How to Upgrade Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Pro for Workstations If you're running Windows 11 Pro and need higher performance capabilities, you may want to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for Workstations. This edition gives you access to features like ReFS, persistent memory support, and faster file transfers, all without reinstalling Windows. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne’s IT Video Hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. 5 Ways to Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for Workstations Before we jump into the methods, make sure the following prerequisites are in place: You already have Windows 11 Pro installed, You have a valid Windows 11 Pro for Workstations product key, You’re logged in with administrator privileges, A stable internet connection is recommended for activation With that covered, let’s get into the upgrade methods. Method 1: Upgrade Through Settings This is the simplest and most user-friendly method, perfect when you’re managing just one machine. Follow these steps: Open Settings using Win + I Go to System > Activation Select Change product key Enter your 25-character Windows 11 Pro for Workstations product key Click Next, then Activate. Restart the device if prompted. Method 2: Upgrade Using Command Prompt This script-friendly method integrates well with automated provisioning tools. It's ideal for IT admins who either prefer scripting or need to integrate upgrades into a workflow. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Enter the following command to install the new product key: Restart when prompted. After reboot, run: slmgr /ato Method 3: Upgrade Using PowerShell If your environment relies heavily on Intune, SCCM, or MDT, PowerShell keeps things consistent within your automation stack. You’ll run the same key installation and activation commands as in Command Prompt. Again, here are the steps: Press Win + S and search for PowerShell. Open it as an administrator, then use this command: Then, run slmgr /ato to complete the method. Method 4: Preconfigure Using the Registry This one is mainly for IT pros managing imaging or pre-deployment scenarios. You can set the EditionID to ProfessionalWorkstation and ProductName to Windows 11 Pro for Workstations in the registry to prepare the device, but it doesn’t upgrade the system on its own. You still need to apply the product key using DISM afterward. The workflow looks like this: Open Registry Editor and navigate to: Modify the following values: EditionID – ProfessionalWorkstation ProductName – Windows 11 Pro for Workstations Then apply the key and complete the edition change with: Again, be sure to back up the registry before making changes. Method 5: Upgrade Using Group Policy Group Policy can’t directly change Windows editions, but it can support the process. It is typically used in combination with the Command Prompt or PowerShell method. To start, open the Run dialog box with Win + R. Then, type gpedit.msc and click Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor. Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business. Enable Select the target Feature Update version to lock the build version. Lastly, apply registry or scripted methods (a.k.a. Command Prompt or PowerShell) for the edition change. Upgrading Windows 11 Pro to Pro for Workstations is straightforward, as long as you have the right key and choose the method that fits your environment. For more information, check out our official blog post on how to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, linked in the description below.