Question Windows activation and install help

[Mp24]

I have already installed windows 10 home on my pc with a boot drive but a family friend has given me a new boot drive with an activation key. What happens if i use this new boot drive to install windows 10 pro and activate it? Would i lose my current data?

 

[punkncat]

Well, it's according to what you mean by "boot drive" and how/where your data is stored.

For instance. If the key is legit, you can actually use it to "upgrade" your current OS with no changes aside from features.
He may have given you another hard drive with the OS installed and the key for it.
You could be talking about a USB key with the installer and the key.

If you choose to change the hard drive/SSD to a new one, save your info elsewhere to be able to restore.
If you are doing a new install then save your info elsewhere.

 

[Mp24]

He gave me a usb key that i assume is legit as the ssd he gave me was brand new with nothing on it.

 

[aquielisunari]

I have already installed windows 10 home on my pc with a boot drive but a family friend has given me a new boot drive with an activation key. What happens if i use this new boot drive to install windows 10 pro and activate it? Would i lose my current data?

Why install another version? I mean what does it help? What is lacking in Home that Pro has? https://www.pcworld.com/article/2952408/windows/who-needs-windows-10-pro-5-reasons-to-upgrade.html

Your license to use the OS is linked to your Microsoft Account(most likely! https://m.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account is it really?) That is in turn linked to your motherboard. Installing a "new" version of 10 will deactivate your current license so I am not seeing what is gained by installing this new version which may be old enough to have missed some security updates.

If your current OS isn't broke I wouldn't use that pro version.