked with the Anytime Upgrade application.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and type "windows anytime upgrade" in the text field at the bottom of the Start menu. Press "Enter" or click "Windows Anytime Upgrade."

2. Click "Go Online to Choose the Edition of Windows 7 That's Best For You." Click the "Buy" button under Windows 7 Professional.

3. Enter your billing information and click "Next." Enter your credit card information and click "Next." Confirm the information you have entered and click "Next."

4. Click "I Accept" to accept the Windows license terms. Click "Upgrade." When the upgrade is complete, the computer will reboot and restart Windows 7 Professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft will also email your upgrade key to you. Write down or print out the upgrade key so you can do the upgrade again if you need to reinstall Windows 7 Home Premium.

• You can buy a Windows Anytime Upgrade product key online from Microsoft or from an electronics store. If you have a key, enter the key when you launch Windows Anytime Upgrade and click "Next." The license will be validated online and the upgrade process will begin.

References

• Windows 7 Help: Upgrade to Another Edition of Windows 7 by Using Windows Anytime Upgrade
• Windows Team Blog: The Windows Anytime Upgrade Experience for Windows 7